DIY fashion is booming.
What used to be just for crafty hobbyists has become a mainstream obsession. People want clothing that stands out and has something special about it rather than thousands of sweatshop-produced pieces that look exactly the same.
And…
Creating awesome DIY fashion is easier than you think. With some high-quality blank apparel and inspiration, you can make cool and unique pieces that will sell.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- Why DIY fashion is becoming so popular
- Blank apparel and why it’s important
- Tips for making DIY fashion
- Mistakes to avoid when making DIY fashion
Why DIY fashion Is Becoming So Popular
Let’s look at the facts.
The custom apparel industry is booming. The market size of blank apparel was valued at $15.23 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research. By 2033, that number is expected to grow to $24.04 billion.
That growth is projected to come from custom apparel and print on demand businesses almost exclusively.
Why?
Fast fashion is homogenous. Literally millions of people around the world are wearing the exact same shirt or sweatshirt right now.
However, buyers want apparel that represents who they are. Personal style, values, and interests.
Social media has helped tremendously with DIY fashion. There are so many Instagram and TikTok influencers showing off their cool clothes and outfits that people want that for themselves.
DIY apparel fills that need and people are going crazy for it.
Blank Apparel and Why It’s Important
This is where it gets exciting…
Any piece of DIY fashion starts with blank apparel. Whether that’s a plain t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, tank top, or hoodie jacket.
The majority of apparel creators start with quality blank apparel they can turn into whatever they want.
Securing dependable bulk apparel suppliers is the first step towards making professional-grade custom pieces. After all, if you start with a crappy t-shirt that puckers when washed your design will look bad.
Why is custom blank apparel ideal for DIY fashion?
- Blank apparel accepts nearly every type of customization. Screen printing, embroidery, heat transfers. You name it.
- Buying wholesale and in bulk is much cheaper. So you can experiment and have tons of fun without breaking the bank.
- Quality blanks are consistent. That means your apparel will look the same every time and wash after wash.
No surprise that t-shirts and tank tops comprise almost half (48% to be exact) of blank apparel sales. But hoodies and sweatshirts are quickly growing in popularity thanks to trendy streetwear styles.
Tips for Making DIY Fashion
Want to learn how to make DIY clothing?
Great! You don’t need fancy equipment to start. But there are some tips you should know that will help take your pieces from homemade to professional quality.
Pick the Right Blank
All blank apparel is not created equal.
The weight, material, and build quality matter. Cotton t-shirts are favored for their softness and printability. But blends can offer more durability.
Things to consider when picking blanks:
- Fabric weight. How thick is the material? This is typically measured in ounces per “yard” although these shirts are typically measured in square feet.
- Pre-shrunk? If not do you need to wash and shrink the material yourself first.
- Double stitching on collars and seams? This prevents early tearing.
- Color? White is best for dyeing but you can certainly start with colored blanks.
Figure Out Your Customization Technique
There are many techniques to customize clothing.
For example:
Screen printing is best for large, graphic style prints with one or two colors. The end result looks great and can last years without fading.
Heat transfer vinyl is great for beginners. You can get professional-looking text and simple graphics with minimal equipment.
Direct-to-garment printing works best for photographic quality prints with unlimited colors. The technology has never been better.
Dying and tie-dye is always a favorite. No two finished products will look alike.
Embroidery is perfect for logos or words. It creates texture and adds perceived value to any garment.
Let the design determine the method. If you have a complex, photo-style image trying to screen print it will yield poor results.
Start Small and Scale Up
Many DIY fashion newbies make this mistake…
Trying to do too much too soon. If you jump right into making a huge batch of DIY clothing you run the risk of wasting materials if you haven’t quite perfected the technique.
Learn the process with a small batch. Once you know what you’re doing then start making larger quantities.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making DIY Fashion
I see DIY fashion experts make these mistakes too…
Skipping on blank quality.
I see designers try to cut corners by purchasing the cheapest blank apparel they can find. But after one wash the material puckers, stretches, or loses its shape.
You may save a few bucks now but your customers will let you know they aren’t happy with their purchase.
Instead, don’t be afraid to spend more on quality wholesale blank apparel. Not only will they look and fit better they’ll handle the customization process better.
Using the wrong washing method on your fabric.
Heat transfers don’t handle high heat. Some dye colors will bleed if washed too often or improperly.
Always run a test batch with the full washing process included to make sure everything works.
Going overboard on design.
Sometimes less is more when it comes to DIY fashion. Simple cleanly printed graphics tend to outperform intricate, busy designs.
Give your designs some breathing room and let them pop.
Not accounting for size variations.
Just because a medium fits you well in one brand of blank apparel doesn’t mean they are all the same.
Make sure you order at least one of each size you carry. Sizing issues are the number one complaint for online apparel companies because you can’t try things on beforehand.
Final Thoughts
DIY fashion is here to stay.
The custom-made clothes market size is expected to grow 10.9% annually through 2035. The desire for one-of-a-kind and personalized apparel is not going away.
You can easily start making DIY fashion with the right resources. Bulk blank apparel is easy to find. Customization techniques and tools are cheaper and more accessible than ever.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
DIY fashion wins:
- Select high-quality blanks to start
- Choose a customization technique that aligns with your design.
- Start by making a small batch of items and then scale up.
Avoid the mistakes mentioned above and you’ll be on your way to selling tons of DIY fashion.
