Do you want to start a clothing business by buying a franchise? If YES, here are 21 best clothing brand franchise opportunities for sale and their cost. Clothing is an essential need for every human being, and it is needed not just to give protection from the elements, but to beautify the body.
The fact that people cannot do without wearing clothes has made the clothing industry one of the most lucrative industries in the United States, and even in the world today. In the United States, an estimated 1.8 million people are employed in the fashion industry, among whom 232,000 manufacture textiles for apparel and other fashion items.
When it comes to the clothing industry, there are brands that produce the clothes while there are companies that specialize in retailing. In this sector, there are an increasing number of franchise opportunities that offer up trendy brands and designer labels at more affordable prices than standard retailers.
These clothing brands have sought, found and established their place in the United Stated fashion industry and some of these brands offer franchise. Here are a couple of clothing brands that offer franchise in the United States.
21 Best Clothing Brands Franchise Opportunities for Sale and Their Cost
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fab’rik
Dana Spinola opened the first fab’rik store in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002. She began franchising the women’s clothing boutique concept in 2006. The stores offer a variety of women’s clothing and accessories, including fab’rik’s own private fashion line, the White Collection. Almost every item in fab’rik stores is priced under $100.
fab’rik carries a variety of designer labels and it also has its own clothing line called the Asher Collection, which means a significant portion of the company’s inventory will be unique styles only available in fab’rik locations for an exclusive feel. The company’s free fab’rik initiative offers free shopping sprees to women in need so they can experience boutique shopping and get better clothing without worrying about prices.
Financial Requirements
- Investments: $113,700 – $190,800
- Franchise fee: $35,000
- Royalty fee: 5%
- Minimum Cash: $50,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
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Copper Penny
Copper Penny is a franchise concept that offers designer women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. It takes an upscale fashion boutique approach to its stores with an inspired mix of items by renowned designers such as Cynthia Vincent, Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Citizens of Humanity, Michael Kors, Tibi, and others.
It prides itself on the eclectic range of items from denim jeans to ball gowns. Each location presents itself as a place where women can find designer-label clothing and accessories described as cosmopolitan, sophisticated, feminine, and on-trend from a somewhat southern point of view.
Founded by Penny Vaigneur in 1987 in Charleston, South Carolina, and franchising since 2013, the number of locations currently stands at 12, of which six are company-owned.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $189,850 – $414,900
- Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 3-5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
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Kid to Kid
Shauna Sloan dragged her husband Brent into an upscale children’s resale store in 1992. As an attorney and shopping center executive, Brent was surprised by the second-hand store’s chic clientele. Convinced that no operator had fully maximized the potential of the resale concept, the Sloans set out to create a children’s resale format, traveling cross-country to visit stores and talk with customers, managers and owners.
Later that same year, the Sloans opened their first store in Sandy, Utah. They opened a second store within the year, with the first franchise location opening in 1994.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $301,763 – $484,763
- Net-worth Requirement – $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 0.5%
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Big Frog
Big Frog is a High-Tech, Light Manufacturing Retail Garment Decorating Boutique with World-Class Customer Service. Their vision is to have 300 retail locations thoughout the continental United States by 2022. A Big Frog Custom T-Shirts Franchise offers you the opportunity to control your life and achieve your goals for the future.
They are a light manufacturing retail business based on new technology that can create custom designed t-shirts for anyone and everyone. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts Inc. has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment and inventory.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $114,501 – $244,800
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $50,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $13,500 – $39,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1.5%
- Veteran Incentives – 20% off franchise fee
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Winnie Couture
Winnie Couture is a high end attire brand with a modern mix of classic elegant and sophisticated couture. It blends femininity and luxury to create bridal attire silhouettes that are flattering and timeless. Based in Beverly Hills, California, Winnie Couture is a high end attire brand with a modern mix of classic elegant and sophisticated couture.
Winnie Couture is founded by Winnie Chlomin and Chris Lee, a wife and husband team in 2001. Their passion and devotion to the bridal industry have gained them continuous success.
After just a few short seasons, Winnie’s incredible sense of style and Chris’ business and entrepreneurship skills have positioned the Winnie brands as one of the fastest growing, most-in-demand bridal collections across the country and overseas in places like Europe and Asia.
In fact, in just less than five years, the brands have become available in over 150 stores. The company is progressively developing a range of distinctive luxury attires consistent with the brand’s values and it is internationally regarded as a prestigious leader in the bridal industry.
Featured in prominent high-fashion publications such as InStyle, Brides, Modern Brides, The Knot, Modern Luxury, People, etc… plus numerous appearances on National TV shows and Hollywood films, Winnie’s designs quickly became known for their immaculate craftwork and impeccable fit.
Winnie’s profoundly feminine gowns have become favorites amongst industry insiders, celebrities and fashionistas alike, as seen on Kelly Clarkson, Lea Michele, Giuliana Rancic, Masiela Lusha, Helen Hunt and many more.
Financial Requirements
- Liquid capital required – $150,000
- Net worth required – $300,000
- Investment – $299,000 – $550,000
- Franchise fee – $60,000
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Children’s Orchard
Children’s Orchard was purchased by NTY Franchise Company in 2014. There are over 35 stores nationwide. As a children’s resale store, it addresses an important need as kids outgrow their clothes faster than they can make a dent in wearing them out. This makes this store a growing necessity that will draw customers in.
Children’s Orchard focuses on the purchasing and reselling of used children’s clothes, toys and other necessities, selling them for 50% to 80% less than average retail costs. With gently-used, high-quality apparel, toys, and equipment, Children’s Orchard is a great concept, a great need, and is a great opportunity for business owners in their community.
Financial Requirements
- Liquid capital required – $40,000
- Net worth required – $225,000
- Investment – $115,600 – $197,000
- Franchise fee – $25,000
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Pro Image Sports
Pro Image Sports sells authentic, fashionable, licensed professional and collegiate sports apparel and novelty items. Sports covered by this chain include pro leagues such as the NFL (football), NBA (basketball), MLB (baseball), and NHL (hockey), along with NCAA (collegiate) sports teams.
Each location has the flexibility to tailor the products offered to meet the demands of its local or regional market, since there is a strong geographic factor among sports fans who tend to be more interested in teams near them.
Pro Image Sports ranks #266 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Brothers Chad and Kevin Olsen opened the first Pro Image store in Salt Lake City in 1985, and began franchising the concept a year later. Pro Image Sports stores sell licensed professional and collegiate sports apparel, hats and novelty items.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $155,500 – $536,700
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
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Mainstream Boutique
Mainstream Boutique got a big boost when its founder, Marie DeNicola, was invited to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show to talk about her transition from the corporate world of the Los Angeles garment district to being in business for herself as a direct-sales company offering apparel and accessories to busy adult women.
In addition to offering a selection of unique products, there is a priority focus on excellence in customer service where they help women make good fashion choices.
Mainstream Boutique was founded in 1991 by Marie DeNicola. After her husband’s job took her family to Minnesota, she started a direct-sales company selling apparel and accessories. By 1998, Mainstream Boutique had evolved into a franchised retail concept.
Mainstream Boutique has franchise store locations, participates in home shows and has unique booths throughout the country at different locations. The locations feature shopping tips and deals on their local social media pages, making it the epitome of a homey, small “boutique.”
Financial Requirements
- Liquid capital required – $50,000
- Net worth required – $150,000
- Investment – $46,850 – $158,600
- Franchise fee – $25,000
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Hometown Threads
Hometown Threads Stores are your personal embroidery, design studio where you can create personalized and unique apparel or home decor customized with a favorite image, name, date or monogram. With only the finest, quality merchandise, quick turnaround time and great selection, your purchase is always bound to be a big hit.
Personalization has a universal appeal and the applications are unlimited. At Hometown Threads, small business owners can create uniforms and apparel revealing their logo for corporate identity and marketing purposes. Schools use their embroidery and screenprinting services to personalize items like letterman jackets, sports equipment bags, knapsacks, cheerleading outfits and uniforms.
Community special events such as fishing tournaments, team sports competitions, trade shows and conventions can always use customized merchandise for souvenirs or promotional incentives.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $165,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $29,000
- Royalty Fee: 6%
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Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate is a young adult resale company that buys and sells brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. The target market is teens and young adults, while the difference from competitors lies in its more upscale approach and chic vibe while still offering gently-used high-demand brands.
Rather than a consignment model, its approach to buying is to make reasonable cash offers for items in good condition from in-demand brands. The company also has a strong philanthropic commitment and raises funds to build schools in developing nations through the charity buildOn.
The company, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, started in 2008 and began franchising the same year.The number of locations currently stands at 67, of which two are company-owned and all are located in the U.S.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $302,763 – $387,763
- Net-worth Requirement – $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 0.5%
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Klein Epstein & Parker
Klein Epstein & Parker is a modern fashion retail business that is built on the foundation of allowing individuals the opportunity to follow their hearts and create a one-of-a-kind custom wardrobe that matches how they feel inside. K.E.P.’s founders were vested in creating a brand new custom clothing concept, with a state of the art Made-to-Measure experience, based solely around the desire to give others their own personal voice.
K.E.P. is built around a community of like-minded individuals as a means to spread the word and to help build a society based around confidence, self-worth, and personal growth.
Klein Epstein & Parker is a recognized regional innovator in the fashion apparel and suiting marketplaces throughout the Western United States. The company has established locations in key markets throughout California to initiate a movement within this niche fashion segment.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $135,617 – $241,467
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $40,000 – $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
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Style Encore
Style Encore was designed by women for women as a place where women can both buy and sell brand-name gently used women’s casual and business clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. The target market is fashion-conscious, spending-savvy adult women.
As the company website puts it: “Whether you’re smart, savvy, sensible or sassy, a friend, mom, boss or teacher, Style Encore has fashion that fits your life.” Its buying strategy is to offer cash on-the-spot rather than a consignment model, with a focus on current styles that have been in malls within the past year or two.
Style Encore is the newest brand in the Winmark family joining award winning brands – Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports and Music Go Round in the growing resale retail industry. Style Encore is the solution for the fashion needs of women in their late 20s to mid- 50s and is the big sister to Plato’s Closet and a welcome resource for the Once Upon A Child moms.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $264,200 – $398,400
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
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Apricot Lane
Apricot Lane Boutique has evolved into a “unique boutique” shopping experience for women looking to find the latest fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories, and gifts in a range of the most sought-after styles. Each location also has its own eCommerce site for online shopping, and both store and website are designed to capture the look and vibe of the local community.
The company also prides itself on offering its fashion-forward must-have looks at affordable prices. Every location is also unique in terms of the items offered, which are hand-picked by the company’s stylists and buyers. In addition, each style is offered on a limited-run basis to ensure customers won’t see everyone else wearing the same thing.
Apricot Lane is franchised by Country Visions, a company started by Ken Petersen, Tom Brady and Scott Jacobs. The partners are also behind Country Clutter, a gift and collectibles store founded in 1991. As they began adding fashion accessories to their merchandise, Apricot Lane evolved.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $136,050 – $333,300
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $80,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $34,500 – $34,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
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Smallprint
Smallprint is a unique franchise concept that offers personalized silver keepsakes. Maija Pykett was the originator of the concept of “fingerprint jewelry” back in 2004 consisting of silver keepsakes that capture a loved one’s fingerprint in silver forever.
The range of products that can be personalized in this way includes bracelets, necklaces/charms, cufflinks, and keyrings. It also sells its Magic Inkless Print Kit that allows parents to capture handprints and footprints of a baby or child in an easy, safe, and mess-free way. Smallprint can also personalize its jewelry with children’s drawings and handwritten text.
Founded in 2004 and franchising since 2005, the number of locations stood at 136 in 2017, of which 128 were located outside the U.S.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $16,900 – $30,800
- Initial Franchise Fee – $8,000 – $18,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 10%
- Veteran Incentives – 29% off standard-territory franchise fee
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Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet offers brand-name gently used clothing and places equal emphasis on drawing customers in to shop for clothing as well as to sell their own gently-used items. The company’s buying strategy is to focus solely on current fashions in great condition for teens and young adults so customers feel like they’re getting new clothes but for a lot less than the original retail price. No appointment is needed for selling items at this company, and you can also sell accessories and footwear.
Part of the Winmark family of brands that includes such franchises as Music Go Round, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore, and Play It Again Sports, Plato’s Closet was founded in 1998 and has been franchising since 1999. Their stores fill a distinct niche in the retail marketplace.
They are the only national resale business that specializes in the teen and twenty something market group. The wish list for trendy, brand-name apparel and the availability of it in virtually every teen’s closet presents fantastic opportunities for both franchise owners and customers alike.
Financial Requirements
- Liquid capital required – $53,000
- Net worth required – $200,000
- Investment – $176,600 – $328,900
- Franchise fee – $20,000
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Palmetto Twist
Palmetto Twist is a women-centric specialty retail boutique dedicated to serving customers who love monogramming and personalized apparel, accessories, and gifts. They offer unmatched support, training and passion in an exciting and creative industry.
Palmetto Twist offers its franchisees relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover franchise fee, startup costs, equipment and inventory.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $132,000 – $241,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $40,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 8%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
- Veteran Incentives – 15% off franchise fee
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BareBones WorkWear®
BareBones WorkWear® is the superior provider of useful work and outdoor apparel, footwear & accessories. BareBones WorkWear® is a retro concept packaged in an innovative franchise operation. At BareBones WorkWear®, they nurture a genuine love of humanity that inspires them to work as a team and treat each other as equals.
If you are serious, genuine, and in search of a truly rewarding experience, they invite you to take action and be your own boss. They are active members of IFA, VetFran, IFPG,& FBA.
BareBones WorkWear® was founded 18 years ago by entrepreneur Stuart Nelson in his garage. Inspired by recycling used coveralls, Stu started peddling them to auto parts and hardware stores in the Sacramento area from his car. His customer base grew and wanted more work and safety products.
Stu’s father was one of the first owners of the first franchise in America – a Western Auto Associates Store in Delaware. His mother was a licensed owner of her own Hallmark Card store.
Stu and his partner, Mason Moore, saw a clear path to launch their first retail store, adding more stores and then offering franchise opportunities for other entrepreneurs to provide workers with quality brands at pre-discounted prices, and employers with resources to meet the growing job market and enhance their marketing strategies with embroidered logos on uniforms, hats, shirts and more.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $345,000 – $393,800
- Net-worth Requirement – $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $120,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
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Flip Flop Shops LLC
Sarah Towne and Todd Giatrelis were inspired to open the first Flip Flop Shops store in Boston after Towne struggled to find a pair of comfortable shoes while attending a convention in Las Vegas and wondered why there wasn’t store that sold only flip flops.
After opening a number of company-owned stores, they teamed with Brian Curin, Darin Kraetsch and Alan Woods, Veterans of the franchise industry who had previously worked with brands like Cold Stone Creamery and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Franchising began in 2007.
Flip Flop Shops LLC has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $210,800 – $340,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $100,000 – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
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Mode
Mode is yet another clothing brand that offers franchise in the United States. The company offers in-house financing to cover just investory inventory
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $178,000 – $309,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Veteran Incentives
- 10% off franchise fee
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Eden Lifestyle
Eden Lifestyle Boutique is a women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, and gifts store that is founded in the United States. The company was founded in 2017 and it started franchising in 2019. The company has her corporate head office at 3245 W. Main St., #215, Frisco, TX 75034, and the current CEO of the company is Bobby Herbold.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $107,090 – $254,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $19,000 – $19,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 0.5%
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Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor buys and sells used women’s second-hand designer clothing described as “like-new,” along with shoes and accessories. It takes a resale approach as opposed to a consignment approach, which means its buying strategy is to make on-the-spot cash (or store credit) offers for items that fit its standards and desired trends.
Additional unique services the company offers that vary by location include private shopping events for groups, such as Girl’s Night Out, and a free Personal Shopper service to help busy women with their style and fashion choices. Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2007, the number of locations has grown to 142 (a loss of five units from last year), of which just one is company-owned and all are located in the U.S.
Financial Requirements
- Liquid capital required – $121,500
- Investment – $121,500 – $268,000
- Franchise fee – $20,000