Starting your own fishing clothing brand can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Whether you’re an avid angler or an entrepreneur looking to dive into a niche market, creating your own apparel line with a private label vendor like Vapor Apparel is a strategic way to build your brand.
If you're new to the term "private label," it means your branding and tags are applied to a ready-made garment, like Vapor Apparel's blank shirts. The end result is a collection that is yours from the neck label to the hang tag, without you having to learn anything about the production side. We make it easy! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you launch your own fishing brand successfully with Vapor Apparel at your side.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Us Today!
Understanding Your Market
Before you start your own fishing brand, it’s essential to understand your target audience. Are you catering to professional anglers, weekend hobbyists, or coastal adventurers? Knowing your market will help you design apparel that appeals to your customers' specific needs and preferences.
Once you have your collection, you’ll be ready to provide shirts to people who purchase a charter, you can also sell them on your website or use for giveaways and promotions.
Pro Tip: Take plenty of photos of people wearing your shirts and fishing to help promote your brand and your fishing lifestyle. Plus, they’re a wearable keepsake for your customers.
“People like to remember a certain adventure, event, family gathering, or whatever. Every time they wear your shirt, they’ll always remember the time they had on your boat with you and their friends,” said Gustavo Serrano, Senior Brand Manager, Vapor Apparel. "And hey, don't forget about boat dogs! We also sell customizable dog bandanas so they can get in on the merch action, too."
Choosing the Right Fishing Shirts
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is selecting the right shirts for your brand, and Vapor Apparel has best-in-the-industry options. Quality and functionality are key.
For fishing apparel, you’ll want to choose shirts with UPF 50+ sun protection to shield your customers from harmful UV rays. Ours has built-in UPF 50+ that never fades and has the seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. This feature is crucial for those long days on the water. Look for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics to ensure comfort in various weather conditions.
Vapor Apparel’s Solar Fabrics are designed for outdoor wear and come in a variety of sublimation-certified colors that make it easy for you to customize.
While you may want to start out with Men’s Solar Long Sleeves or Hoodies to begin with, we do offer Women’s and Youth styles so you can appeal to all customers.
And while our shirts are the perfect sun shield for summer, they also work as a great base layer in the winter. The same technology that keeps you cool in summer, keeps you warm in winter. Check out our: Men's Fishing Shirts and Fishing Hoodies, Women's Fishing Clothing, Kids' Fishing Apparel, and more!
View All Styles in Our Catalog
Logo Placement
When it comes to branding, the placement of your logo is vital. Popular locations include the back, chest, left chest, and sleeve. Each placement serves a different purpose. For instance, a logo on the back or chest is highly visible and great for brand recognition, while a left chest logo can be more subtle and stylish. Sleeve hits are perfect for adding a unique touch without overpowering the design.
The Benefits of Dye-Sublimation
For graphic designs on your apparel, consider using dye-sublimation. This process involves printing your design into the fabric, which ensures that it won't crack, fade, or peel over time. This method is ideal for fishing apparel that needs to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and frequent washing. Learn more in our blog: FAQs about Dye Sublimation.
Exploring Cut and Sew Options: Full and Semi-Custom
Another excellent option for starting your own fishing brand is our Full Custom Cut and Sew Program. This allows you to create custom apparel from scratch, offering complete control over the fabric pattern.
With this option, the arms of your garment can be a different pattern than the body (pictured above). With cut and sew, your fishing brand can stand out with unique and high-quality products that perfectly reflect your brand's identity. Learn more on our blog: Everything You Need to Know about Custom Cut and Sew.
In a hurry? Our Semi-Custom Cut and Sew Program has a two-week lead time from customer approval of the factory mock-up.
Final Touches: Graphics, Neck Labels, and Hang Tags
Don't overlook the smaller details that contribute to your brand's overall image. Custom graphics, neck labels, and hang tags can enhance your apparel's professional appearance and brand cohesion. These elements add a personal touch and can help establish a stronger connection with your customers.
Starting your own fishing brand may seem daunting, but with the right approach and a reliable private label vendor, you can create a successful and distinctive apparel line. Focus on quality, functionality, and branding to reel in your target audience and make your mark in the fishing industry.
Let Vapor Apparel help you create your own fishing brand apparel. With 20 years of experience and an industry leader, we can help you through the process and make it easy for you to create your own line of fishing shirts.
Contact Us Today!
Want to learn more? Watch this Video about How to Start a Fishing Brand.
