How To Start A Tie Dye Business 101
We all know tie dye as the colorful design that is easy to create at home using a rubber band and different colors of dye that makes a t-shirt you’ll wear once for a photo opportunity or keep as a childhood souvenir. However, did you know that creating intricate designs can lead to a job in the tie dye business? Here’s how you can create your own business plan whether you’re selling a popular shirt for a festival or a whole get up from head to toe for private customers.
Ten Tips And Tricks To Make It In The Tie Dye Industry
1. A great business name isn’t always important to start with but can make your work stand out from the rest. My family friends Sean and Johanna* simply go by “S and J Tie Dye” after years of establishing their names in the industry.
If you want to make your name stand out in the festival world, choose something interesting that will send people to your booth. How about “Dyeing Young” or “Born to Dye?” Check Google to make sure your dream name isn’t taken and you have free right to create art and signage for any event.
2. Make sure the fabric you use is top notch for a tie dye shirt, bandanas, and anything else you sell. S and J prefer quality wholesale items from quality companies such as American Apparel rather than cheap blank tees from craft stores in bulk. This way you can sell your designs for a price that is worth both labor and materials costs.
3. Your colors and designs need to stand out from the crowd rather than look like the t-shirt you made at a child’s birthday party. S and J are known for their unique designs that remain top secret to their business but are noticeable to longtime customers. They also work privately with potential buyers with special colors and a design of the customer’s choosing.
Demonstrating moody designs such as spirals and whirlwinds, the couple creates modern masterpieces using dye, bleach, and soda ash to add intensity to the colors. Sometimes they will splatter excess dye on the original piece or add a matching accessory such as a scarf or hat to sell as a set.
4. Advertise your business idea before you launch your tie business and keep up with promotion as you continue selling clothing and accessories. You can market your tie dye line by showing off different color garments and dye color with unique shades you blend at home and ask your customers with what they would like to see next.
5. Choose the venue in which to sell your tie dye clothing. Depending on your prices for cost and labor, you may need to look for clientele with expendable cash. Try looking for craft shows at college campuses and music festivals and check in with the organizers to see if you have another tie dye business you’ll be in competition with.
6. Online selling with Facebook and/or Etsy shows that your product is one of a kind. S and J use proper SEO writeup to say their dye doesn’t bleed in the wash and doesn’t fade against the sun. Be sure these are accurate statements as not to get a handful of angry reviews!
7. Market your target audience. For instance, unique face masks have become best sellers in the past few years. These can be advertised as stocking stuffers or practical gifts! Another niche is creating practical baby and children’s clothing for birthday presents or your child’s wardrobe. If you go that way, consider sticking with the main customer (parents and relatives) and consider branching out into adult wear if your buyers express their interests.
8. Showcase your own work in public by wearing your tie dye as much as you can! I’ve never seen S or J without a tie dyed shirt or a simple scarf whether they’re working or visiting for a brief chat. As a fan and customer myself, I’ve heard “where did you get that?” from strangers referring to my tie dyed bandana. This will get references to your company and spark curiosity for those who are looking for an original style.
9. Be prepared to make or break the bank. Booth rental and space prices depend on the area and the popularity of the event, so it’s best to do your research and check out if you can afford a loss if your sales are low. Consider offering stand out accommodations to your new customers, such as discount items like pins and badges. Another great way to get the crowd moving in is to provide shelter. Think of investing in a tented booth for a show that calls for rain and mesh siding in case there are too many bugs in the summer.
10. Become the face of your brand or find a friend who will model for you. S and J maintain a bohemian appearance and personality, carefree, easy-going, and conversational about many topics, especially art. If you’re not comfortable in the limelight, you may need to reach out to a volunteer or influencer who can work for you for trade or a cut of your earnings. Social media stars are usually seeking for sponsors and can drive business to your tie dye clothing with a simple photo snapshot.
What Are Some Popular Tie Dye Pieces?
– T-shirts
T-shirts are the classic staple of tie dye wear. These garments can be found with traditional short sleeves for all shapes and sizes or special cuts such as cap sleeves and sleeveless for those who prefer a different look.
– Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are always wonderful for cold winter wear and a colorful tie dye design can make the chill feel warm. Look to lined sweatshirts with a quality fabric that won’t shrink in the process and can be washed to be worn again.
– Sweatpants
Sweatpants are generally known as loungewear, but a basic shirt and tie dye sweatpants creates a whole look! Some popular styles are joggers and leggings to dye as a set or make a creative fashion statement to mix and match.
– Long sleeve tees
A tie dye long sleeve tee can be elegant with different necklines, such as turtleneck and scoop neck. Many can even layer a long sleeve tee with a fun shirt on top or a fashionable jacket to add a splash of color.
– Bandanas
Bandanas can fix a bad hair day in no time flat! A colorful tie dye hair wrap can also be twisted with a rubber band to make a chic bracelet or tied into a scarf.
– Handkerchiefs
A tie dyed handkerchief makes an excellent addition to the pocket of your blouse or jacket. You can also use a special kerchief as a statement piece on your tableware to add mood to the room.
– Socks
Socks are the gifts that keep on giving! Tie dye socks can be mixed and matched in case you lose one of the pair and look really cool when they’re exposed above your shoes.
– Scarves
A slinky tie dye scarf is great for colder weather or simply adds a note of style to an every day outfit. Scarves can be designed in a lengthy wraparound sequence or a sleek infinity design that can be styled however the wearer seems fit.
– Baseball hats
A baseball hat is a classic accessory for many wearers. Design the cap with a mosaic of excess dye and let dry to see what beauty happens in time.
– Bucket hats
Bucket hats are great for protecting your face in the sun. The floppy style becomes even more eye catching with a colorful tie dye motif.
The Bottom Line Of The Tie Dye Business
Tie dye is a style that demonstrates freedom and creative expression. It’s always important to take your business seriously; however, this medium lets you have more fun with it! Experiment, play, and ask others their thoughts and opinions. Happy tie dying!
