Ever wondered if you could launch your own men’s underwear brand without any experience? You actually can. The men’s underwear market continues to grow every year. In 2022, the global total reached $37.11 billion. Experts expect it to hit $56.68 billion by 2030.
Another report says the market could climb to $66.18 billion by 2033. You don’t need a fashion degree or a big budget to get started. If you’re searching for how to start a men’s underwear business, you just need the right steps and a bit of inspiration.
Key Takeaways
Identify your niche in the men’s underwear market. Focus on specific customer needs to stand out.
Conduct thorough market research to understand consumer preferences and trends. This knowledge helps shape your product offerings.
Analyze competitors to learn from their strengths and weaknesses. Use this insight to differentiate your brand.
Create a strong brand identity that reflects your values and connects with your target audience. Consistency builds trust.
Collect customer feedback regularly to improve your products. Listening to your audience helps you meet their needs.
How to Start a Men’s Underwear Business?
Starting your own underwear company might sound intimidating, but you can break it down into simple steps. You don’t need years of experience or a huge budget. You just need a clear plan and the right approach. Let’s walk through how to start a men’s underwear business, even if you’re new to the industry.
Identify Your Niche
The first step in your plan is to find your niche. The men’s underwear market is huge, but you don’t want to compete with every brand out there. You need to focus on a specific target market. Ask yourself: Who do you want to serve? What problems can you solve for them?
Here are some profitable niches you can explore:
Premium segments that focus on luxury and comfort, like Ralph Lauren.
Value-driven segments for budget-conscious shoppers, similar to J.C. Penney.
Innovative designs that attract younger buyers, such as American Eagle Outfitters.
Inclusive options, including adaptive underwear for diverse body types.
Subscription-based services that offer convenience and build brand loyalty.
You’ll notice that 68% of male shoppers want better-fitting underwear for all body types. Gen Z buyers also prefer gender-neutral products, showing a shift toward inclusivity.
When you start an underwear business, you can target these groups by creating customer personas. Think about their age, lifestyle, and what they value most.
Demographic trends also shape your niche. Many men want multifunctional and quick-drying underwear. Athleisure is popular, so breathable and flexible styles sell well. Younger buyers love printed designs and patterns.
Technical fabrics that boost comfort and performance are in demand. Your plan should include these trends to help you stand out in the underwear market.
Research the Market for Men’s Underwear
Once you know your niche, you need to understand the market for men’s underwear. Market research helps you learn what customers want and how you can meet their needs. You don’t have to be an expert to do this. You just need to use the right methods.
Here’s a quick look at effective market research techniques:
Methodology Type | Description |
|---|---|
Data Collection Techniques | Gather information from large samples and multiple sources. |
Segmentation Analysis | Study different consumer groups to tailor your plan. |
Consumer Preferences Understanding | Find out what buyers value most in men’s underwear. |
Data Triangulation | Use several sources and expert opinions for accuracy. |
Market Share Analysis | See which brands lead the market for men’s underwear. |
Trend Analysis | Spot key trends that shape buying habits and market dynamics. |
You can also look at consumer preferences and buying behaviors. Here’s a table that shows what matters most to buyers:
Consumer Preference/Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
Fun Options | Men want more fun and variety in underwear. |
Young Men’s Influence | Young men drive demand for fun styles. |
Brand Loyalty | Most buyers stick with brands they trust. |
DTC Brand Resonance | Direct-to-consumer brands appeal to young men. |
Interest in Elevated Options | Many want premium and stylish choices. |
Convenience in Retail | Buyers like easy shopping experiences. |
Comfort and Fit | Comfort and fit are top priorities. |
Durability | Men need underwear that lasts. |
Fun vs. Function | Fun attracts attention, but function drives sales. |
Younger Consumers’ Priorities | Young buyers want fun and are open to new brands. |
When you start an underwear business, you should use market research to build your business plan. This helps you create products that match your target market’s needs. Friendtex, for example, built its reputation by focusing on quality and comfort. They use high-quality materials and modern designs, which set them apart in the men’s underwear market.
Analyze Competitors
You can’t ignore your competition. Analyzing other brands helps you see what works and what doesn’t. You can learn from their strengths and find ways to improve your own plan.
Here’s a table of leading competitors and what makes them unique:
Competitor | Unique Selling Points |
|---|---|
Calvin Klein | Strong brand image and premium quality |
Hanes | Affordable pricing and wide distribution |
Fruit of the Loom | Comfort and classic designs |
Jockey | Variety of styles and sizes |
2(X)IST | Fashion-forward designs |
Andrew Christian | Trendy and provocative styles |
Tommy John | Innovative comfort technology |
Mack Weldon | Focus on performance and comfort |
MeUndies | Subscription model and fun designs |
Bjorn Borg | Stylish and sporty options |
Ermenegildo Zegna | Luxury and high-end materials |
Sunspel | Classic British style and quality |
Zimmerli | Swiss craftsmanship and luxury |
Aussiebum | Bold and colorful designs |
Bonds | Australian comfort and quality |
Triumph International | Focus on fit for both men and women |
Gildan | Value for money and essentials |
Schiesser | Heritage brand with a focus on quality |
You can use this information to shape your own business plan. Look at what these brands offer and think about how you can do things differently. Maybe you want to focus on sustainability, like Friendtex, or offer custom designs. Your plan should highlight what makes your underwear company special.
Understand Costs, Legal Setup, and Market Testing
Before you launch, you need to know the cost to start an underwear line. Here’s a quick list of typical startup expenses:
Branding services: $1,000 to $15,000
Marketing costs: 20–30% of first-year revenue, about $10,000 to $100,000
E-commerce setup: $5,000 to $50,000
Customer acquisition and retention: $5,000 to $15,000 per year
Initial investment: $10,000 to $50,000 for a small brand
Design services: $2,000 to $10,000
Prototyping: $500 to $2,000 per style
Manufacturing: $2,500 to $15,000 for your first collection
You also need to set up your business legally. Here’s a table of common business types:
Business Type | Description |
|---|---|
LLC | Report income and expenses on your personal tax return. |
S Corp | Pay yourself a salary and get dividends from profits. |
C Corp | File a corporate tax return; owners pay taxes on their share. |
Testing your products in the market for men’s underwear is key. You can start with a small batch and get feedback from your target market. This helps you refine your plan and make improvements before you scale up.
Tip: Partner with a reputable manufacturer like Friendtex. Their commitment to quality and comfort can help you launch a successful men’s underwear line. They offer a one-stop solution, from design to production, so you can focus on building your brand.
If you follow these steps, you’ll know how to start a men’s underwear business with confidence. You’ll have a clear plan, understand your costs, and know how to reach your target market. The next step is to build your brand and product line.
Build Your Brand and Product Line
Create Your Brand Identity
You want your men’s underwear brand to stand out. Start by building a strong brand identity. Think about what makes your business unique. Friendtex, for example, focuses on quality, innovation, and sustainability. You can use these values as inspiration for your own brand.
Check out this table to see the essential elements of a strong brand identity:
Essential Element | Description |
|---|---|
Core Values | What your brand stands for and what sets you apart. |
Target Audience Understanding | Know your customers and what they want. |
Visual Style | Create logos, colors, and fonts that match your brand vibe. |
Consistent Messaging | Keep your message the same everywhere so people trust you. |
Emotional Connection | Tell stories that make people feel connected to your brand. |
Successful men’s underwear brands often use storytelling to connect with customers.
“We really wanted to focus on the functionality of the underwear. So yes, it’s very competitive. But we like to create our own space in that competition. So what we did was we focused on functionality, and we focused on simplicity. And if you look at the way our underwear is constructed, it’s very simple, right? It gives you that design where it separates your package from your thighs, it keeps everything nice and supported.”
Design Men’s Underwear Products
Designing men’s underwear is where you get creative. You can look at the latest trends to guide your choices. Many brands now use fitted cuts, breathable fabrics, and eco-friendly materials.
Minimalist styles and ergonomic pouches are popular. Friendtex offers a wide range of options, including seamless, spandex, pouch, silk, and cheeky underwear. You can customize colors, patterns, and even add your logo.
Here are some trends to consider:
Comfort-focused designs like tight-fitting boxers and low-rise briefs.
Innovative materials such as microfiber and bamboo.
Simple, modern looks with clean lines.
Ergonomic pouches for extra support.
Prototyping is an important step. You might face challenges like getting the pattern right or choosing the best fabric. Use this table to see common problems and solutions:
Challenge | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Pattern Accuracy | Bad fit and wasted materials | Use digital pattern tools and review before cutting |
Material Behavior | Fabric acts differently than expected | Test small samples before making a full prototype |
Communication Gaps | Designers and makers misunderstand each other | Make clear tech packs and check in often |
Cost Management | Prototyping gets expensive | Use cheaper materials for early samples |
Kickstarting Your Men’s Underwear Line
You don’t have to launch with custom designs right away. Try testing the market with existing men’s underwear products first. Friendtex’s collections let you start with proven styles and materials.
You can gather feedback from customers and see what works best. Once you know what your audience likes, you can create custom designs that fit your brand.
Tip: Survey your target market. Over 70% of men prefer boxer briefs and black colors. Keep your first collection simple and focused.
Kickstarting your men’s underwear line is all about learning what your customers want and building from there. Start small, listen to feedback, and grow your brand with confidence.
Start an Underwear Business Online
Set Up Your Store
Ready to take your men’s underwear brand online? Setting up your store is easier than you think. Start by choosing an e-commerce platform that fits your needs. Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are popular options.
These platforms let you build a store without coding skills. You can upload product photos, write descriptions, and set prices in just a few clicks.
A successful men’s underwear e-commerce store needs more than just products. You want to create a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back. Here’s a quick table of features you should include:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Product Variety | Offer boxers, briefs, trunks, and boxer briefs. Boxer briefs are especially popular. |
Fabric Options | Use cotton, synthetic fibers, and eco-friendly materials like bamboo to attract more buyers. |
Fashion Consciousness | Show off trendy and well-designed underwear to appeal to style-focused shoppers. |
E-Commerce Growth | Make shopping easy and convenient to match today’s buying habits. |
Take a look at Friendtex’s website for inspiration. Their site shows off their men’s underwear collection with clear photos, detailed descriptions, and easy navigation. This kind of professional online presence builds trust and helps you stand out in the e-commerce world.
Launch Marketing Strategies
Once your store is live, you need a strong marketing strategy to reach your audience. Start by showing how your products solve real problems. Maybe your underwear uses breathable fabrics or offers extra support. Highlight these benefits in your ads and product pages.
Here are some proven digital marketing strategies for new brands:
Show product benefits that matter to your customers.
Use comparisons to show why your underwear is better than others.
Share your brand’s commitment to things like sustainability.
Collect and display customer testimonials to build trust.
Social media is your best friend for building an online presence. Work with influencers who can show off your products in real life. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok act as virtual runways, helping you reach more people.
When influencers share your values, their followers are more likely to trust your brand and buy from your e-commerce store.
Tip: Stay active online. Respond to comments, share behind-the-scenes content, and keep your audience engaged. A strong online presence can turn visitors into loyal customers.
Manufacturing and Legal Essentials
Choose a Manufacturer
Finding the right manufacturer can make or break your men’s underwear brand. You want a partner who understands your vision and delivers consistent quality. Friendtex is a great example of a one-stop solution.
They offer expertise, advanced technology, and a skilled workforce. Their certifications, like OEKO-TEX and ISO 9001, show a commitment to safety and quality.
Here’s a table to help you evaluate manufacturers:
Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
Cost-effectiveness | Keeps prices competitive without sacrificing quality. |
Skilled Workforce | Ensures high production standards. |
Trade Agreements and Partnerships | Makes global shipping easier. |
Expertise in Underwear Production | Bring years of experience to your brand. |
Quality Control Processes | Maintains product consistency and excellence. |
Ethical and Sustainable Practices | Supports fair labor and eco-friendly methods. |
Production Capacity | Scales with your business growth. |
Certifications matter. Look for OEKO-TEX, ISO 9001, BSCI, and GOTS. These show your products are safe, ethically made, and sustainable. Friendtex holds many of these, so you know you’re in good hands.
Register Your Business
You need to set up your business the right way. Start by creating a business plan. This helps you map out your goals and financial needs. Next, register your business name and choose a structure, like LLC or S Corp. Get your tax ID and research any licenses or permits you need.
Here are common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Legal Pitfall | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
Failing to Choose the Right Business Structure | Talk to a legal expert or accountant. |
Overlooking Intellectual Property Protections | Register your trademarks and copyrights. |
Neglecting Written Contracts | Always use written agreements. |
Ignoring Employment Laws | Learn about labor laws in your area. |
Underestimating Tax Obligations | Keep detailed records and work with a tax professional. |
Not Complying with Licensing and Permit Requirements | Check local requirements for licenses and permits. |
Overlooking Data Privacy Regulations | Protect customer data and follow privacy laws. |
Quality control is key for men’s underwear. Choose reliable suppliers, inspect fabrics, and test samples before full production. Train your team and check products at every stage.
Sustainable practices boost your reputation and attract loyal customers. The market for eco-friendly underwear keeps growing, so going green can help your brand stand out.
Tip: Partner with manufacturers like Friendtex, who value quality and sustainability. This helps you build trust and grow your business.
Grow and Improve Your Business
Collect Feedback
You want your men’s underwear brand to keep getting better. Listening to your customers helps you do that. When you collect feedback, you learn what people love and what needs work. You can use many methods to gather and analyze feedback. Here’s a table that shows some of the best ways:
Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
Track Mentions | Collect and centralize feedback |
Track Reviews | Collect and centralize feedback |
Scrape Customer Feedback | Gather insights from various sources |
Aspect-based Sentiment | Analyze how people feel about specific features |
Topic & Theme Detection | Spot common themes in customer comments |
Open-ended Survey Analysis | Dig into free-text responses for deeper insights |
Chat and Call Center Analysis | Understand customer sentiment from conversations |
You can use these tools to find out what matters most. Leading brands look at material quality, fit, comfort, durability, and value for money. They also pay attention to real-world reviews from people like you. When you see what customers say, you can make changes that improve your products and boost satisfaction.
Tip: Ask your customers what they think about your men’s underwear. Use surveys, reviews, and social media to get honest opinions. Then, use that feedback to make your products even better.
Expand Your Product Range
As your business grows, you can offer more styles and options. Start by looking at market trends and what your customers want. Many successful brands use blends of natural and synthetic fabrics.
Cotton gives breathability, while polyester helps with moisture-wicking. You can add spandex for a snug fit or bamboo for eco-friendly comfort.
Here are some smart ways to expand your product line:
Prioritize comfort and performance with materials like elastane or spandex.
Use sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo.
Explore new styles, colors, and patterns to keep things fresh.
Build a strong online store to reach more customers.
Work with influencers and use social media to spread the word.
Listen to feedback and update your designs often.
You might start with basics, then add seamless, spandex, pouch, silk, or cheeky underwear as you grow. Each new style gives your customers more choices and helps your brand stand out.
Keep learning and adapting. Study what other brands do, watch for new trends, and always ask your customers what they want next. Your business will keep improving if you stay curious and open to change.
Conclusion
You can start a men’s underwear business even if you have zero experience. Focus on these key steps:
Find your niche and research the market.
Build a strong brand identity.
Listen to your customers and improve your products.
Use innovative design and effective storytelling.
Partner with trusted manufacturers like Friendtex.
Stay persistent and keep learning. Every step you take brings you closer to success. Ready to launch your own brand? Take action and make your vision real!
FAQ
What styles of men’s underwear can you offer when starting?
You can start with basics like boxers, briefs, and trunks. Friendtex also offers seamless, spandex, pouch, silk, and cheeky styles. Try a few options first, then expand as you learn what your customers like.
How do you choose the right fabric for men’s underwear?
Look for comfort and breathability. Cotton works well for everyday wear. Modal and bamboo feel soft and eco-friendly. Spandex adds stretch. Silk gives a luxury touch. Test samples before you decide.
Can you customize men’s underwear with your own brand logo?
Yes, you can add your logo, pick colors, and select patterns. Friendtex lets you personalize designs to match your brand. Customization helps you stand out and build brand loyalty.
How do you know which size to offer your customers?
Check sizing charts from your manufacturer. Offer a range from small to plus-size. Ask for feedback from buyers. If you see requests for more sizes, add them to your collection.
Do you need special certifications for selling men’s underwear?
Certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS show your products are safe and eco-friendly. Friendtex holds these certifications. They help you build trust with customers who care about quality and sustainability.
