A HUGE List of Home-Based Business Ideas for Fashion Lovers

Do you love fashion and style? Would you like to run your own fashion boutique but don’t have the funds to invest in a brick and mortar storefront?

No problem.

The direct sales industry has made it easier than ever to have your very own home-based business within the fashion industry. In my opinion, network marketing companies that sell women’s clothing are some of the best business opportunities out there. Not only do most women LOVE new clothes and accessories, but it is something that every woman needs, and that is regularly replaced and updated.

Plus, when you’re selling clothes through the direct sales model, items tend to have a higher price point, so your overall earnings are higher.

If you’ve been thinking about launching your own home-based business, and you love fashion — here is a massive list of business ideas for fashion lovers!

List of Home-Based Business Ideas for Fashion Lovers

1. Cabi

Cabi was created in 2002 by 12 female founders. The brand sells high-end clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories that range from $39-$449. With the cabi business model, you can earn a 25-33 percent commission on all items you sell, plus an additional commission on team sales. The startup cost (your seasonal inventory) is $2,570, which can be sold at the end of the season for an additional profit and new inventory.

According to this article by Fortune.com, cabi has an 85 percent retention rate, rather than the typical 20 percent in the direct selling business. Cabi also gives back to the community through their heart of cabi foundation. The cabi business opportunity is available to residents of the US, the UK, and Canada.

• Cabi has a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Related Content: CAbi – A Home-Based Business Opportunity for Fashion Lovers

2. Carlisle Collection 

Founded in 1981, Carlisle is a luxury fashion company based in New York City. Selling couture designs at ready-to-wear prices, Carlisle offers four new clothing lines each year. They currently have two ways to join; Traditional Stylist and Digital Stylist, however, I couldn’t find information on commission rates or startup costs, but clothing and accessories sell for $35-$1,100 plus.

3. Crowned Free

Crowned Free is a social good company that donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations helping women who have escaped human trafficking and exploitation. When you join as a Stylist, you’ll sell jewelry, gifts, beauty and wellness products, accessories, as well as clothing for women and children. Starter kits range in price from $49-$599, and you’ll earn 25-30 commission on sales and get paid every two weeks.

• Crowned Free as an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

4. Ellie Kai  

Ellie Kai sells made-to-order clothing for women and little girls. Clothing prices range from $145-$360. Stylists earn 15-25 percent commission on sales, and the company has been in business since 2014 and has positive reviews on Glassdoor.com. To find out more, fill out their online interest form.

5. Essential Bodywear 

Essential Bodywear sells uplifting bras, panties, and shapewear. Representatives can earn up to 25-37 percent commission on sales, plus jewelry and trips for meeting certain milestones. Starter kits range in price from $25-$499, including three months of free website and email marketing services.

• Essential Bodywear is a member of the DSA.

6. Etcetera 

Etcetera is a luxury brand and part of the Carlisle family. Clothing prices range from $150-$650 with a focus on the classics with an edge. You can sign up as a Digital Stylist or a Trunk Show Stylist by requesting additional information on their website.

7. I Thought of You

For those who don’t like recruiting or the MLM structure, I Thought of You is a good option. It’s a social good direct sales company that sells accessories, jewelry, and apparel. Curators earn 20-50 percent commission on sales, and starter kits range in price from $99-$299. To avoid oversaturation, applications are accepted on a region-by-region basis. They also offer a 4-payment installment plan on starter kits.

8. Initial Outfitters 

Initial Outfitters is a Christian-based company that sells jewelry, apparel, accessories, bags, gifts, and home decor, all of which can be personalized. Consultants earn up to 35 percent commission on personal sales and additional commission for team building activities. Consultants are paid bi-weekly, and they have three starter kits: $29 (no product samples), $99 ($250 worth of product samples), and $199 ($600 worth of product samples). Be sure to read my full review of Initial Outfitters here.

• Initial Outfitters has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and they’re a member of the Direct Selling Association.

9. J. Hillburn 

J. Hillburn sells custom men’s clothing, such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, and ready-to-wear items. Stylists can earn up to 25 percent commission on sales and an additional commission for building a team. The starter kits range from $199-$500, and clothing items range from $99-$1,590. J. Hillburn has been in business since 2007 and has been featured in Inc., Esquire, Men’s Health, USA Today, and more.

10. LuLaRoe  

LuLaRoe offers a wholesale business opportunity selling printed leggings, tunics, dresses, and shirts. To get started with LuLaRoe, you must sign-up to be paired with a sponsor; then, you’ll have to purchase your inventory. According to this interview with a past LuLaRoe Stylist, the initial investment is around $5,000-$6,000. LuLaRoe has had some quality issues, and I believe they are still dealing with multiple lawsuits (from suppliers, customers, and consultants) — so be sure to do your due diligence when researching this business opportunity.

• LuLaRoe has a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau

11. Matilda Jane Clothing 

Matilda Jane Clothing sells clothing, pajama, and accessories for women, children, and babies. To get started, you can fill out their interest form or pay the initial startup fee of $1,600 for your seasonal inventory. Payment plans are available, and clothes and accessories range in price from $10-$88 per item.

• Matilda Jane has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

12. Peach  

Peach sells athleisure, accessories, intimates, and loungewear for women. Stylists earn 12-40 percent on personal sales and additional commission on team sales. It’s only $99 to get started, and you’ll get a $100 credit to spend on samples. You’ll also receive 40 percent off of 20-clothing items within the first 30-days of joining. Peach’s Founder, Janet Kraus, is also an instructor at the Harvard Business School, where she teaches entrepreneurship.

13. Piphany 

Formerly, Honey and Lace, Piphany sells women’s leggings, dresses, skirts, bottoms, and tops in bright colors and bold patterns. The company was started in 2013 by Dianne Ingram. The clothing can be sold via in-home parties or on your own personal website; you can also earn additional commission by building a team. This opportunity is available both in the US and Canada. I couldn’t find any info on startup costs, the commission rates, or structure, so if you’re interested in this opportunity, you’ll have to request additional information from their website.

• Piphany has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

14. Ruby Ribbon 

Ruby Ribbon sells clothing options that make women feel good, selling tees, tunics, tops, leggings, maxi-shirts, as well as shapewear. Products range in price from $24-$89. The starter kits range in price from $59-$949, and Independent Stylists earn up to 40 percent commission on each sale. Ruby Ribbon has been featured in Oprah Magazine, WWD, InStyle, Forbes, and others.

• Ruby Ribbon has a B rating with the Better Business Bureau.

15. Sseko Designs 

Sseko Designs is an ethical fashion brand that sells apparel, sandals, jewelry, handbags, accessories, and coffee that benefits women in Uganda through a work program that enables them to attend university. Their base starter kit is $149 and includes $370 worth of products. They also have optional bundles to add on to your base kit, ranging in price from $24.99-$149.99 (each optional bundle includes additional samples). As a Sseko Fellow, you’ll earn up to 30 percent commission on personal sales and up to 11 percent of team sales, plus you get up to 50 percent off of Sseko products. Be sure to read our full review of the Sseko Designs business opportunity here.

• Sseko Designs has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

16. Stella & Dot

Stella & Dot was started in 2003 by Jessica Herrin. Since that time, Stella & Dot has grown into a mega business opportunity for fashion and beauty lovers! First known for their jewelry, Stella & Dot has grown into three brands (Stella & Dot, Keep Collective, and EVER), which can be sold in one simple program.

When you sign-up as a Stella & Dot brand ambassador, you’ll earn 25–40 percent commission on sales from all three product lines, plus additional commission for team building activities! The startup kit starts at $99, but you can add optional samples for 80 percent off the retail price! You’ll also receive 50 percent off of product within your first 30-days, then 25 percent off then after. Be sure to read our full review of Stella & Dot here.

• Stella & Dot has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

17. StyleChest

StyleChest has an opportunity for fashion and style influencers to earn a 15 percent commission on items sold through their referral links and trunk shows. You must already be a StyleChest customer and have experience promoting brands professionally. Besides the commission, you’ll get first previews, special event invites, and training and support. This opportunity is free, and you’ll have to apply for consideration.

18. Tracy Negoshian

Tracy Negoshian sells brightly colored printed (and some solids) clothing for women (think Vera Bradley). There’s not much information out there about this business opportunity, but according to this post, the starter kit runs $199, and sample collections start at $499. You’ll need to fill out the online interest application for additional information.

• Tracy Negoshian has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

19. Trades of Hope

Trades of Hope is a social good company that sells artisan jewelry, handbags, apparel, accessories, and coffee. Partners earn 25 percent cash back on personal sales, 35 percent on outside sales, and up to 50 percent off of new products. Starter kits range in price from $39-$199, and there are no monthly minimum quotas.

• Trades of Hope is a member of the Direct Selling Association.

20. Youngevity

Youngevity is a direct sales company that sells everything under the sun, including clothes, jewelry, and accessories. To become a Distributor, it’s $30, and then it renews annually for $49.95. They also have a wide variety of startup kits to choose from. I couldn’t find the commission structure, so you’ll need to find that out before joining.

• Youngevity has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

21. ZYIA Active 

ZYIA Active sells premium fitness apparel and accessories for men and women. The starter kit is $295 (includes a $100 gift card), and Representatives earn 15-25 percent on personal sales, plus additional commission for when you build a team. ZYIA Active also offers product discounts, incentive trips, and rewards. The opportunity is available in the US and Canada.

• ZYIA Active has a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of home-based business opportunities within the fashion industry. Which one is right for you? That will depend on your own style, tastes, and preferences, as well as each company’s pay structure and terms. Just be sure to weigh all the pros and cons when doing your research; I’ve seen many direct sales companies close their doors over the past year.

Do you know of any other business opportunities within the fashion industry? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you!

This post was originally published on May 2, 2013. Content updated on October 21, 2020.