How Much Does It Cost to Start a Kidswear Brand? Budget Breakdown for Moms

One of the first questions I hear from moms who dream of launching a baby and kidswear brand is:

💭 “How much money do I really need to get started?”

It’s a valid question—and an important one. Because while launching your brand doesn’t have to break the bank, it does require planning, saving, and making smart decisions.

Let’s break down what you should expect, where the money usually goes, and how you can approach this step with confidence (and less overwhelm).

Here’s the truth: there’s no single number that applies to everyone. Why? Because your costs will depend on:

• The size and complexity of your collection

• Whether you’re creating custom prints or using existing fabrics

• Your choice of production method (handmade, private label, print-on-demand, or full custom production)

• How much you’re doing yourself vs. outsourcing

That said, there are some general ranges and percentage breakdowns that can help you set realistic expectations.

Here’s something many first-time founders don’t realize: you can’t actually know the true cost of sampling and production right from the start.

Why? Because in order for a professional manufacturer to give you an accurate estimate, they need detailed tech packs (I explain what a tech pack is in this Instagram post). A tech pack is essentially the blueprint of your garment—it tells the factory exactly what to make, down to the measurements, fabrics, trims, and finishing details.

The better and more detailed your tech packs are, the more accurate your quotes will be. That also means you’ll already need to invest in design and development before you can get reliable pricing from manufacturers.

This is why I always emphasize starting with strong foundations. Skipping straight to “How much will this cost?” without doing the design work first can set you up for confusion, false expectations, or even wasted money.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of how your initial investment might look if you’re creating a small, custom-designed kidswear collection:

• Design & Development: 25–30%
  This includes design fees, technical packs, print development, and initial creative direction. For a small collection, expect anywhere from $1.5K to $3K, depending on complexity and number of styles.

• Sampling: 10–15%
  This often surprises new founders—sampling isn’t free. There are usually several rounds of samples before you get a final product you’re proud of.

• Manufacturing & Production: 35–40%
  This is your biggest cost—ordering your first run of inventory. The amount depends on your production method and minimum order quantities (MOQs).

• Branding & Marketing: 10–15%
  Your logo, website, photography, and packaging all fall here. Don’t underestimate this step—it’s how your brand connects with your audience.

• Education & Professional Guidance: 5–10%
  This is the “hidden gem” of your budget. Investing in learning and expert support early saves you from costly mistakes later. Many moms skip this step, but it’s truly where money spent equals money saved.

Notice how all of this adds up to 100%. That’s your starting pie. You can adjust based on your priorities, but these are the core areas.

Here’s the good news: some of the most important work doesn’t cost money—it costs time and reflection.

• Researching the market – free.

• Defining your niche and target customer – free.

• Vision work and brand foundations – free (especially if you know the right questions to ask).

These steps are priceless, and they give you clarity that makes every dollar you spend later go so much further. (And if you feel stuck here—I have affordable resources to guide you through this foundational work step by step.)

✨ Start small. A tight, well-designed collection of a few styles can make a big impact. You don’t need 20+ designs to begin.
✨ Save and move step by step. It’s perfectly okay to save for one stage, complete it, then save again for the next. Progress is progress.
✨ Beware of “cheap” shortcuts. What seems inexpensive now can cost more later if quality is poor or mistakes pile up.
✨ Think ahead. As soon as you’re preparing to launch, you’ll want to start planning your next collection. This doesn’t mean overwhelm—it just means staying a step ahead so your brand can grow steadily.

Launching a kidswear brand is an investment—but it’s also an investment in yourself, your dream, and the legacy you want to build.

The number might feel intimidating at first, but with smart planning, the right guidance, and a clear vision, it’s more achievable than you think.

And remember: you can absolutely do this. One decision, one investment, one step at a time.

If you’re unsure where to even begin with budgeting, the best place to start is with clarity.

That’s why I created “A Roadmap From Idea to Launch”—a free resource that walks you through each stage of the kidswear brand journey. You’ll see exactly what comes first, what comes next, and how to prepare without wasting money.

Download the roadmap here—it’s the next best step you can take for your dream.