White label clothing allows businesses to sell pre-made garments under their own brand name without customizing the design. Many fashion retailers and e-commerce brands use white label apparel to launch quick, cost-effective clothing lines without handling manufacturing.
But what exactly is white label clothing, and how does it compare to private label apparel?
This guide explores the definition of white label clothing, its benefits, how it differs from private label branding, and whether brands like Lululemon operate under this model.
What Is White Label Clothing?
White label clothing refers to ready-made garments produced by manufacturers that multiple retailers can rebrand and sell as their own. These garments are mass-produced, allowing businesses to enter the market quickly and affordably.
How White Label Clothing Works
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose a Supplier | Find a white label manufacturer1 offering generic apparel. |
| 2. Select Products | Pick from pre-designed T-shirts, hoodies, activewear, or basics. |
| 3. Add Branding (Optional) | Apply custom labels or packaging2 (limited customization). |
| 4. Sell Under Your Brand | Market the products as part of your fashion line. |
Benefits of White Label Clothing
✅ Low Startup Costs – No need for custom design or pattern development.
✅ Faster Time-to-Market – Products are ready-made and available immediately.
✅ Lower Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) – Start with as few as 10–50 pieces.
✅ Ideal for Dropshipping – Many white label manufacturers offer direct-to-customer fulfillment3.
💡 White label clothing is perfect for brands that want to launch a fashion line quickly with minimal investment.
What Is a White Label Brand?
A white label brand sells products manufactured by a third party but branded under the retailer’s name. These brands do not design or manufacture their own goods—they simply rebrand existing products.
Examples of White Label Brands
| Brand | Industry | White Label Example |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics4 | Consumer Goods | Generic products rebranded under Amazon’s name. |
| Costco’s Kirkland Signature5 | Food & Apparel | Pre-made products with Costco branding. |
| Retail Store Brands | Clothing | Stores like Walmart sell white label apparel6 under their own name. |
White Label Branding vs. Traditional Retail
| Feature | White Label | Traditional Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Product Design | Manufacturer controls | Brand develops designs |
| Customization | Minimal (only logo/packaging) | Full design control |
| Production Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Time-to-Market | Fast | Slow |
💡 White label brands focus on affordability and speed, making them ideal for fast-moving markets.
Is Lululemon a Private Label?
No, Lululemon is not a private label brand. It is a vertically integrated activewear company that designs, manufactures, and sells its own apparel.
How Lululemon Differs from Private Label Fashion
| Feature | Lululemon | Private Label Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Controls design & production | Uses third-party factories |
| Retail Model | Sells only through Lululemon stores | Can be sold in multiple stores |
| Brand Identity | Fully owned and managed | Custom branding added to generic products |
Why Private Label Brands Compete with Lululemon
✅ Lower Costs – Private label activewear brands offer similar products at lower price points7.
✅ More Flexibility – Private labels can sell on multiple platforms8 (Amazon, Shopify, boutiques).
✅ Custom Branding – Private label businesses can develop unique brand positioning9.
💡 Lululemon is a fully integrated brand, while private label companies rely on third-party manufacturers.
What Is White Label vs. Private Label?
White label and private label clothing both involve third-party manufacturing, but they differ in customization, branding, and exclusivity.
Key Differences Between White Label10 and Private Label11
| Feature | White Label | Private Label |
|---|---|---|
| Branding | Generic products rebranded | Custom branding, labels, and packaging |
| Product Customization | Limited (only logo/packaging) | Full customization (fabric, fit, color) |
| Exclusivity | Sold by multiple retailers | Unique to one brand |
| MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity12) | Low (10–50 pieces) | Higher (100–500 pieces) |
| Best For | Dropshipping, fast-moving inventory | Long-term brand development |
Which Model Is Right for Your Business?
✅ Choose White Label if you want a low-cost, fast-launch fashion brand.
✅ Choose Private Label if you want more design control and long-term brand exclusivity.
💡 White label is great for quick market entry, while private label builds stronger brand identity.
Conclusion
White label clothing offers an easy way to launch a fashion brand by rebranding ready-made apparel. While companies like Lululemon control their entire supply chain, white label brands outsource production and focus on branding and sales. Understanding the differences between white label and private label helps businesses choose the right model based on their budget, customization needs, and long-term goals.
Key Takeaways
✅ White label clothing allows businesses to sell generic apparel under their own brand.
✅ White label brands use pre-made designs, while private label brands customize their products.
✅ Lululemon is not private label—it controls its entire supply chain.
✅ White label is faster and cheaper, while private label offers greater brand exclusivity.
💡 Whether you choose white label or private label, the right strategy can help you build a profitable fashion brand!
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Understanding white label manufacturers can help you choose the right partner for your clothing line. ↩
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Learn how to effectively brand your products with custom labels and packaging to stand out in the market. ↩
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Explore the benefits of direct-to-customer fulfillment to streamline your dropshipping process and enhance customer satisfaction. ↩
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Discover the range of products under Amazon Basics and how they compare to traditional brands in terms of quality and price. ↩
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Learn about the diverse offerings of Kirkland Signature and how they provide value to Costco members compared to other brands. ↩
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Exploring this link will provide insights into the advantages and strategies of white label apparel, enhancing your understanding of the market. ↩
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Exploring this link will provide insights into how lower price points attract consumers and impact brand competition. ↩
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This resource will help you understand the strategies private label brands use to maximize their reach and sales. ↩
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Discover how unique brand positioning can differentiate private label brands in a competitive market. ↩
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Understanding White Label products can help you make informed decisions for quick market entry and cost-effective branding. ↩
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Exploring this resource will provide insights into how Private Label can enhance your brand's identity and exclusivity. ↩
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This link will clarify the MOQ differences, helping you choose the right model based on your business needs. ↩
