How to Start Leggings Manufacturing Business – Complete Guide

Do you want to start a small-scale leggings manufacturing business? Here in this article, we explore in detail the steps to be followed to start a leggings-making unit with a small investment.

Leggings are tight-fitting stretch pants. Currently, leggings are the most popular bottom wear for the women population. Leggings come with knitted fabric. However, leather or woollen leggings are equally popular as a fashion trend.

Nowadays, leggings come in multiple colours, designs, and patterns. Additionally, leggings come in different sizes and lengths. Generally, you can produce different types of leggings from several fabrics like Lycra, spandex, nylon, polyester, silk, cotton, wool, or other fabrics.

Starting a leggings manufacturing business is easy. And any individual can initiate a business with a small capital investment. However, you must ensure a production setup for initiating this business.

10 Steps to Start Leggings Manufacturing Business

1. Learn About Different Types of Leggings

Before jumping into starting to make leggings, it is essential to know more about the different kinds of leggings that are sold in the market. Broadly at present, 10 types of leggings are selling most in the market. The list is provided below:

a. Churidar Leggings

Churidar leggings have the maximum shareholding in the entire leggings market. Generally, these types of leggings come in long lengths.

b. Ankle Length Leggings

According to the name, these types of leggings come in a length up to the ankle. The specific type of leggings is popular among young ladies and teenagers.

c. Capri Leggings

The Capri leggings are popular for warmer days means summer. The length of these leggings falls between the ankles and the knees.

d. Knee Length Leggings

Simply, this type of leggings comes up to the length of the knee.

e. Stirrup Leggings

Stirrup lagging has a connected strap that goes under the foot and comes to the ankle

f. Footed Leggings

Footed leggings are tighter than normal leggings. Additionally, it comes with attaching socks to cover your feet.

g. Jeggings

Jeggings are the most trendy items in the women’s bottom wear industry. Jeggings are jeans leggings. Sometimes it comes with either a pocket or a zip.

h. Shimmer

Shimmers are also popular as sequin or shiny leggings. Some of the most popular colours are golden, silver, black, wine, and purple. You can produce shimmer with a blended fabric of nylon and spandex. It costs more than regular leggings.

i. Leather Leggings

Simply, leggings are made with leather called leather leggings. These are costly items and are considered lifestyle items.

j. Patterned or Printed Leggings

Patterned or printed leggings are gaining immense popularity these days. Generally, these leggings come in printed lycra fabric. Its multi-colour nature is the major reason for gaining popularity.

2. Understand the Market Potential

Women of all age groups wear leggings. Additionally, one can team up leggings with several upper outfits. These are kurtas, tunics, t-shirts, coats, jackets, tank tops, and any other tops or ethnic wear. Additionally, these are perfect for yoga or workouts. So, it is natural that the demand will increase more in the future.

Leggings cover the daily wear needs of women on the go. Leggings are now available in varieties like churidar, ankle-length, and Capri, and in different styles like laced, layered, printed, and solids. So, it offers a wide variety of choices for women.

Read: How to do Market Research

Leggings provide a slim look in the easiest possible way. Additionally, it comes at an affordable price for the major population of our country. So, the popularity of leggings will increase more in the future. This is the right time to start a leggings manufacturing business for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the women’s wear industry.

3. Cost of Starting Leggings Manufacturing Business

The business demands investment in securing the space, procuring machinery, and raw materials, and keeping human resources. In addition to that, you will need to invest in marketing and product distribution.

The cost of starting a small-scale leggings manufacturing unit will be around 7 Lacs to 10 Lacs in Indian Rupees.  However, if you are planning to launch on a large scale, your investment will be Rs 25 lacs onward.

Before getting into the business, you must chalk out a business plan with financial requirements. It is advisable to start the business with bank finance. You can submit the project report to apply for the loan. Additionally, Govt. provides different types of subsidies for textile entrepreneurs. You must check it out.

4. Registration & Licensing for Leggings Manufacturing Business

Regardless of the size of your business, you will need to register it. Though you can start as a proprietorship company, it is better to start as an LLP or Pvt Ltd company at least. However, you must register the business according to the management pattern and investment resources.

If you are occupying a space in the industrial zone, then it is better to apply for a factory license. Additionally, check the other licensing issues if there are any.

You will need to open a current bank account. Register online with MSME Udyog Aadhaar. GST registration is now a must in India.

In leggings manufacturing, it is important to establish a brand. Select a name for your business and check the domain availability too. You need to have a business website for your brand. Register the brand name with the Trademark. Talk to a tax consultant to figure out tax liabilities in this business.

5. Leggings Manufacturing Plant Setup

To start the business, you will need to secure a space. The area required depends on the size of your business. Even, you can start a micro-unit at home also. So, secure a space according to your specific requirements.

You can also think about having a location in the textile park. Here, you can get numerous other facilities that you won’t get in other locations. Generally, with a 1500 Sq Ft of covered area, you can start a small-scale leggings manufacturing business.

Additionally, ensure the electrical connection and water supply for regular use. Ensure that the space has a wide opening for loading and unloading the goods. Check the transport facility also before finalizing the space.

6. Buy Machinery

Generally, in starting the business you will need different types of sewing machines and tabletops. Also, the machinery requirements depend on the specific type of product you want to produce. Here, we put a list of some basic required machinery.

• Overlock Machine
• Zigzag Sewing Machine
• Flat Lock Machine
• Different Scissors
• Clothing Steamer
• Table Tops and Furniture.

7. Raw Materials

Generally, the raw material requirements depend on the specific type of leggings you want to produce. Some of the basic fabrics are lycra, spandex, nylon, polyester, polyester blend, silk, and cotton. In addition to that, you will need to procure the threads in different colours, elastic, buttons, zips, etc.

Also, think about packaging. Generally, leggings come in two different packings of the individual piece. There is cardboard packaging and transparent plastic packing.

In the cardboard, you can mention the company details, colours, size, and MRP. Additionally, you have to think about bulk packaging. Generally, you can pack 4 pieces of leggings of one single colour for wholesale supply.

8. Design and Prototyping

Develop unique designs and patterns for your leggings to differentiate your brand in the market. Create prototypes and samples to showcase your designs to potential buyers or retailers. Consider factors such as fabric quality, fit, and comfort to create leggings that resonate with your target audience.

9. Leggings Manufacturing Process with Packaging

Step 1

First of all, cut the elastic according to your requirement from the roll. Then join two ends of the elastic to make a closed loop. Join the elastic with a zigzag sewing machine. Also, you can use a single needle lockstitch machine.

Step 2

Use an overlock machine to join the front and back rise. Then again use an overlock machine for inseam sewing.

Step 3

Attach the elastic to the waistband with an overlock machine. Use the special guide to control feeding an equal stretch of the elastic throughout the waist circumference.

Step 4

Turn the elastic inside and finish the waistband using a flatlock machine. Additionally, do the bottom hemming with a flatlock machine.

Step 5

Finally, attach the label and pack the finished leggings in packets.

10. Marketing and Distribution

Marketing and distribution are the most important aspects of this business. Right from branding, product launching, and proper distribution, you will need to consider promotional aspects very seriously. Employ a quality sales team according to your marketing strategy.

Start with one single state and expand smoothly. Appointing distributors or wholesalers is the easiest way of spreading the business. However, you can also consider retail distribution too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience in the fashion industry to start this business?

While prior experience can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory. With passion, creativity, and dedication to learning, anyone can start and succeed in the leggings manufacturing business.

What are some popular trends in the leggings market?

Some popular trends include athleisure wear, eco-friendly fabrics, and unique designs such as animal prints or metallic finishes. Stay updated with the latest fashion trends to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

What are the key factors to consider when selecting materials for leggings manufacturing?

Consider factors such as fabric quality, durability, stretchability, and breathability. Choose materials that offer comfort and performance for different types of activities and lifestyles.