Sell Gender Neutral Clothes
How to Sell Same-Sex Clothing Online: A Complete Guide
Selling same-sex clothing online can be a powerful and inclusive business idea, as it promotes inclusivity and caters to the LGBTQ+ community. The term “same-sex clothing” often refers to clothing that is designed for people of any gender identity, breaking away from traditional gender norms. This could include gender-neutral clothing, unisex pieces, or specifically designed items for those in same-sex couples or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Creating a space where customers feel comfortable and represented is key to success in this market. Below is a step-by-step guide to selling same-sex or gender-neutral clothing online.
1. Define Your Niche
Before you dive into selling clothing, it’s essential to identify your niche and the target audience you want to reach. “Same-sex clothing” can cover a broad range of designs, so getting clear on your offering is important.
A. Types of Same-Sex Clothing to Sell {For LGBTQ+ People}
- Gender-Neutral Clothing: Clothing designed to fit and be worn by anyone, regardless of their gender identity. This includes t-shirts, pants, jackets, hoodies, skirts, dresses, and more.
- Unisex Apparel: Similar to gender-neutral, but often based on styles that are traditionally marketed to both genders. These include simple basics like sweatshirts, denim, and outerwear.
- LGBTQ+ Pride Apparel: T-shirts, hats, jackets, and accessories with rainbow pride flags or specific symbols associated with LGBTQ+ pride.
- Custom Clothing for Same-Sex Couples: Twin Matching outfits or personalized clothing for same-sex couples, such as shirts with slogans, graphic designs, or quotes.
- Inclusive Clothing Sizes: Offer a range of sizes, including plus-size clothing that is both stylish and flattering for everyone.
- Empowering Statement Clothing: Apparel with empowering messages or slogans that represent equality, love, and inclusion (e.g., “Be Yourself,” “Pride”).
B. Target Audience
- LGBTQ+ Individuals: Men, women, non-binary people, and anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community looking for clothing that aligns with their identity.
- Allies: People who are supportive of LGBTQ+ rights and want to buy clothing to show their support.
- Same-Sex Couples: Couples looking for matching outfits, engagement gifts, wedding attire, or celebratory clothing.
- Different-Sex Couples: Male-Female Couples looking for color-blocking matching clothes for functions.
- Youth & Teens: Younger generations, especially those in the teenage community, who seek stylish, gender-neutral clothing options.
2. Source or Create Your Clothing Line
Once you’ve defined your niche, you’ll need to either design and create your own clothing line or source it from other manufacturers.
A. Creating Your Own Clothing Line
If you have the design skills or access to a design team, you can create a custom clothing line that speaks to your target audience:
- Designing Gender-Neutral Styles: Focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and modern designs that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender identity.
- Using Symbolic Prints: Consider using prints that symbolize equality, pride, or unity—such as rainbow colors, the LGBTQ+ flag, or other meaningful symbols.
- Sustainable and Ethical Production: Sustainability is a key concern for many in the LGBTQ+ community. Consider sourcing eco-friendly materials and working with fair-trade manufacturers.
- Personalization: Offer customization options like adding names, dates, or pride flags to clothing items for same-sex couples or individuals.
B. Sourcing Ready-Made Clothing
If you don’t want to design and manufacture your own clothing, you can work with suppliers who specialize in gender-neutral or LGBTQ+-inclusive clothing:
- Wholesale Suppliers: Find wholesale clothing suppliers that offer unisex or inclusive clothing styles. Platforms like Alibaba, TeeSpring, Printful, or Custom Ink can be great places to source clothing to resell.
- Print-on-Demand Services: You can design custom LGBTQ+ or gender-neutral clothing using platforms like Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring that allow you to print on demand. This means you won’t have to invest in bulk inventory.
- Private Labeling: Work with a manufacturer that allows you to create clothing with your own brand label while they handle the production and fulfillment.
3. Choose the Right E-Commerce Platform
You’ll need an online platform where you can sell your clothing. Here are some e-commerce platforms to consider:
A. Ordefy: Best E-Commerce Platform for Selling Gender-Neutral Clothing
Ordefy is an excellent choice for selling same-sex or gender-neutral clothing online due to its customizable storefront and features that will help you scale your business. Here’s why:
- Customizable Storefront: Ordefy allows you to create a beautiful, personalized storefront that reflects the inclusive and vibrant nature of your clothing line.
- Product Catalog Management: Organize your clothing into categories such as “Gender-Neutral,” “Pride Apparel,” and “Couples Clothing” for easy navigation.
- Payment Integration: Ordefy supports various payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, and credit card payments, making it easy for customers to purchase items.
- Shipping & Fulfillment: Ordefy integrates with major shipping carriers, so you can offer worldwide delivery and track your orders.
- SEO & Marketing: The platform provides built-in tools to optimize your site for search engines and run marketing campaigns to attract a larger audience.
- Inclusive Features: Offer customizable sizing options and gender-inclusive categories, so customers can easily find what works for them.
B. Other Platforms to Consider
- Shopify: Ideal for creating a professional, fully branded store. Shopify also offers various apps that can help you expand your business (e.g., email marketing, loyalty programs).
- BigCommerce: A scalable platform for selling fashion items, with features like inventory management and a user-friendly design editor.
- Etsy: A popular platform for handmade and unique clothing. If your designs are handmade or custom, Etsy is an excellent marketplace for your same-sex clothing line.
- Amazon: If you want to reach a wider audience quickly, Amazon is a great option, though it may require higher fees and more competition.
4. Pricing Your Clothing Line
When pricing your same-sex clothing, ensure that you account for all production, fulfillment, and marketing costs. Consider these pricing strategies:
- Cost of Goods: Calculate the cost of materials, manufacturing, branding, and shipping.
- Competitor Pricing: Check prices on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and other LGBTQ+ clothing shops. Make sure your pricing is competitive while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin.
- Premium & Customization: If you offer custom or high-quality, sustainable items, you can price them higher. Personalized products like couple t-shirts or custom pride-themed clothing can be priced as premium offerings.
- Discounts & Offers: Run occasional sales or promotions (e.g., “Buy One, Get One 20% Off”) to attract more customers.
5. Market Your Neutral Gender Clothing Line
A. Social Media Marketing
- Instagram: Instagram is ideal for showcasing fashion. Post high-quality photos of your clothing, featuring diverse models to represent your audience. Use hashtags like #LGBTQClothing, #GenderNeutralFashion, #PrideApparel, and #InclusiveFashion.
- TikTok: Create fun, engaging videos about your clothing line, whether it’s showing off how your clothes fit, styling tips, or how they represent LGBTQ+ pride.
- Facebook: Share product updates, customer testimonials, and special offers. You can also use Facebook Ads to target specific groups (e.g., LGBTQ+ community, allies, event planners).
- Pinterest: Pinterest is a great platform for fashion inspiration. Pin outfits, product shots, and blog posts related to LGBTQ+ fashion.
B. Influencer Marketing
Partner with LGBTQ+ influencers and activists who align with your brand’s mission. Influencers can help you promote your clothing line to their followers in an authentic and meaningful way.
C. Content Marketing
- Blog: Write blog posts about the intersection of fashion and LGBTQ+ rights, the importance of inclusive clothing, or styling tips for same-sex couples and non-binary individuals.
- Email Marketing: Use email newsletters to update your customers on new collections, discounts, and special events like Pride Month or LGBTQ+ holidays.
D. Pride Month & LGBTQ+ Events
Capitalize on important LGBTQ+ events such as Pride Month, National Coming Out Day, and Transgender Day of Visibility. Create limited-edition collections or special promotions around these times to increase visibility and sales.
6. Provide Excellent Customer Service
Building a loyal customer base is key to the long-term success of your business. Here’s how to provide top-tier customer service:
- Fast Shipping: Offer reliable, fast shipping with transparent tracking.
- Responsive Communication: Respond to customer inquiries quickly and politely. Use live chat, email, or social media messaging to ensure customers have a smooth experience.
- Easy Returns & Exchanges: Have clear and fair return policies in place. Customers should feel confident that they can exchange items if necessary.
7. Scale Your Same-Sex Clothing Business
As your business grows, consider these strategies to scale:
- Expand Your Product Line: Add more products, such as accessories, hats, or shoes, that complement your clothing items.
- International Shipping: Offer international shipping to cater to customers worldwide, especially in countries with large LGBTQ+ communities.
- Collaborations & Pop-Up Shops: Collaborate with other LGBTQ+ brands or set up pop-up shops at events or Pride festivals.
Conclusion: Start Your Same-Sex Clothing Line Today!
Selling same-sex clothing online is a powerful way to create inclusivity and represent the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. By offering high-quality, gender-neutral, and LGBTQ+-themed clothing, you can build a brand that not only brings in profits but also spreads a positive and empowering message.
Start your journey with a clear vision, an inclusive product line, and the right platform like Ordefy, and get ready to create a space where everyone can express themselves freely and confidently.