The fashion industry has long been dominated by men. 86% of the top 50 fashion houses in the world are run by male executives.

However, in recent years, a new wave of woman-owned apparel brands has emerged, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative designs to the table. These trailblazing designers are not only creating beautiful clothes, but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable fashion industry.

5 of the Most Influential Woman-Owned Clothing Brands

In honor of International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate some of the most notable woman-owned apparel brands that have made their mark on the industry. From shapewear to vintage-inspired sustainable fashion to minimalist luxury wear, these brands are setting trends and inspiring others with their success.

Spanx

Owned by Sara Blakely

Spanx is a woman-owned company that has revolutionized the fashion industry with its shapewear, clothing, activewear, and intimates. The company was founded in 2000 by Sara Blakely in Atlanta, Georgia.

Blakely started Spanx after she couldn’t find the right undergarment to provide a smooth look under white pants. Today, Spanx is a successful brand that prioritizes comfort and delivers results for women. The company uses fashion-forward thinking and gives back to the community.

According to their website, Sara Blakely uses a portion of Spanx’s profits to elevate women and their projects. It is inspiring to see how a woman-owned business like Spanx has made such an impact in the fashion industry and beyond.

Reformation

Owned by Yael Afalo

Reformation is a sustainable fashion brand that has gained a cult following for its trendy and eco-friendly designs. The company was founded by Yael Aflalo in 2009. She had a vision to create a brand that would revolutionize the fashion industry by making it more sustainable.

Reformation is not only known for its stylish clothes but also for its commitment to reducing waste and its carbon footprint. All their products are made from sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics or deadstock fabric, which means they use leftover fabric that would have otherwise gone to waste.

As a woman-owned company, Reformation has become successful in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry while creating jobs for women. It’s impressive to see how Yael Aflalo has managed to create a thriving business while also helping the environment.

The Row

Owned by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

The Row is a luxury brand that offers minimalist, high-end clothing and accessories. The company was founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2006. The sisters’ vision was to create a brand that focuses on craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail.

The Row has become a successful women-owned business that sets the bar for luxury fashion with its timeless designs. The Olsens have been able to leverage their celebrity status to establish a strong reputation in the industry while maintaining their privacy. They are known for their impeccable taste and ability to create pieces that are both sophisticated and comfortable.

Their successful transition from child stars to impactful business owners in the fashion industry is truly inspiring.

Lemlem

Owned by Liya Kebede

Lemlem is a fashion label founded by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede. The brand draws inspiration from the rich textile heritage of Ethiopia. The brand’s colorful, handwoven cotton pieces are made by local artisans who preserve traditional weaving techniques and provide sustainable employment opportunities for Ethiopian communities.

Lemlem’s designs feature bold stripes, intricate embroidery, and playful tassels, all made with careful attention to detail that reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. Whether it’s a breezy beach cover-up or an elegant maxi dress, each Lemlem piece is a celebration of color and texture that embodies the vibrant spirit of Ethiopia.

Through its unique blend of fashion and social impact, Lemlem has become a beloved brand among eco-conscious fashionistas who value both style and sustainability.

Christy Dawn

Owned by Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn is a female-founded clothing brand known for its vintage-inspired dresses and separates. The brand is committed to sustainability and uses deadstock fabrics to create beautiful, timeless pieces.

Founded by Christy Dawn in downtown LA, the company has become a huge success with limited edition collections that are designed and manufactured locally. The brand’s commitment to regeneration and ethical practices has earned it a loyal following of customers who appreciate its efforts toward healing the community and Mother Earth.

Christy Dawn’s story is one of female empowerment and responsible entrepreneurship that serves as an inspiration to many.

Want to Start Your Own Clothing Brand?

We just went over five of the most noteworthy female-founded clothing brands. However, you shouldn’t compare your day 1 to someone else’s day 100. Although starting your own clothing brand may seem like a daunting task, we have some good news!

Scrappy Apparel offers lots of resources to help you create and grow your brand. Here are a few examples:

• [Free Guide] How to Build a Brand From Scratch
• [Free Guide] 100 Ways to Market Your Custom Apparel
• [Free Guide] How to Attract Your First 100 Customers

With the wealth of information provided by Scrappy Apparel as well as our high-quality service, you can bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life.

Scrappy Apparel’s Services

We are a one-stop-shop for apparel manufacturing and fulfillment. If you want to grow your brand, you need a manufacturer that has the resources to scale up with you.

A reliable manufacturer can help you with important aspects of the production process such as timely delivery, efficient communication, and adherence to your specific requirements.

When you have a manufacturer you can trust, you can focus on other important aspects of your business, like marketing and sales.

Here’s a quick look at the services we offer:

• Retail Ready Screen Printing: Elevate your brand with our screen printing service for apparel from the waist up! From stylish tees to cozy hoodies, we’ll help you create designs that make a statement.
• All Over Sublimation Printing: We’ll help you create bold, eye-catching designs that cover every inch of your product. Our printing process ensures that your designs remain vivid and durable for years to come.
• Custom Embroidery: Make your mark with our custom embroidery service! With a variety of thread colors and styles to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Let’s get stitching!
• Custom Hats: Looking for one-of-a-kind headwear? Our expert team will ensure that your hats are crafted with the utmost care and precision, resulting in a finished product that you’ll be proud to sell.
• Cut and Sew Manufacturing: Bring your vision to life with our cut and sew manufacturing service! From concept to creation, we’ll work with you every step of the way to manufacture your products.
• Private Labeling: If you want your brand to be front and center, private labeling is the way to go. With your brand name and logo on the neck label and hang tags, you’ll take true ownership of your custom apparel.

After we’re done producing your order, we’ll either ship it to your doorstep for free, or you can join our fulfillment program to have us manage inventory and shipping for you.

There’s No Better Time Than Now!

We recommend starting your clothing brand ASAP. With each passing day, new competitors emerge, making it harder and harder to stand out in a crowded market. By starting your brand now, you can establish yourself early on and build a strong foundation for growth.

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand the importance of timely execution and offer quick turnarounds on all orders without sacrificing quality. We invite you to manufacture your apparel with us and take advantage of our expertise in the industry. We’ll help you make your mark in the world of fashion.

Ready to Begin Your Project?