How Much Does It Cost To Start Equestrian Clothing Brand IN THE UK ?
210. Starting an equestrian clothing brand is an exciting opportunity – but one of the first questions most founders ask is:
How much does it actually cost ?
The answer varies widely depending on on your approach, but in this guide, we will break down realistic startup costs in the UK, from low budget launches to fully developed fashion brands.
Quick Answers: Startup Costs
- Low-budget startup: £2000 – £4000
- Mid-range brand launch: £5000 – £15000
- High-end / premium brand: £20000 – £50000+
Your final cost depends on product quality, manufacturing choices, and how professionally you develop your collection.
Cost Breakdown: What You Will Need To Budget For
Design & Product Development
This is where your equestrian brand begins.
Typical costs per design include:
- Sketches & tech packs: £100 – £500
- Pattern cutting:£100 – £300
- First sample: £100 – £300 per garment
- Multiple revisions may be required
- Size grading: £100 – £200
Cutting corners here is risky – poor samples lead to poor final products.
Working with a professional pattern cutter or garment developer will increase upfront costs, but it significantly improves product quality and fit – especially important in equestrian wear where performance matters.
Manufacturing
This is usually the biggest cost.
Your costs depend on:
- Quantity ( MOQ requirements)
- Fabric quality
- UK vs overseas production
Example:
- Small batch (50 -100 units): £1000 – £5000
- Larger runs ( 200+ units): £5000 – £20000+
Equestrian clothing often requires technical fabrics, which increases costs compared to standard fashion.
Branding & Website
You will need a professional brand status.
Cost: £200 – £3000. Costs include:
- Logo design
- Shopify or e-commerce setup
- Product photography
A basic DIY setup can be cheap, but strong branding is what separates hobby brands from serious businesses.
Marketing & Launch
Without marketing, your brand will not sell.
Typical marketing and launch expenses: £300 – £5000
- social media ads
- Influencer partnerships (especially in equestrian communities)
- Content creation
legal & Business setup
Basic UK startup costs: £50 – £500
- Registering your business
- Insurance ( recommended)
- Terms & conditions / Privacy policy
Why Equestrian Clothing Costs More Than Standard Fashion
Equestrian apparel isn’t just about style – Its performance wear.
Higher costs come from:
- Technical fabrics ( breathable, durable, stretch)
- Specialist fits ( riding leggings, jackets)
- Smaller niche production runs
This means your startup costs may be higher – but so are your potential price points and margins.
How To Start On A Low Budget
If you are starting with limited funds, here is how to reduce costs:
- Launch with 1-2 core products only
- Use small production runs
- Start with pre-orders to validate demand
- Focus on organic social media marketing
many successful brands start small and scale gradually.
How To Scale Your Brand
Once you have validated your idea, you can reinvest into:
- Larger production runs ( lower unit cost)
- Expand your product lines
- Professional marketing campaigns
- Wholesale opportunities
FAQs
What Is The Minimum Cost To Start An Equestrian Brand In The UK ?
You can start with £800 – £2000, but expect limitations in quality and scale.
Is Equestrian Clothing Profitable ?
Yes – If positioned correctly. It is a niche market with strong brand loyalty and higher price tolerance.
Should I Manufacture In The UK Or Overseas ?
- UK : Higher costs, better quality control
- Overseas lower costs, higher risk
Todays Equestrian Clothing
Today equestrianwear needs to be both fashionable and durable. It needs to be well designed, functional, and very well made. This comes at a cost. That cost can vary considerably depending on the business model.
Although it would be possible to start an equestrian brand for around £2000, ideally you would need £5000 to £10000 or more. There are ways to keep costs at a minimum for startups on a budget.
It is best to keep costs as low as possible when starting any clothing business, especially if you have no real experience of making horse riding gear. Start with just a few designs, producing small quantities.
Online Video Course.
We have created an online video course for anyone interested in how to start a fashion brand in the UK. The course consists of nineteen chapters. It is available to download to study from home in your own time. Just email for details.
This online video course was created by senior fashion business adviser, designer, and entrepreneur, Emile Vidal Carr. He has over twenty years experience in the fashion industry, running his own businesses and helping UK startups. He is also author of The Fashion Formula. The online video course on how to start a fashion brand costs £200 for all nineteen chapters. Or less than half price using the code LPC 24 – Just £99 for all nineteen chapters.
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Sourcing Equestrian Fabrics.
Equestrian wear often requires specialist fabric that are durable, weather resistant, stretchy, and breathable. The best equestrian fabrics are not cheap, but you may be able to source suitable fabrics at a discount.
Sourcing the right fabric and trims at the right price can be very time consuming. We can either provide a fabric sourcing service for you, or help you source the materials yourself. Fabric prices are variable.
Pattern Cutting.
Pattern cutting prices can generally vary from around £100 to £400 per pattern. It can also be higher for technical jackets. You need to ensure that the pattern cutter has all the information they need so as to avoid too much trial and error. A reference garment or garments is strongly advised.
As long as you own the patterns, then you can use them over and over again, or you can develop other styles based on the same block shapes
Need Help Developing Your Collection ?
At The London Pattern Cutter, we help startups turn ideas into production-ready garments – from pattern cutting to sampling and development. Get in touch to discuss your project and take the first step to launching your new brand.