How to Start a T-shirt Business in Pakistan and Turn Your Designs into Daily Profits
Ever looked at a plain tee and thought, “I could make something way better”? Or maybe you’ve noticed how every other Instagram page these days is selling shirts, but not all of them are doing it right. That’s where the opportunity is. Right now in Pakistan, the local fashion scene is opening up to small, creative startups. And the most accessible way in? T-shirts.
Here’s the truth: a lot of people have great design ideas, a strong sense of fashion, and even a target audience in mind. But they never start because they don’t know how to start a t-shirt manufacturers in Pakistan without wasting money or making mistakes. That hesitation keeps them stuck while others with less talent are already selling, growing, and earning. If that sounds like you, it’s time to change that.
Why Now is a Great Time to Start a T-Shirt Business in Pakistan
Starting a t-shirt business doesn’t require a massive investment or a full-on team. With basic planning, even one person can turn a creative idea into a functioning brand. Local demand for casual and custom wear has grown fast. In cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, there’s a visible shift toward small brands, especially ones offering unique designs or apperal manufacturers in Pakistan.
More people are shopping online. More people want personalized fashion. And more people are proud to support local labels. This is your moment to step in.
Let’s break down the exact steps to learn how to start a t-shirt business in Pakistan, from your first design idea to your first sale.
Choose a Clear Niche
Still wondering how to start a t-shirt business in Pakistan start from A t-shirt business can’t be “for everyone.” You must choose the target audience for your design. Choose a topic you are enthusiastic about and understand. You can establish relevance and trust in this way.
Some popular niches include:
- College humor or desi memes
- National or city pride
- Minimalist typography
- Gaming and pop culture references
Work on Designs That Matter
You don’t have to be a design expert. But you do need shirts that catch attention and start conversations.
You can:
- Design them yourself using tools like Canva
- Hire a freelance graphic designer
- Buy design templates and customize them
Making shirts that people want to wear rather than merely look at is your aim. Prioritize cultural relatability, straightforward messaging, and clean lines.
Find Reliable T-Shirt Suppliers
The fabric and stitching quality decide whether someone comes back for a second purchase. If the shirt shrinks, fades, or feels rough, it reflects directly on your brand.
You can source shirts from wholesale markets in:
- Lahore (Ichhra, Azam Cloth Market)
- Karachi (Saddar, Bolton Market)
- Faisalabad (direct mills)
Always order samples. Wash them. Wear them. Stretch them. If the quality passes your test, go ahead with bulk buying.
Decide Your Printing Method
Printing is what turns your blank canvas into a product. The wrong printing technique can ruin even the best designs.
Here are your options:
- Screen Printing: Long-lasting and great for bulk orders
- Heat Transfer: Works well for colorful or short-run designs
- Direct to Garment (DTG): Excellent for intricate and customized items
Start small with screen printing or heat transfer, then expand as orders increase.
Build a Memorable Brand
Your brand is more than a name. It’s how people recognize and trust your work. Therefore, choose a name that is appropriate for your specialty, brief, and memorable.
Choose your colors, design your logo, and maintain a consistent tone and aesthetic over all of your platforms. People should be able to quickly identify your postings, even if you are only using Instagram.
Set Up Your Selling Platform
You don’t need a full-blown eCommerce site on day one. But you do need a way to take orders.
Start with:
- Instagram and Facebook pages
- WhatsApp Business with a catalog
- Google Form or Shopify Lite for basic order collection
As you grow, move to a proper site with payment integrations. Shopify and WooCommerce are popular options for small businesses in Pakistan.
Decide on Your Price Point
Here’s a basic way to price:
Cost of Shirt (including design and printing) + Packaging + Profit = Final Price
Let’s say your total cost per shirt is PKR 450. Adding a 50% margin, you sell it for around PKR 675.
Make sure you:
- Stay competitive
- Leave room for marketing and delivery costs
- Offer value without undercutting your brand
Packaging and Delivery
Never underestimate packaging. A custom label, simple box, or thank-you note makes your customer feel like they’re buying more than just a shirt.
For delivery, use couriers that offer COD (cash on delivery):
- TCS
- Call Courier
- Leopards
Most customers in Pakistan prefer paying after they receive the product. Make that option available.
Marketing That Gets Noticed
Marketing can be the make-or-break part of your business. If people don’t see your shirts, they won’t buy them.
Try:
- Instagram reels using trending music
- Partnering with small influencers
- Posting user-generated content (like customer selfies)
- Running polls and asking for feedback
Consistency is more important than a massive ad budget. Show up every day with something useful or entertaining.
Grow with Feedback
As orders come in, listen. Which designs sell? Which ones flop? What are people saying about fabric, fit, or delivery?
Use this data to:
- Introduce new colors and sizes
- Improve packaging
- Offer bundle deals or seasonal collections
Legal Setup & Business Formalities
Once you start getting regular orders, you should register your business to scale further.
Steps to take:
- Get an NTN from FBR
- Register a sole proprietorship
- Open a business bank account
This helps when you want to open a commercial account with a courier, get a payment gateway, or approach investors later.
True Story: Local Brand That Made It
Sara, a Karachi-based university student, started selling tees with Urdu phrases during COVID. Her first batch sold out in under two weeks. She reinvested, grew a following, and now drops new collections every quarter.
Her brand didn’t blow up overnight. She focused on relatable content, comfort, and customer service. That’s what helped her stay ahead.
You can follow a similar path. There’s no secret. It’s just smart planning, consistency, and knowing what works for your audience.
In Closing
Learning how to start a t-shirt business in Pakistan doesn’t require a degree, huge capital, or years of experience. It takes a clear idea, quality product, and consistent action. Don’t overthink. Don’t delay. The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can kick off with around 50,000 rupees if you’re keeping things simple in the beginning.
Markets in Faisalabad, Karachi, and Lahore are your best bet. Always check the fabric before buying.
No problem. You can hire someone or use basic tools like Canva to create your first few designs.
Start with a heat press; it’s cheaper and easier to manage for small orders.
Add up your costs and include enough margin for profit. Don’t try to be the cheapest.