Quick answer: To start a ski wear brand, pick a clear niche, launch a small first collection (one jacket, one pant or bib, plus merch), work with a factory that accepts low MOQs, and lock designs by early summer so stock lands before the winter season.
Ski and snowboard clothing has loyal customers and high prices, which makes it attractive for new brands. It is also seasonal and technical, so timing and specifications matter more than in basic streetwear. This guide walks through the steps from idea to first delivery.
Quick answer
Start with 3–5 styles, order 30–100 pieces per design, and plan backwards from your launch date: designs and tech packs by May–June, samples in June–July, bulk in August–September and stock in hand by October for Northern Hemisphere sales.
Need these made? Ravix Pro Industry in Daska, Sialkot is a sportswear manufacturer for sports clubs and clothing brands in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. Custom, OEM and private label production since 2008, with in-house sublimation, printing and embroidery, an MOQ of 30 pieces per design, samples in 7–10 days and bulk in 2–4 weeks. WRAP, BSCI, OEKO-TEX and ISO 9001 certified.
Part of our guide: Custom Sportswear Products · Quick answers
Step 1: Choose your niche
| Niche | Who buys | What to make first |
|---|---|---|
| Resort and lifestyle | Holiday skiers, families | Insulated jackets, pants, one-piece suits |
| Freeride and park | Snowboarders and young skiers | Baggy shell jackets, bib pants, hoodies |
| Retro and fashion | Style-led buyers, après-ski | One-piece and metallic suits, colour-block jackets |
| Kids’ ski wear | Parents, ski schools | Insulated sets in bright colours |
| Uniforms | Ski schools, resorts, rental shops | Branded staff jackets and pants |
Step 2: Plan a small first collection
- One hero jacket in 2–3 colours
- One matching pant or bib
- Optional: a one-piece suit for a standout look
- Easy add-ons with good margins: beanies, neck warmers, hoodies and base layers
Step 3: Write your specs and tech pack
Decide waterproof and breathability ratings, shell layers, seam taping, insulation weights and features before you contact factories. Our ski wear manufacturing guide explains each option, and how to make a tech pack shows how to put it on paper.
Step 4: Find a factory and sample
Look for an outerwear factory that accepts low MOQs, shares fabric test data and makes a physical sample before bulk. Check certifications such as WRAP, BSCI and OEKO-TEX. See questions to ask a manufacturer.
Step 5: Plan your timeline
| Stage | Northern Hemisphere | Southern Hemisphere |
|---|---|---|
| Designs and tech packs | May–June | January–February |
| Samples approved | July | March |
| Bulk production | August–September | April |
| Stock in hand and launch | October | May–June |
Step 6: Understand your costs
Your landed cost is the factory price plus samples, freight, import duty and VAT or sales tax. Most garments from Pakistan enter the EU and UK duty-free under GSP+ and DCTS, which helps margins for European brands. See clothing manufacturing costs and our import duty guide.
Step 7: Sell before and during the season
- Take pre-orders in early autumn to fund production
- Shoot content on snow early in the season
- Partner with ski schools, clubs and instructors
- Offer team and staff uniforms for extra B2B sales
From our factory floor in Sialkot
At Ravix Pro Industry we have manufactured sportswear since 2008 and now run more than 100 stitching and finishing machines with 150+ workers, producing 20,000+ pieces a month for over 500 brands and clubs in 50+ countries. Every order follows the same 11 steps: quote, design, approval, sample, cutting, decoration, stitching, thread trimming, quality check, packing and door-to-door shipping. Sublimation, screen printing, DTF and embroidery happen in-house, so we control colour, print quality and timing ourselves. See our manufacturing process and quality checks.
Ready to start? Request a free quote for custom ski wear or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. MOQ from 30 pieces per design. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a ski wear brand?
It depends on styles and quantities. With an MOQ of 30 pieces per design, a first collection of 3–5 styles is far cheaper than with factories that require 500+ pieces.
When should I order ski wear for the winter season?
Lock designs by May–June so samples are approved in July and stock arrives by October for the Northern Hemisphere.
What MOQ do ski wear factories require?
Large factories often ask for 300–1,000+ pieces per style. Ravix Pro starts at 30 pieces per design.
Do I need a tech pack to make ski wear?
Yes. A tech pack with measurements, fabrics, ratings and features avoids mistakes and makes quotes accurate.
Can a ski wear brand also sell uniforms?
Yes. Ski schools, resorts and rental shops buy branded staff jackets and pants, which adds steady B2B orders.
