Outdoor Apparel Brand

How Profitable Is An Outdoor Apparel Brand? (Updated for 2024)

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 29th, 2024

So you want to start an outdoor apparel brand?

And the first question that came to your mind was, “well, are outdoor apparel brands actually profitable?”

Especially considering:

You could start a outdoor apparel brand with as low as $49
Based on our data, outdoor apparel brands generate an average of $449K per year
You could see gross margins as high as 60% with outdoor apparel brands

There’s money to be made. Don’t worry.

But, I don't want to spoil it all. Below we’ll cover everything you need to know when it comes to the profitability of a outdoor apparel brand.

Let’s dive in!

Is an outdoor apparel brand profitable?

Yes, an outdoor apparel brand is generally a profitable business. However, you still need to consider several factors since these things always impact the overall outcome.

For instance, since average revenue is $449K per year with an estimated gross margin of 8%, you could expect to recover your investment within 10 months or even less.

But of course, it all comes down to how much you earn compared to the potential revenues of your outdoor apparel brand.

To determine whether your business is profitable, you should earn more than your expenses in the beginning months. However, while you're in your first month, it can be challenging to know what to expect.

Therefore, you should maintain a record of your monthly expenses and income to determine whether you're meeting your goals. By doing this step, you can see how your outdoor apparel brand is doing and if any changes or adjustments need to be made to enhance or maintain your efforts.

Is an outdoor apparel brand worth it?

If you’re wondering if a outdoor apparel brand is worth it, the answer is a big YES. With outdoor apparel brands, you have the potential to earn $449K per year (this is based on data reported by real founders).

Further, you could have your initial investment back within months. Simply put, it’s a business worth a shot, especially if you have the resources and make the necessary efforts to achieve or surpass the target.

With a market size of $, it will be possible for you to build something that grows and turns into a flourishing business. As such, it’s the type of business you might want to consider starting.

Of course, you must learn and understand every aspect of running a outdoor apparel brand to ensure success. Still, as long as you have the initial investment and can endure a few months before your actual gains, this business could be worth it.

You might want to consider reading more specifics about successful outdoor apparel brands case studies.

Examples Of Profitable Outdoor Apparel Brands

Here are a few examples of profitable outdoor apparel brands, and a few more details about them:

1. Bombas ($300M/year)

David Heath and Randy Goldberg didn't plan to start a sock company. Instead, they stumbled upon the idea in 2011 when David saw a Facebook post mentioning that socks were the most requested item in homeless shelters. This surprising fact struck a chord and stayed with him.

Seeing the success of companies like TOMS and Warby Parker, which coupled product sales with charitable giving, inspired them. They wondered if a similar model could solve the sock shortage in homeless shelters by donating a pair for every pair sold.

They started by deeply researching the sock market and testing various designs. With initial skepticism from some quarters, they used feedback to refine their product, focusing on high-quality features like seamless toes and arch support. The combination of a strong social mission and a superior product won them early adopters and set the stage for success.

Is it profitable? Yes
How much money it makes: $300M/year

How Bombas Built a $300M Sock Empire

Bombas co-founders David Heath and Randy Goldberg turned a $140,000 Indiegogo campaign into a $300M/year business by blending mission-driven marketing with high-quality, innovative socks, leveraging Shark Tank exposure, effective use of Facebook ads, and strategic wholesale partnerships.

Read this case study

Read by 71 founders

2. Outdoor Adventure Solutions Inc Shower Toga ($300K/year)

Kressa, the founder of Shower Toga, came up with the idea for her waterproof changing garment after struggling to clean up after Spartan Races. Realizing there was no efficient solution, she invented the Shower Toga and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring it to the mass market. Despite having no prior experience in retail or product development, Kressa persevered and created a high-quality, lightweight, and versatile product that has since gained popularity in outdoor and healthcare industries.

Is it profitable? Yes
What's the gross margin? 60%
How much money it makes: $300K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K

Traveling In An RV To Promote Our $240K/Year Waterproof Changing Garment [As Seen On Shark Tank]

Shower Toga, the world's first and only waterproof changing garment, invented by Kressa, has found success in the outdoor hygiene market, with notable sales to camping, surfing, and healthcare workers for decon, and the company recently donated $100,000 in Shower Togas to healthcare workers and first responders.

Read this case study

Read by 6,771 founders

3. Hammock Sky ($960K/year)

TCM, the owners of Hammock Sky, bought the brand from its original owner, who was an American expat living in Thailand. The original owner had a vision to share the experience of extreme relaxation with people everywhere, leading to the creation of premium quality, spacious hammocks. TCM recognized the brand's values and purchased the business in 2017, experiencing great success with over $2.4 million in revenue and more than 44,000 units sold in 2020.

Is it profitable? Yes
How much money it makes: $960K/year
How much did it cost to start: $49

Buying A Hammock Brand And Growing The Business To $2.4M/Year

Hammock Sky, owned by TCM, has increased sales to $2.4M through producing larger, higher quality hammocks and hammock chairs that cater to everyone’s relaxation needs and promoting greater customer loyalty and engaging with influencers on various online platforms.

Read this case study

Read by 5,681 founders

Learn more about starting an outdoor apparel brand:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start an outdoor apparel brand?
-> Pros and cons of an outdoor apparel brand

Need inspiration?

-> Other outdoor apparel brand success stories
-> Marketing ideas for an outdoor apparel brand

Other resources

-> Outdoor apparel brand tips

How much can you make with an outdoor apparel brand?

With a outdoor apparel brand, you can make an average of $449K revenue per year (based on data reported by real businesses).

You can start with an initial investment as low as $49. Then, with proper knowledge and sustained effort, you could have an ROI (return of investment) within 10 months.

How much does a outdoor apparel brand make a week?

Based on our data, average weekly revenue for a outdoor apparel brand ranges around $791K. As such, you could see monthly revenues of $3.16M.

To know if your outdoor apparel brand achieves the weekly profit target, you need to keep track of the total earnings you get per day. Afterward, you'll want to consider subtracting the expenses you have daily.

Learning your weekly profit can also show whether you're hitting your target goal for your outdoor apparel brand.

How much do outdoor apparel brands owners make?

The income of an outdoor apparel brand owner can vary depending on various factors such as location, size, competition, and the owner's business skills.

But to give you some idea, the weekly revenue of an established outdoor apparel brand is about $791K. But this can be lower or higher depending on so many factors - it's almost impossible to say exactly.

While the potential for earning a good income as an outdoor apparel brand owner exists, success in this field requires a commitment to providing quality products and services and building a strong reputation within the community.

Outdoor Apparel Brand Profit Margins

Generally speaking, an outdoor apparel brand can expect profit margin of around 8%. Profit margins refer to the percentage of revenue that remains after deducting all expenses associated with running a business. In the case of an outdoor apparel brand, profit margins can vary depending on various factors, such as the type and quality of products sold, the size of the store, and the level of competition in the area.

However, these figures can vary depending on the pricing strategy, inventory management, and overall efficiency of the business. To maintain healthy profit margins, outdoor apparel brand owners must focus on managing costs, negotiating favorable supplier terms, and providing high-quality products and services to attract and retain customers. By doing so, outdoor apparel brand owners can ensure long-term sustainability and profitability for their business.

Outdoor apparel brand owner salary

The salary of an outdoor apparel brand owner is an unpredictable figure. It's significantly influenced by numerous factors, including the store's location, its size, and the degree of competition. An owner of a well-established outdoor apparel brand, in a prime position, might see an average weekly salary around the ballpark of $63.3K.

But it's worth noting, such numbers aren't always consistent. The earnings can vary wildly, potentially swinging by as much as 80% either way.

Achieving consistent success and maintaining a reliable income stream in this industry requires a deep commitment. It's imperative to offer high-quality products, deliver impeccable customer service, and nurture a trusted bond with the community you serve.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, based on many of our examples, a outdoor apparel brand may be a promising business to start - but the success of your outdoor apparel brand mostly depends on your effort and your approach.

If you focus on these, you'll have a much higher chance of a profitable outdoor apparel brand.

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Starting An Outdoor Apparel Brand: Everything You Need To Know

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