Passive Income Ideas For Fashion Designers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a Fashion designer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a Fashion designer today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.
For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a Fashion designer.
Here's the full list:
1. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and earn passive revenue as a fashion designer. Since the model requires no upfront inventory costs, you could focus on creating unique and stylish designs for a variety of products like custom apparel, home goods, and phone cases. This aligns perfectly with your existing design skills, allowing you to monetize your creativity without the financial risk of holding stock.
By leveraging online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience right from the comfort of your home. The dropshipping production and fulfillment services handle printing and shipping each order, freeing up your time to focus on creating more designs and marketing your products. This means you could build a scalable business at your own pace, turning your artistic talent into a reliable source of extra income.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
2. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could explore starting a subscription box business to supplement your income. By curating a monthly selection of niche fashion items, such as accessories, fabric swatches, or limited-edition designs, you could offer customers exclusive products that they can't find elsewhere. This not only adds value to their experience but also showcases your unique style and creativity.
Subscription boxes are in high demand and can be highly profitable, especially when you understand your niche market and provide quality products. With a well-designed box and effective marketing, you could build a loyal customer base and generate a steady stream of passive income. Additionally, building good relationships with fulfillment companies can help ensure smooth operations and consistent delivery, freeing up more of your time to focus on your primary design work.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity for you as a fashion designer to supplement your income and explore new revenue streams. Since dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory, you could focus on curating niche fashion items that resonate with your personal design aesthetics and your audience's tastes. This approach lets you leverage your industry knowledge to select unique products that stand out in the market.
You could set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and partner with reliable suppliers from sites like AliExpress. By promoting these curated items through your existing fashion network and social media, you could attract customers who appreciate your expert eye for style. Remember to keep an eye on your expenses and profit margins to make sure the business remains profitable.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
4. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a fashion designer, starting an eCommerce reselling business could be a smart way to supplement your income and make extra money with minimal upfront costs. Instead of investing time and resources into creating your own products, you could purchase garments, accessories, or fashion-related items for resale. This would allow you to leverage your expertise in fashion trends and quality to curate a desirable collection for your customers.
You don’t need a website to get started right away. You could launch your reselling business on social media platforms, which could help you reach a broad audience without immediate financial investment. As your business grows, you could eventually create a dedicated website to further expand your reach.
This could be an excellent side hustle that complements your existing work since it leverages your knowledge and passion for fashion while generating passive income.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
5. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could supplement your income by creating and selling online courses about fashion design. Many people are interested in learning skills like sketching designs, selecting fabrics, and sewing techniques. By sharing your knowledge through an online course, you could reach a broad audience and generate passive income.
Developing an online course could be a great way to teach aspiring designers the skills needed to break into the fashion industry. You would only need to create the course once, and then you could sell it to multiple students through an online learning platform. With the e-learning market growing rapidly, this is a promising opportunity to monetize your expertise while continuing your work in fashion design.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
6. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way for you to share your fashion expertise and creative process while earning extra income. Imagine creating videos that showcase your design methods, offering how-to guides on sewing and pattern making, or even sharing behind-the-scenes looks at your latest collections. These types of content could attract an audience interested in fashion, helping you gain followers and potentially earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
The platform is versatile and lets you showcase your unique voice and style, allowing you to connect with viewers who share your passion for fashion. While it does require commitment to regularly produce quality videos and engage with your audience, the effort can pay off in both financial rewards and personal satisfaction. If you’re willing to invest the time and energy, starting a YouTube channel could be a fulfilling and profitable side hustle for a fashion designer.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
7. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could offer you a great way to share your expertise as a fashion designer, while also opening up avenues for passive income. By focusing on a specific area within the fashion world, such as sustainable fashion, up-and-coming designers, or fashion tips for certain body types, you could engage with a passionate online community that shares your interests.
As you build your blog, you could offer how-to guides, style tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at your design process, which can attract an audience eager to learn from an industry insider. Over time, you could monetize your blog through affiliate links, partnership with relevant fashion brands, and even public speaking opportunities at fashion events.
Moreover, creating consistent, high-quality content and engaging with your followers regularly can help grow your visibility and credibility. This not only supplements your income but also strengthens your personal brand in the fashion industry.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
8. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could supplement your income by starting a stock photography business. With your eye for detail and design, you could easily capture high-quality images that are in demand for marketing and advertising by website owners and bloggers. Your background in fashion will help you create visually appealing and trendy photos that stand out.
By investing in good photography gear and dedicating time to learning the art of stock photography, you could build an impressive portfolio. Once you upload your images to stock photography platforms, they could continue to generate passive income as businesses pay for single-usage licenses to use your photos. With a strong online presence, you could sell your photos faster and at profitable margins, making this a practical side hustle.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
9. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could supplement your income with affiliate marketing by promoting products that align with your design aesthetic and fashion expertise. Imagine recommending fabrics, sewing machines, or even fashion books to your audience and earning a commission for each sale. This way, you leverage your existing knowledge and influence without having to create new products from scratch.
To get started, you could find eCommerce stores or manufacturers that fit well with your brand and expertise. Start sharing their products on your blog, social media, or through a dedicated website. Over time, this could turn into a steady stream of passive income, enhancing your overall earning potential as a fashion designer.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
10. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a fashion designer, starting a niche website could be a great way to supplement your income. You could build a website focused on a specific aspect of fashion that you're passionate about, such as sustainable materials, fashion for petite sizes, or vintage clothing. By curating targeted content and sharing your expertise, you could attract an audience interested in your specialized niche.
Once your website begins attracting traffic, you could monetize it through various means, such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling your own digital products like style guides or sewing patterns. This project requires some initial investment in time for content creation and SEO, but once established, it could become a source of passive income. If you have a keen interest in a particular fashion topic and the drive to explore it deeply, a niche website could be a rewarding side project.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
11. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a great way to supplement your income as a fashion designer while sharing your expertise and passion for fashion. By diving into topics like fashion trends, design techniques, and your own journey in the industry, you could attract listeners who are eager to learn from your experience. This can open up opportunities for sponsorships or advertising, providing a steady stream of extra money.
Creating a podcast doesn’t require a big budget—basic equipment like a microphone and headphones are enough to get started. By choosing an interesting niche within fashion, you could build a dedicated audience. Promoting your podcast through social media and word of mouth can help you grow your listener base, turning your side hustle into a source of passive income.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
12. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could supplement your income by starting an AI-based business solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various aspects of your design and business processes, from automating inventory management to enhancing personalized marketing strategies. AI tools can also provide valuable customer insights and predict fashion trends, helping you stay ahead of the curve without needing a background in tech.
User-friendly platforms make it accessible for anyone, so you could easily incorporate these systems into your existing workflow. The growing demand for AI solutions offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded designers to innovate and boost business performance. Exploring this path could give you a competitive edge and potentially open up new revenue streams for your fashion business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
13. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a fashion designer, you could turn your creative ideas into a mobile app to supplement your income. Imagine developing an app that helps users mix and match outfits, provides personalized fashion advice, or even offers virtual wardrobe management. This could attract a wide audience interested in fashion and style.
Building a mobile app doesn't require you to be a tech expert; you could start with a clear vision and basic knowledge, or hire a skilled developer to bring your idea to life. Your main tasks would involve planning how users will interact with the app, designing visually appealing interfaces, and making sure everything works smoothly. If marketed effectively, your app could not only bring in extra money but also expand your brand's reach.
Considering how integral mobile apps are to people's daily lives, diving into this venture could open up new revenue streams for you. If you have a fashion idea that's innovative and helpful, the world of app development is a promising path to explore.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
14. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a fashion designer, your insight into creative needs and trends positions you uniquely to develop an AI writing tool. This tool could help generate content for fashion blogs, social media posts, and marketing materials, which are often time-consuming but essential parts of the fashion business. By automating this process, you could not only save time for yourself and others but also ensure the content is consistently engaging and up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.
Another possibility is targeting fashion students and emerging designers who need help with writing assignments or creating their brand voice. By offering a tool that assists in content creation, you’re providing a valuable resource that could be a game-changer for many in the industry. This venture could expand your income streams and cement your place within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
