30 Startup Ideas for High School Students Interested in Fashion or Retail

Starting a business while you’re still in high school builds valuable skills that can set you apart in your future career. Launching your own fashion or retail startup helps you develop leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to identify trends, understand customer needs, manage inventory, and promote a brand, all skills that employers value. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to turn your interest in style, design, and sales into something tangible that can make an impact.

Due to technological advances and the explosion of e-commerce, there has never been a better time to start a fashion or retail business. Online tools like Canva simplify graphic design, while Shopify and Printify enable you to launch your store and fulfill orders without large upfront costs or inventory hassles. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow you to build a loyal customer base from your bedroom, creating a community around your brand.

For first-time entrepreneurs, youth incubators such as Young Founders Lab (YFL) offer mentorship, resources, and funding competitions to help you launch and grow your startup idea. Fashion contests, grants, and accelerator programs for student founders are more accessible than ever, meaning you can get guidance every step of the way.

Here are 30 startup ideas in fashion and/or retail for high schoolers!

30 Startup Ideas for High School Students Interested in Fashion and Retail

1. Custom T-Shirt Designer

Create and sell unique t-shirt designs featuring original artwork, catchy phrases, or trending themes. This idea is perfect if you love graphic design and want to explore fashion basics without needing to manage physical inventory. Using print-on-demand services like Printify, you can design, list, and sell shirts online, with production and shipping handled by the platform.

Skills/tools needed: Canva or Adobe Illustrator for design, Printify or Teespring, and Instagram marketing

Initial costs: Low,  mostly design software subscriptions and sample prints to ensure quality

2. Thrift Flipping Business

Buy stylish or vintage clothing at thrift stores or online marketplaces, then upcycle or creatively alter these pieces to make them more appealing and unique. Resell your curated or customized items on platforms like Depop or Poshmark. This business suits students passionate about sustainable fashion, who enjoy hunting for bargains and reimagining old clothes. It’s also a great way to learn about sourcing and product presentation.

Skills/tools needed: Thrift sourcing skills, basic sewing or fabric paint for upcycling, Depop or Poshmark

Initial costs: Moderate,  inventory purchase, materials for alterations, packaging

3. Handmade Jewelry Shop

Design and create your own line of handmade jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, then sell them online or at local events. This is ideal for creative students who enjoy crafting and want to learn about small-scale retail. You can specialize in materials like beads, wire, or recycled items and develop a unique brand identity around your designs.

Skills/tools needed: Jewelry making kits or supplies, Etsy shop setup, Instagram for promotion

Initial costs: Low to moderate,  materials and packaging supplies

4. Personalized Accessories Brand

Offer personalized accessories like embroidered hats, custom phone cases, or tote bags featuring names, initials, or artwork. This business is a great fit for students who want to combine creativity with personalization, offering customers a product that feels unique and special. You can start with small batches and scale up based on demand.

Skills/tools needed: Embroidery tools or access to printing services, Canva for design, Shopify or Etsy

Initial costs: Moderate,  materials for accessories and packaging

5. Fashion Subscription Box

Curate and deliver themed monthly boxes containing fashion accessories, beauty samples, or upcycled clothing pieces targeted at a specific niche (such as eco-friendly fashion or teen trends). This idea is perfect if you have strong organizational skills and an eye for trends, as you’ll be responsible for sourcing, packaging, and marketing each box.

Skills/tools needed: Shopify or Cratejoy, social media marketing, trend research

Initial costs: Moderate,  inventory purchasing and packaging supplies

6. Online Boutique Store

Create an online store selling trendy clothing and accessories sourced from wholesalers, emerging designers, or your own creations. This business is suitable if you’re interested in e-commerce, trend forecasting, and customer service. You’ll learn how to build and maintain a website, handle orders, and engage with customers.

Skills/tools needed: Shopify or Wix, social media marketing, supplier relations

Initial costs: Moderate, website setup fees, and initial inventory

7. Customized Shoe Design

Offer services customizing sneakers or shoes with hand-painted designs, fabric applications, or decals. Artistic students passionate about footwear and detail-oriented design will enjoy creating one-of-a-kind shoes for customers looking to stand out. This startup can start locally and grow through social media exposure.

Skills/tools needed: Acrylic paints, brushes, shoe supplies, and Instagram marketing

Initial costs: Low to moderate, materials and sample shoes

8. Digital Fashion Illustration Service

Create digital fashion sketches, mood boards, or concept designs for clients such as small brands, aspiring models, or fellow students. This is a great option for students with digital art skills who want to break into the fashion world without physical inventory. You can sell commissions or offer packaged services online.

Skills/tools needed: Procreate or Adobe Illustrator, social media or Etsy, client communication tools

Initial costs: Low,  mainly software subscription

9. Eco-Friendly Tote Bag Brand

Design and sell eco-friendly tote bags printed with unique artwork, slogans, or logos, targeting customers who want sustainable alternatives to plastic bags. This business is perfect if you’re passionate about environmental causes and creativity. Using print-on-demand services helps keep startup costs low while maintaining product quality.

Skills/tools needed: Canva or Illustrator, Printify or similar, Shopify or Etsy

Initial costs: Low to moderate; printing and marketing

10. Virtual Styling Consultant

Provide personalized virtual styling advice and outfit planning via video chat or social media messaging. You can help clients choose clothing for events, create capsule wardrobes, or find new ways to style existing pieces. This startup works well for students with a strong sense of style and good communication skills.

Skills/tools needed: Instagram or TikTok for promotion, Zoom or Google Meet for consultations, Canva for lookbooks

Initial costs: Very low, mostly marketing and communication tools

11. Handmade Hair Accessories Brand

Create and sell unique hair accessories like scrunchies, headbands, or clips made from fabric, beads, or eco-friendly materials. This business is great for students who enjoy crafting and want to tap into the booming market of self-expression through hair fashion. You can sell your products online or at local markets and events.

Skills/tools needed: Sewing basics, beadwork tools, Etsy or Instagram marketing

Initial costs: Low, materials and packaging

12. Upcycled Denim Jacket Line

Transform plain denim jackets into statement pieces by adding patches, embroidery, paint, or distressing. Perfect for students passionate about sustainable fashion and artistic customization. This idea lets you experiment with design while promoting eco-conscious consumerism.

Skills/tools needed: Sewing and embroidery, fabric paint, thrift sourcing

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory purchase and materials

13. Kids’ Clothing Boutique

Design or curate trendy, comfortable clothing for kids and sell through an online boutique or local pop-ups. This startup fits you if you’re interested in retail and want to serve a niche market with potential for loyal customers. You’ll learn product selection, branding, and customer engagement.

Skills/tools needed: Shopify, social media marketing, supplier research

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory and marketing

14. Personalized Phone Case Shop

Design and sell personalized phone cases featuring custom art, initials, or photos. This idea appeals to students who enjoy graphic design and want to tap into a popular retail niche. Using print-on-demand services keeps costs low and simplifies fulfillment.

Skills/tools needed: Canva or Photoshop, Printify or similar, Instagram marketing

Initial costs: Low, mostly design and marketing

15. Trendy Face Mask Brand

Create stylish, reusable face masks with unique patterns or customizable features. This business suits students looking to combine fashion and health awareness. You can sell masks online or at community events and develop a brand that emphasizes both style and safety.

Skills/tools needed: Sewing, fabric sourcing, Shopify or Etsy

Initial costs: Low to moderate, materials and packaging

16. Virtual Thrift Store

Curate thrifted fashion finds and resell them entirely online, using Instagram or TikTok as your storefront. This idea is ideal for students who love fashion hunting but want to focus on digital sales and social media engagement. You can create styling videos and grow a loyal following.

Skills/tools needed: Social media marketing, thrift sourcing, photography

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory and marketing

17. Custom Embroidered Apparel

Offer custom embroidery services on hats, jackets, shirts, or bags. This business fits students with access to embroidery equipment and an interest in detailed craftsmanship. You’ll develop technical skills and build relationships with customers who want personalized fashion items.

Skills/tools needed: Embroidery machine or tools, Canva for design, social media

Initial costs: Moderate, equipment and materials

18. Sustainable Socks Line

Design and sell socks made from eco-friendly or recycled materials, targeting customers interested in sustainable fashion. You can brand your line around comfort, style, and environmental impact, perfect if you’re passionate about green initiatives.

Skills/tools needed: Supplier research, Shopify or Etsy, social media

Initial costs: Moderate, sourcing and inventory

19. Seasonal Fashion Pop-Up Shop

Organize seasonal pop-up shops featuring curated collections of local or handmade fashion products. This idea is great for students interested in event planning and retail operations, offering a hands-on way to connect with customers and vendors.

Skills/tools needed: Event planning, social media marketing, vendor sourcing

Initial costs: Moderate, venue rental and marketing

20. Customized Denim Shorts

Create custom denim shorts by distressing, painting, or adding patches and sell them online or at local markets. This business is well-suited if you’re artistic, enjoy hands-on fashion design and want to work with a popular, casual clothing item.

Skills/tools needed: Sewing, fabric paint, thrift sourcing

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory and materials

21. Personalized Jewelry Box Business

Design and decorate custom jewelry boxes or organizers, adding names, patterns, or themed artwork. This startup is ideal for you if you like crafting and want to combine organization with fashion accessories. You can sell your creations online or at craft fairs.

Skills/tools needed: Crafting supplies, painting tools, Etsy or Instagram

Initial costs: Low to moderate, materials and packaging

22. Online Vintage Clothing Store

Build an online store specializing in authentic vintage or retro clothing pieces. Perfect for students who love fashion history and curation. You’ll learn how to source rare items, photograph products well, and build an online brand.

Skills/tools needed: Thrift sourcing, Shopify, photography, social media marketing

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory and marketing

23. Fashion Blog with Affiliate Sales

Start a fashion-focused blog reviewing trends, sharing style tips, and recommending products. Monetize your blog through affiliate marketing by linking to clothing and accessories. This idea fits students who enjoy writing and fashion but want a low-cost entry into retail.

Skills/tools needed: Blogging platforms (WordPress), SEO basics, affiliate networks

Initial costs: Very low, domain and hosting fees

24. Customized Screen-Printed Apparel

Offer screen printing services for local clubs, teams, or events on t-shirts, hoodies, or bags. This business is great for students with access to printing equipment and who want to combine art with entrepreneurship.

Skills/tools needed: Screen printing kit, design software, local marketing

Initial costs: Moderate, printing supplies and equipment

25. Handmade Fashion Masks for Events

Create decorative or themed face masks explicitly designed for events like parties, holidays, or festivals. This startup caters to creative students seeking to combine fashion with current health needs and festive occasions.

Skills/tools needed: Sewing skills, fabric sourcing, Etsy or social media

Initial costs: Low to moderate, materials and packaging

26. Fashion Resale Marketplace

Build a digital marketplace or Instagram shop where you resell gently used or limited-edition fashion items. This idea is great for you if you enjoy finding great deals and curating a collection for others.

Skills/tools needed: Social media marketing, photography, sourcing

Initial costs: Moderate, inventory and marketing

27. Custom Embellished Sneakers

Design and sell sneakers customized with crystals, paint, or fabric embellishments for a unique, personalized look. Perfect for artistic students who love footwear and detailed design work.

Skills/tools needed: Craft supplies, acrylic paint, Instagram marketing

Initial costs: Low to moderate, supplies and sample shoes

28. Fashion Illustration Prints

Sell high-quality prints of your original fashion illustrations, either framed or as posters. This idea is ideal for you if you have strong drawing skills and want to enter the retail space without physical product inventory.

Skills/tools needed: Digital art software, printing services, Etsy

Initial costs: Low, digital tools and printing

29. Eco-Friendly Packaging Supplier

Create and sell sustainable, reusable, or compostable packaging solutions for small fashion businesses. This startup is perfect for students passionate about sustainability and entrepreneurship, combining environmental awareness with retail needs.

Skills/tools needed: Supplier sourcing, Shopify, social media

Initial costs: Moderate, initial inventory and marketing

30. DIY Fashion Kits

Create and sell kits that include all the materials and instructions for customers to make their own fashion items like jewelry, scrunchies, or patches. This business fits students who love crafting and teaching others, offering an interactive retail experience.

Skills/tools needed: Crafting supplies, instructional design, Etsy or Shopify

Initial costs: Moderate,  kit assembly and packaging

If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you establish a developed startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab! 

The Young Founders Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.  You can access the application link here!



Krishnapriya, or KP, is the Head of Partnerships at the YFL and an LSE graduate. She is super passionate about the environment (especially nonhumans with 3+ limbs) and considers walking her dogs as the most important part of her day!