Hosiery Business Setup for Under £300 Micro-Business — UK Starter Guide
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
A Leicester woman started by buying end-of-line tights from a local factory, then added her own sizing notes after too many returns. She now sells small batches of vintage-look stockings at craft fairs and online.
Real UK Business Example
Glamorous Hosiery Leicester hosiery manufacturer producing tights and socks for UK fashion labels. Craft sellers niche into vintage-inspired small runs.
What is Hosiery Business Setup for Under £300?
A hosiery business sells tights, stockings and socks. The focus here is on accurate sizing and small runs of better fabrics rather than mass-market packs.
Video Breakdown
The video walks through sizing charts, fabric choices and positioning as a premium option instead of competing on price. Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- Build one clear sizing chart and stick to it
- Start with mid-weight tights that fit a wide range
- Sell first at markets before spending on a shop
- Use simple packaging to keep unit costs under £4
- Collect email addresses at every sale for repeats
- Check fabric composition labels on every batch
Startup Costs in the UK
Most people launch for under £300 using second-hand kit and free online tools.
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Second-hand sewing machine | £40–£80 | Local Facebook Marketplace |
| Sample fabric and threads | £30–£60 | Leicester wholesalers or online remnants |
| Market stall fee (one day) | £25–£50 | Check local council markets |
| Basic packaging and labels | £20–£40 | Printed swing tags and tissue |
| Simple website or Etsy set-up | £0–£30 | Use free templates first |
In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Basic sewing machine for alterations
- Measuring tape and size chart template
- Small stock of tights in core sizes
- Packaging and branded swing tags
How to Start
- Visit a Leicester or Nottingham wholesaler to feel current stock
- Print a single A4 sizing chart and test it on five friends
- Book one Saturday market stall through your local council
- Photograph every pair on a simple hanger against white card
- List the first ten items on Etsy or a free Shopify trial
- Register as self-employed with HMRC before the first £1,000
- Keep every receipt for fabric and stall fees for your tax return
Earnings & Scaling
Early sellers report £150–£400 profit in a good market weekend once they have repeat local buyers. Scaling usually means moving from one stall to three or adding made-to-order longer lengths rather than opening a shop.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Low stock cost if you buy remnants
- Easy to test at weekend markets
- Repeat purchases from the same customers
Cons:
- High return rate if sizing is wrong
- Seasonal demand drops in summer
- Hard to stand out from supermarket packs
Risks:
- Fabric quality varies between batches
- Market fees eat profit on quiet days
- Online returns can wipe out small margins
UK-Specific Tips
- Check GOV.UK guidance on textile labelling before selling
- Use local Facebook groups for your nearest craft markets
- Keep VAT records once turnover passes £90,000
- Offer local collection to cut postage costs
FAQ
Do I need a full factory to start?
No. Most small sellers buy finished tights and only alter or repackage them at home.
Where do I find decent fabric in the UK?
Leicester wholesalers and online remnant sites supply small quantities without minimum orders.
How do I handle sizing complaints?
Publish one clear chart and offer free exchanges rather than refunds in the first month.
Is this seasonal?
Yes, winter months are busiest, so use quieter months to build an email list for the next season.
Conclusion
Start with one market stall and a simple sizing chart. When the first ten pairs sell without returns, consider adding a second style. browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.
