The Ultimate Guide to Naming Your Clothing Brand in 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Different Types of Brand Names
   • Descriptive Names
   • Evocative Names
   • Invented Names
   • Acronym Names
   • Clean Names
   • Geographical Names
   • Founder Names
3. Choosing a Name for a Clothing Brand
   • Streetwear Brand Name Formats
4. Examples of Streetwear Brands
5. Conclusion

Introduction

When it comes to starting a clothing brand, one of the most important steps is choosing a name. A brand name not only represents your clothing line but also has the power to attract customers and convey the image and values of your brand. In this article, we will explore different types of brand names and delve into the world of streetwear brand names. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a name rebrand, this article will provide you with valuable insights and examples to help you come up with the perfect name for your clothing brand.

Different Types of Brand Names

Choosing the right type of brand name is crucial in creating a strong identity for your clothing brand. Let's explore the different types of brand names you can consider:

1. Descriptive Names

Descriptive names clearly convey the product or service the company does business with. These names leave no room for guessing and tell customers exactly what they can expect. Examples of descriptive brand names include Toys R Us, The Home Depot, and National Geographic.

Pros:

• Tells customers exactly what you do.

Cons:

• Leaves less room for diversity in the future.

2. Evocative Names

Evocative names are suggestions and metaphors that make consumers think of the brand experience or brand positioning. These names evoke emotions and create a certain image in the minds of customers. Examples of evocative brand names include Nike, Patagonia, and Tesla.

Pros:

• Easier to trademark, protect, and make your own.

Cons:

• Tougher to educate the public on the meaning and significance of the name.

3. Invented Names

Invented names are completely unique to your brand and are often made-up words. These names stand out among competitors with more conventional and boring names. Examples of invented brand names include Exxon, Kodak, and Xerox.

Pros:

• Unique and distinct from competitors.

Cons:

• Initially, it may be tougher to educate people on what your brand provides.

4. Acronym Names

Acronym names are abbreviated versions of longer brand names. They often consist of the initials of each word in the brand name or a combination of significant letters. Examples of acronym brand names include IBM, BMW, and MTV.

Pros:

• Easy to remember and recognize.

Cons:

• Can come off as cutesy or tacky.

5. Clean Names

Clean names are sleek, elevated, and often lack descriptive elements. These names focus on simplicity and elegance. While they may not provide much emotion, they reflect a modern and minimalist style. Examples of clean brand names include Apple, Greyhound, and UPS.

Pros:

• Sleek and elevated.

Cons:

• Can be perceived as boring and lacking emotion.

6. Geographical Names

Geographical names are tied to regions for reasons of origin, wonder, or destination. These names associate the brand with a specific location, which can create value if customers already have an affinity for that place. Examples of geographical brand names include American Airlines, California Pizza Kitchen, and The North Face.

Pros:

• Associates the brand with a specific location.

Cons:

• Many locations are already taken, making it less unique.

7. Founder Names

Founder names use the names of the company's founders, giving a personal touch and starting a legacy. Examples of founder brand names include Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Pros:

• Creates an important icon and legacy.

Cons:

• Seen as egotistical and may not describe products until the population is educated and accustomed to the name.

Choosing a Name for a Clothing Brand

Now that we have explored the different types of brand names, let's relate this back to fashion and more specifically, streetwear. Streetwear brands often opt for certain suffixes to create unique and recognizable names. Some popular suffixes include Dot, Studios, Worldwide, Online, Archive, and Club.

When choosing a streetwear brand name, it's important to consider how it resonates with your target audience and whether it accurately represents your brand's style and values. Here are some examples of streetwear brands using different name formats:

• Chrome Hearts: Evocative and founder name
• Born Lotus: Founder name
• A Cold Wall: Evocative and geographical name
• FTP: Acronym name
• Stone Island: Evocative and geographical name
• Balenciaga: Founder name
• Half Evil: Evocative name
• Advisory Board Crystals: Descriptive and evocative name

To create a unique and powerful streetwear brand name, think about the emotions and feelings you want to evoke and choose a name that aligns with those aspirations. Whether you decide to go with a descriptive, evocative, or founder name, make sure it resonates with your target audience and accurately represents your brand's identity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right name for your clothing brand is a crucial step in establishing your brand's identity and attracting customers. By understanding the different types of brand names and considering the specific requirements of streetwear brands, you can create a unique and memorable name that sets your brand apart. So, take your time, explore different options, and choose a name that truly represents your brand's style, values, and aspirations.