NAME FOR A CLOTHING STORE

Naming refers to the process of developing a name for a brand. It combines an understanding of marketing principles, creativity, and a logical approach. After all, a name should be associative and apt, easily recognizable, and unique. In some cases, when a company changes its name, naming becomes a crucial part of rebranding. In this article, we will discuss what the best name for a clothing store is and share examples we have collected ourselves.

What are we talking about?

The more competitive the business niche, the harder it is to find the perfect name. If the product has no analogs on the market, creating a simple yet original name is relatively easy. However, if thousands of stores with similar products, related to the production and sale of clothing, have already been named, a deep market and target audience analysis will be necessary. By considering existing options and identifying the pros and cons of names, you can develop a name that will evoke the right emotions and be memorable.

3 basics of naming for a clothing store infographic

What should the name of a clothing store be like?

You can find many name ideas for clothing stores online. However, you should not limit yourself to pre-existing options, which are often already patented or simply outdated. It would be more effective to monitor competitors, during which you can determine why a particular name appeals to the target audience. A name in the fashion sector should evoke emotions, as purchasing clothing items is often impulsive, as is choosing a retailer.

“Naming involves not only choosing or creating a name but also checking the future name for harmony, ease of pronunciation and memorability, comprehensive research of its perception by the target audience, determining the patent purity of the name’s phonetics, as well as registration and legal protection.

Apt, easy-to-pronounce, and memorable words that have a specific meaning and prompt the consumer to perceive the specifics of a particular firm/corporation are components of a successful name” .“Product naming”—Wikipedia

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Main criteria for choosing a name for an online clothing store:

Associativity

Try to choose a name that evokes the right emotions in your target audience. How does your typical customer want to appear—cool and rugged, solid and confident, or attractive and spontaneous? The aptness of the name depends on the needs of the target audience in any niche, especially in clothing, as it identifies a person, their preferences, and lifestyle.

Simplicity

Choose concise names that consist of one or two words and are easy to remember. Imagine a scenario where a friend recommends a store in a shopping center. Does the name you’ve chosen sound natural in everyday conversation? Sometimes a name may sound beautiful and have deep meaning but be too “poetic” or complex for customers.

Aesthetic Writing

Visual branding is an important component of choosing a name for a clothing store. Consider balance, proportions, word length, and symmetry. Pay attention to words where the same letter is repeated in the middle (such as “Attrice” and “Sorelle”), which typically attract visual attention. Short words (“Only”, “Lynx”) look great in logos.

Melodiousness

The absence of homonyms (words with different meanings spelled the same) and consonant clashes, pleasant rhythm and melody are important. The name should sound beautiful in various languages. Think ahead about the prospects of trading in English-speaking countries.

Uniqueness

Even if a store with a similar name offers products in a completely different category, there is a risk of losing some traffic during Google searches or on social networks due to the similarity of the name. To register a trademark, you need to consult with a lawyer to ensure that you are not infringing on the copyright of an existing company.

Availability

If the domain with your chosen name is already taken, consider abandoning this name. Some sellers name their store and domain differently, confusing customers. It’s not a good idea just to change one or two letters or add a punctuation mark, as in such cases, the search engine may display a competitor’s site instead of yours in response to key queries.

Special Meaning

Try to incorporate part of the company’s mission or its essence into the name. If the name was created impulsively and carries hidden meaning, explain this in the “About the Company” section or in the slogan.

“Every name needs an explanation, a legend. Often it prompts special features in other areas of communication: interior design, packaging, or user interaction. A brand story works when it’s confirmed in the details”—Anna Lisovska, copywriter.

Before creating a website, it’s advisable to purchase a .com domain name. This can increase traffic to your site, enhance trust in the brand, and simplify its promotion abroad. But if the .com domain for your store’s name is already taken, use any other top-level domain, such as .org or .biz.

how to find ideas for creating a clothing store

Stages and Methods of Creating a Name for a Clothing Store

Creating a name for a clothing store requires not only creative thinking but also an analytical approach. Ideally, a marketer, based on the business owner’s preferences and using proven methods, should carry out the naming process step by step.

  1. Competitor Analysis: Create a list of effective names in your niche and related areas. Choose the best and think about how they can be refined, changed, or added to.
  2. Target Audience Portrait: Using focus groups, you can determine which competitor company names appeal to your target audience and understand what type of name yours should be.
  3. Internal Company Audit: If a specialist is tasked with creating the name, it is crucial that they are thoroughly familiar with the product catalog, philosophy, values, and mission of the brand. In some cases, the business owner or manager provides the marketer with a technical task that includes requirements for the name and a description of the company’s concept.
  4. Creating the Naming Idea: The message it should convey to customers.
  5. The Process of Selecting Name Options: This can be lengthy and complex, as ideally, you should have dozens, if not hundreds, of options.
  6. Filtering Out Excess Options: After testing them against a list of criteria for an effective clothing store name.
  7. Developing Visual Support: This involves visualizing the logo for each option. How will the word look on stickers, tags, T-shirts, or sweatshirts with the manufacturer’s name? All possibilities for displaying the name in combination with and without the logo should be considered.
  8. Final Selection: Should also be phased: first, list 15-20 options, then narrow it down to 3-4, and finally conduct a survey among company employees, friends, and if possible, among potential customers.
  9. Checking the Uniqueness of the Name: Availability of a free domain, trademark registration. If the chosen option is taken, return to other names from your final list.

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Clothing Brand Name Generators:

You can also use clothing brand name generators, including free ones. Among them are the Clothing & Fashion Brand Name Generator, Clothing & Fashion Brand Name Generator by Wix and The Story Shack. ou can also check for available domains on sites like Squadhelp and others. However, even the best services cannot fully replace creativity and sometimes suggest names that are already taken.

To create a name for a new Ukrainian brand or online clothing store, you can use a simple and tested method: choose an apt word that associates with the brand and write it in Latin script, as the brand Garno did. Wordplay, especially in English, always attracts attention, brings a smile, and sticks in memory, like Rack n Reroll—”rack and reboot”, Threads & Trends—”threads and trends”, Finders Keepers—”found and kept”.

One of the fastest and most effective methods of creating a name is a brainstorming session, during which you can prepare a long list of options and highlight the best ones, if necessary combining 2-3 and improving them considering the rules for developing a clothing store name.

Types of Names for Clothing Stores

number for list one

Personal Names

Clothing store names often derive from the names or surnames of the founders. This approach is suitable only if the individual has notable achievements in fashion.

For example, the team of well-known Ukrainian designer Lilia Poustovit created the brand Support by Poustovit. The celebrity’s surname in the name implies quality and recognition of the products in many countries. The additional word “support” defines the mission of the project. The designer’s main store has a succinct yet resounding name.

number for list two

Emotional Names

These are also known as suggestive names. They are based on emotions, crucial for popularizing products related to style and beauty, including clothing, footwear, and accessories. People look for an emotional outcome for themselves, so make it clear that your brand’s clothing fulfills their needs.

Examples include women’s lingerie stores like Nepokirna Lingerie, Intimissimi, Intimo. Suggestive names often involve names of items, animals, or plants that can somehow represent the style of the brand’s clothing. For example, the embroidery shop “Kalyna”, the girl’s light and romantic clothing store Romashka, or the bright and somewhat exotic clothing from the brand with the juicy name Papaya.

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Descriptive Names

These are the most transparent names, answering what the store sells or at least hinting at it. For clothing, an excellent choice would be a name that includes a word indicating the fabric or garment-making technique.

Descriptive names can also reflect the style of clothing offered by the manufacturer or retailer, as implemented in Hoho Boho—a handmade clothing store in the boho style. Rhyming with this word creates a light effect and enhances name recall.

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Playful Names

Made-up words or exclamations, repetition of syllables, and elongation of letters—all contribute to making names memorable. Some consumers may find such names annoying, but this is rare in the clothing retail niche.

Examples include Olulu Brand, Rikky Hype.

Invented or Exotic Names

If you want to name a brand after a person (likely a woman’s name), ensure it is original. It’s better to choose “Geraldine” rather than “Svitlana”. Otherwise, the store might be associated with a bakery in a small town. Examples of refined and time-tested name-names include Dressa, Giulia, Jasmine. The latter can be associated with both a flower and the main female character from the famous story about Aladdin.

Alphanumeric Names

Numbers and individual letters are more often used in service companies or manufacturers of technology. However, in some cases, a name can be made unique using 1-2 characters. An example is the clothing store for plus-sized women, Style-XL.

Complex Names

Abbreviations and combinations of names are rarely found in the fashion industry. However, there are exceptions when a brand name is not immediately understandable but sounds beautiful, has a simple explanation, and evokes positive emotions. An interesting play on words is seen in the name Modivo.

The store Solmar was named by the founder of the Ukrainian knitwear brand after her daughters Solomiya and Maria, using the first three letters of each of their names.

Metaphorical Names

Interpreting metaphorical names requires creative thinking, as does their creation. These names often evoke the desired emotions and resonate with the target audience.

“Metaphors are great for using the figurative aspect of creating a memorable business brand name. They express an idea by invoking the image of another. They can relate to absolutely anything, as long as it’s something with which your target audience can identify—stories, traits, qualities, cultural icons, or other emotional forces”. “The 10 different types of brand names” Rosie Berrecloth

Examples: Magnetic brand clothes (“magnetic brand of clothing”), RIOTDIVISION (“rebellious division”). By the way, the explanation of the concept of the name of the latter store can be found on the brand page: “Metamorphosis of a mono-product into philosophy—the brief history of RIOTDIVISION. Rebellion against routine and material ties—foundation of the brand’s main goals”.

Women’s Clothing Store Names

A good name for a women’s clothing store evokes emotions like tenderness, playfulness, romanticism, femininity, sometimes grandeur and luxury, the ability to enchant, and ‘gentle power’.

  • Dressa
  • Dolcedonna
  • Garne
  • Milana
  • Florian Dress Shop
  • Legacy Vintage
  • Bolero
  • Onlady
  • Simply Wonderful
  • Fashionista
  • Belle Chic
  • Aesthetics
  • Fleur
  • French Closet
  • Suit Up!
  • 80s Vibe
  • Dots & Lines
  • Oh La La
  • Madamoiselle
  • Chica
  • Moda Bella
  • Outfits and more
  • Marry Me (perfect for a bridal shop)
  • The Black Swan (for dancewear)
  • Aura
  • My Dress Code
  • Amazonka
  • Mavka
  • Love, Rosie
  • Milana
  • Lavender
  • Daisy

Men’s Clothing Store Names

The emotions that should be conveyed in a men’s clothing brand name include self-confidence, a clear opinion, readiness to protect, sometimes even brutality and aggression. Popular associations include predator, warrior, king, ‘positive thief’ from movies.

  • Vaismann
  • Fine Man
  • Retronic Wear
  • Style to Wear
  • Business Casual
  • huMAN
  • Handsome
  • Metro Man
  • House of Suits
  • Men’s Choice
  • Just Black
  • Lucky Him
  • Casanova
  • Boss

Children’s Clothing Store Names

Playful names, repetition of sounds, names of cute animals, diminutive forms, conciseness, and references to mom are welcomed, as the target audience is primarily parents.

  • Storklet
  • Little One
  • Tip-Top
  • Kidric
  • Baby Boss
  • Little Marshmallow
  • Tiny Tot
  • Baby Top
  • Bub
  • Stuff for Kiddos
  • Tiny

Universal Names for Clothing Stores

One of the most famous examples of a brand name for both men and women is H&M, which stands for “For Her and For Him”. Interestingly, the company’s history began with the opening of a women’s clothing store called Hennes (“For Her”). When men’s and children’s clothing lines were added, the name was changed to Hennes & Mauritz.

  • Gravitee
  • Denim Den
  • The Denim Hub
  • Skinny & High
  • Muse
  • Style House
  • Style Lab
  • Urban Closet
  • Vibe Store
  • Klothing
  • Merci
  • OMG
  • Fashion Hub

There are numerous names that can be found in typical lists for clothing stores. At first glance, they may have an appropriate and beautiful translation, but they can be hard to remember and pronounce, so it’s advisable to choose something simpler. Examples of names that are difficult to read and understand include Oeuvre (“art”), Enchantments, and Clothes For A Cause.

stages of creating a name for online clothing stores

Conclusions

The interaction between customers and a brand often starts with its name. It’s essential to ensure that the name resonates with the target audience as intended. When creating a name for an online clothing store, adhere to key principles such as associativity, simplicity, mellifluousness, visual aesthetics, uniqueness, availability, and having a meaningful and appropriate message for your audience.

For a teenage clothing store, an urban or bold name might be appropriate. For adult customers, something more serious and elegant might be suitable, though it ultimately depends on the style of clothing you are selling. Playful names work best for children’s clothing stores.

A well-chosen name helps create a memorable brand, builds trust, and conveys the core idea of your company. Even if you are simply a mediator between factories and customers, it is crucial to approach the naming of your store responsibly. You might want to expand your product range or open your own production in the future, so envision hearing your brand name everywhere from the start of your business. Does the name sound pleasant? Is it easy to read? Will potential customers understand what the name means?

You can take cues from famous brands like Zara, Reserved, H&M, or Sinsay, be concise and specific, or approach this task creatively using a name generator or consulting with specialists.

Oksana Korsun
Editor in Marketing Link

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