I run a fashion brand called Gotamoda, where we create limited-edition, hand-painted denim jackets, skirts, and jeans that celebrate empowerment, individuality, and sustainable artistry. You can check out what we’re building here: [Gotamoda]
I’m exploring whether Etsy could be a viable platform for us to list and grow, especially since our products are artisanal and handmade.
A few genuine questions I’d love your advice on:
Have you found Etsy effective for premium or artistic fashion pieces (as opposed to more mass-appeal crafts)?
What pitfalls should a new brand watch out for when getting started on Etsy?
Any tips on how to stand out among other fashion sellers?
I’d really appreciate any experiences, or warnings from those of you who’ve been selling on Etsy for a while.
Thanks in advance for your help
— Hitesh
Founder, Gotamoda
Etsy can definitely work for premium, artistic fashion pieces like hand-painted denim, but it requires a slightly different approach than other handmade categories.
Buyers there tend to value story and authenticity as much as the product itself, so highlighting the artistry, sustainability, and individuality behind each piece is key — detailed storytelling in your descriptions, behind-the-scenes photos, and videos of your painting process can really help you stand out.
The main pitfalls are underpricing your work (Etsy customers are often willing to pay more for genuine craftsmanship), inconsistent branding, and neglecting SEO — your titles and tags should still include searchable fashion terms like “hand-painted denim jacket” or “sustainable statement fashion.”
Also, be aware of copycats and mass-produced “handmade” items, which flood the platform and can make it harder to stand out, but reporting those and maintaining high-quality visuals goes a long way.
Successful fashion artists on Etsy usually treat it as both a sales platform and a storytelling tool, using it to build brand credibility before expanding to their own site or social channels.
