Handmade

Sewing school uniforms and tracksuits

Sew tunics, skirts, trousers and tracksuits for local schools and parents, and offer alterations in the back-to-school rush.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

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Is this for you?

Best for

Skilled sewers with a machine who can work in batches and meet deadlines.

In South Africa: Strong in townships and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 8 hours a week · age 18+
  • Sewing, crafts or handmade (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R400 to R450 per tunic

Published 2026 prices: school tunics about R400 to R450 (Rainbow City Schools); chain-store trousers from R69.99 (Pep). Volumes are not published.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R1 500 to R10 000
Every month
Fabric, thread, zips, buttons, electricity.
Payment fees
Deposit for fabric, balance on collection.
Margin
Good on custom items; chain stores win on plain basics.

How it is paid: Price per item; bulk orders for schools. Our viability score for it: 68 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Ask two schools about their uniform suppliers
    • Make one sample tunic and cost it
    • Success signal: 20 orders before the school term

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Choose the items and schools you will focus on
    • Make a sample and work out the cost per item
    • Write a size chart and order form with a deposit

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Show samples to parents and the school
    • Take orders with deposits

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Plan stock for the next term
    • Offer alterations and name tags

January and the school year start are the busiest times. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Sewing school uniforms and tracksuits: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Parents, schools and churches.

Uniforms that fit, close to home.

Is there demand?

Published 2026 prices: chain-store uniform trousers from R69.99 (Pep), while school-specific tunics sell for about R400 to R450 (Rainbow City Schools). Custom and school-specific items are where a local sewer competes.

School-specific tunics and tracksuitsAlterations at back-to-schoolChurch uniforms

Getting customers

Parents and school governing bodies; samples at the school gate.

Word of mouth and referralsIn-person networkingPartnerships with other businesses

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Late orders at back-to-school: plan stock early
  • Sizing mistakes: use a size chart and measure
  • Schools may have official suppliers: ask first

Competition: High on basics, lower on school-specific items.

Room to grow: Grows with school contracts and helpers.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Check whether the school has an official supplier before using its badge or colours.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start sewing school uniforms and tracksuits in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 500 to R10 000. Recurring costs: Fabric, thread, zips, buttons, electricity.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. January and the school year start are the busiest times.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Check whether the school has an official supplier before using its badge or colours. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy