8 Real Shopify Apparel Stores and the Preorder Strategies They Use

Clothing stores often have to manage different sizes and colors, keep up with popular styles, and avoid making products that may not sell. Preorders help merchants understand what customers want before production begins.

In this article, we look at 8 real Shopify apparel stores and how they use preorders in different ways. We reviewed their storefronts in October 2026 to explore what other clothing merchants can learn from them.

What preorder strategies do Shopify apparel stores use?

Shopify apparel stores use preorders to sell around events, bring back bestsellers, test new designs, cap production runs, and take wholesale orders. Most promote the preorder before the product page, through the announcement bar or main menu, and state the deadline or ship date up front. 

For a wider look at preorder strategies on Shopify, read our full blog here.

1. SAINT MOOD

SAINT MOOD sells casual apparel, including hoodies, hats, and its popular BIRDS Varsity Mockneck. The brand also offers swimwear, combining everyday clothing with seasonal collections.

Strategies they use:

• A homepage announcement bar promotes the return of the BIRDS Varsity Mockneck and links to the GAME DAY collection.
• The message “SOLD OUT 3X original BIRDS Varsity mockneck is back” highlights the product's previous demand, turning a sold-out product into a backorder instead of a lost sale.
• Gives a 24-hour cancellation window, giving customers clarity about the terms before ordering.
• The product title starts with “PREORDER,” a Preorder badge sits next to the price, and the description opens with the estimated ship month.

2. HonchoPGH

HonchoPGH sells merchandise and magazines documenting its Campout events. Its Campout zine brings together photography, artwork, poetry, essays, and stories from attendees and contributors, making it more than a typical merchandise release.

Strategies they use:

• Four of the five homepage hero banners end in a Preorder button, directing shoppers to the products.
• The announcement bar offers $15 off when customers preorder both zines, encouraging bundle purchases.
• The “Last one available!” message creates urgency around limited availability.

3. Head to Toe Little Co.

Head to Toe Little Co. is a children's clothing boutique inspired by its founders' daughter, Kyndal. What began with a love of dressing her in adorable outfits grew into a store offering clothing and accessories for other families.

Strategies they use:

• The Waffle House Dress is offered using a mockup, allowing the store to gauge interest before the dress is made.
• A note explains that the final product may vary slightly from the mockup, setting customer expectations.
• A PREORDER badge next to the price and a “Preorder Now” button make it clear the dress will ship later.

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4. Tiana Bay

Tiana Bay is a small-batch women's clothing brand founded by sisters Valerie and Vicky. They focus on feminine, timeless dresses and a slower approach to fashion rather than constantly chasing trends.

Strategies they use:

• The brand accepts preorders for limited-quantity products before manufacturing them, helping align production with customer demand.
• Customer reviews and FAQs provide additional information and help shoppers feel more confident about ordering.
• The store explains that once the preorder window closes, these pieces won't be available again until the next season, encouraging customers to order before the deadline.
• The pre-order collection shows an estimated delivery of 4–6 weeks from the order date before shoppers pick a dress. 

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5. White Daisy

White Daisy was created by Lauren, a mother with a background in technology who wanted to build a clothing brand for young girls. The brand focuses on distinctive, comfortable children's clothing designed to make everyday outfits feel special.

Strategies they use:

• An announcement bar alerts shoppers that the preorder window is ending soon.
• A £10 discount gives customers an incentive to place their orders early.
• A dedicated Preorder Status page, linked in the footer, lets customers check where their preorder products are in production. Each product shows a last-updated date and a five-stage tracker, from preorder open to dispatch.

6. Holy Stitch! - ALL THINGS DENIM

Holy Stitch! - ALL THINGS DENIM is a San Francisco-based nonprofit founded by Julian Prince Dash. It combines clothing production with sewing education and workforce development, supporting young people and displaced workers through hands-on manufacturing experience.

Strategies they use:

• The Jean Pre-Order is limited to 50 pairs, making the production quantity clear to buyers.
• Customers pay a 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve a pair. Every pair is made-to-order, and the store follows up after the deposit to discuss customizations.
• After the order, the store contacts customers to arrange a fitting, confirm sizing, collect the remaining balance, and coordinate shipping.

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7. Books Are Evil

Books Are Evil uses time-limited preorders to give customers a clear window for ordering its products. Its approach makes the closing date central to the launch rather than leaving customers unsure about how long an item will remain available.

Strategies they use:

• Announcement bar, product image, and preorder button all repeat the same deadline, so shoppers see it wherever they look.
• A short note above the button states the preorder window dates and when shipping will begin.
• A Preorder badge next to the price marks the shirt as a preorder before shoppers choose a size.

8. Catwalk Style

Catwalk Style is a family-run fashion wholesaler with roots in a Manchester factory. Since opening its wholesale store in 2003, the business has supplied retailers with dresses, casualwear, accessories, and fashion jewellery.

Strategies they use:

• A dedicated Pre Order collection sits in the main menu, so buyers can browse preorder products directly.
• Preorder labels appear in search results, helping customers distinguish these items from regular inventory.
• A virtual try-on feature lets buyers see how products may look before placing an order.

How to set up Shopify preorders for apparel stores?

Choose which products and sizes can be preordered, decide whether to collect full payment or a deposit, and specify preorder closing and expected shipping dates. 

Add preorder badges to product and collection pages so customers know which items will ship later. For full steps, see how to set up preorders on Shopify.

A Shopify app like Dibs - Preorders & Backorders can help manage preorder products, payment options, inventory limits, and preorder labels.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I promote my preorders on my website?

Use homepage banners and announcement bars to highlight preorder products. Offer bundle discounts, such as savings when customers preorder two products, to encourage larger orders.

2. How can I test demand for new clothing designs before production?

Show the design on your Shopify store and accept preorders before manufacturing. You can use mockup images to see how many customers are interested before committing to production.

3. How can I manufacture pieces only after customers place orders?

Open a preorder window and collect orders before starting production. Once the window closes, use the order count to decide how many items to make.

4. How can I keep customers updated on their preorder status?

Display estimated shipping dates, send shipping update emails and provide a page where customers can check production progress. Send updates if the shipping timeline changes.

5. How can I create urgency with preorder deadlines?

Set a clear closing date and display it on product pages or announcement bars. You can also explain that the product may not be available again until the next season.

6. How can I make preorder products easier to find on my Shopify store?

Add a dedicated preorder collection or menu link, and use preorder labels on product and search pages. This helps customers identify items that are available to order before they are ready to ship.