Attachable Sleeves for Women A Stylish Wardrobe Solution

Sleeves 2 Go is redefining women’s fashion by offering a practical solution for sleeveless garments. Founded by Susan Costanza, the brand specializes in attachable flutter sleeves crafted from lightweight chiffon and lace. Designed to snap onto bra straps, these sleeves provide upper-arm coverage without compromising style. Perfect for any age or size, Sleeves 2 Go has become a go-to wardrobe accessory for women seeking elegance and versatility.

The collection has expanded over the years to include slip extenders for adding length to dresses, shrugs that double as scarves, and fashionable ponchos and chiffon vests. These innovations cater to various needs, such as concealing scars or tattoos, adhering to office dress codes, or simply achieving a polished look.

How Sleeves 2 Go Was Born

The idea for attachable sleeves originated from Susan’s extensive experience in the fashion industry. Women frequently expressed frustration over the lack of fashionable options for covering their arms. With sleeveless dresses and tops dominating the market, traditional solutions like jackets or sweaters often felt outdated and bulky.

Recognizing this gap, the concept of attachable sleeves was developed. Months of research and design led to the first prototypes, which were showcased during Susan’s fashion shows. Demonstrations on models highlighted the product’s transformation, drawing instant positive reactions and validating the demand for a practical yet stylish solution.

The Journey from Concept to Manufacturing

The design process began with sketches and pattern-making, which were refined with the help of a skilled seamstress. While Susan prioritized manufacturing in the United States, finding a reliable production partner proved challenging. Early samples lacked the quality and craftsmanship required for the brand.

A breakthrough came when a Tennessee-based manufacturer delivered high-quality samples, meeting both small and large order requirements. With the product’s uniqueness in mind, Susan secured a trademark and patent—a process that took nearly four years and significant investment

Building the Brand Online

Launched in 2011, Sleeves 2 Go embraced an e-commerce model to reach customers directly. This decision stemmed from practicality, allowing Susan to balance her responsibilities as a fashion show coordinator, wife, and mother. Operating from home provided the flexibility to manage her business effectively without the financial risks of a physical store.

The initial investment of $5,000 focused on manufacturing and marketing the attachable sleeves. Despite personal financial challenges, the online platform enabled Susan to establish a profitable brand that addresses everyday wardrobe needs.

The Challenges of Launching an Online Fashion Brand

Launching Sleeves 2 Go came with its own set of challenges, especially in the early days. Founder Susan Costanza opted for Shopify, a user-friendly platform ideal for entrepreneurs without technical expertise. However, traffic was initially slow, and it took several years for the business to become profitable.

Mistakes like overstocking less popular colors, such as navy and brown, were valuable learning experiences. Over time, Susan identified customer preferences and adjusted her inventory accordingly.

Social media emerged as a powerful tool, allowing her to advertise effectively without overspending. Through consistent effort, Sleeves 2 Go gradually built a loyal customer base.

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Customers

Susan leveraged her background as a fashion show coordinator to market Sleeves 2 Go. Fashion events, women’s clubs, and charity fundraisers provided an ideal platform to showcase her product. These events also enabled her to operate pop-up shops and process sales on the go using tools like Go Payment.

Participating in trade shows, such as the Trendz Show in Florida, allowed Sleeves 2 Go to gain exposure among wholesalers and retail buyers. This led to partnerships with boutiques and specialty stores, with aspirations of entering larger department stores in the future.

To foster customer retention, Susan used MailChimp to send newsletters and promotions. Tactics like giveaways and discounts encouraged repeat purchases and grew her email list, ensuring continued engagement with her audience.

Current Operations and Future Aspirations

Today, Susan runs Sleeves 2 Go from her home, managing shipping and receiving to keep overhead costs low. While she handles most of the business herself, she hires assistance during large events or trade shows.

Her vision for the future involves expanding the brand to mass retail distribution. With a focus on helping women embrace their personal style, Sleeves 2 Go aims to empower customers by offering practical and stylish wardrobe solutions.

Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurship

Switching from a service-based career to running a product-focused business was a significant shift. However, Susan believes in selling with integrity, staying true to oneself, and working both hard and smart.

Her journey emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes, taking risks, and staying committed to one’s dreams. By creating a product that combines style with functionality, Susan has inspired women to feel confident in their wardrobe choices.

Influential Resources and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Susan draws inspiration from books like What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey and The Money Class by Suze Orman. These resources have guided her in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: pursue your ideas fearlessly, learn from failures, and trust your instincts. As Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, only this time more intelligently.”