Apparel Designer Jobs
Apparel Designer jobs are open across fashion retail, sportswear, luxury brands, and manufacturing, from junior and associate levels to senior and principal, with specializations in womenswear, menswear, and activewear. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 91+ Apparel Designer jobs
JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT
At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.
WORK TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION DETAILS: 14460 VARSITY BRANDS WAY, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation
WORK HOURS: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
The Apparel Technical Designer supports the technical execution of apparel products from design approval through production readiness. Working under established technical standards and direction from Product Development leadership, this role develops technical sketches, maintains PLM data, prepares samples and documentation, and coordinates follow-up activities that keep development work moving.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Apparel Technical Designer partners with Merchandising, Pattern, New Product Development, Costing, and manufacturing teams to document construction requirements, track samples, and communicate approved updates. The role identifies and escalates fit, construction, measurement, and quality concerns to the appropriate technical lead for direction and resolution.
Job Responsibilities
- Use design tools to document and maintain design productivity.
- Manage, create, develop, and maintain designs by preparing design layouts or modifying existing designs.
- Manage requests, product backlog, and prioritization through email and the PLM system.
- Develop, maintain, and release technical sketches, documentation, and data in accordance with company and industry standards.
- Prepare for fit sessions by organizing samples and technical information, documenting feedback, and updating sketches or specifications based on approved direction.
- Conduct initial sample inspections, document quality or construction observations, and escalate material fit, measurement, construction, or launch-impacting concerns to the designated technical lead.
- Coordinate approved product revisions and information updates with the New Product Development and Costing teams.
- Photograph approved samples and upload images to the PLM system.
- Develop solutions that keep PLM data coordinated and meet reporting requirements.
- Contribute to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where priorities and product details may change daily, while seeking direction on complex technical decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Skilled in Adobe Illustrator for creating and manipulating technical sketches.
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, time-management, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of patterns, sewing construction, product research, and apparel product development.
- Ability to manage assigned work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment; seeks direction on complex fit, specification, and construction decisions.
- Strong computer skills and personal effectiveness in a professional setting.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
- 1-3 years of relevant experience in apparel technical design, product development, patternmaking, garment construction, or a related field. Relevant internships or co-op experience may be considered.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, garment construction, patternmaking, and sample-development processes.
- Portfolio demonstrating technical sketches, apparel development work, or related technical design capabilities preferred.
- Adobe Illustrator, PLM, or apparel-construction training is a plus.
Physical Demands and/or Work Environment
This role operates in a professional office environment and is primarily desk-based. It includes maintaining the sample closet by collecting and hanging garments, locating approved samples in other departments, dressing dress forms, and taking photographs for PLM. Minimal lifting may be required.
#
LI-EM1
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.
OUR VALUES
Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.
Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.
Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.
Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.
Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.
Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
OUR BENEFITS
We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:
- Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
- HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
- Wellbeing Program
- 401(k) plan with company matching
- Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
- Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
- Varsity Brands Ownership Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
- St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
- Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!
Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT
At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.
WORK TYPE: Hybrid
LOCATION DETAILS: 14460 VARSITY BRANDS WAY, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation
WORK HOURS: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
The Apparel Technical Designer supports the technical execution of apparel products from design approval through production readiness. Working under established technical standards and direction from Product Development leadership, this role develops technical sketches, maintains PLM data, prepares samples and documentation, and coordinates follow-up activities that keep development work moving.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Apparel Technical Designer partners with Merchandising, Pattern, New Product Development, Costing, and manufacturing teams to document construction requirements, track samples, and communicate approved updates. The role identifies and escalates fit, construction, measurement, and quality concerns to the appropriate technical lead for direction and resolution.
Job Responsibilities
- Use design tools to document and maintain design productivity.
- Manage, create, develop, and maintain designs by preparing design layouts or modifying existing designs.
- Manage requests, product backlog, and prioritization through email and the PLM system.
- Develop, maintain, and release technical sketches, documentation, and data in accordance with company and industry standards.
- Prepare for fit sessions by organizing samples and technical information, documenting feedback, and updating sketches or specifications based on approved direction.
- Conduct initial sample inspections, document quality or construction observations, and escalate material fit, measurement, construction, or launch-impacting concerns to the designated technical lead.
- Coordinate approved product revisions and information updates with the New Product Development and Costing teams.
- Photograph approved samples and upload images to the PLM system.
- Develop solutions that keep PLM data coordinated and meet reporting requirements.
- Contribute to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where priorities and product details may change daily, while seeking direction on complex technical decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Skilled in Adobe Illustrator for creating and manipulating technical sketches.
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, time-management, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of patterns, sewing construction, product research, and apparel product development.
- Ability to manage assigned work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment; seeks direction on complex fit, specification, and construction decisions.
- Strong computer skills and personal effectiveness in a professional setting.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
- 1-3 years of relevant experience in apparel technical design, product development, patternmaking, garment construction, or a related field. Relevant internships or co-op experience may be considered.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, garment construction, patternmaking, and sample-development processes.
- Portfolio demonstrating technical sketches, apparel development work, or related technical design capabilities preferred.
- Adobe Illustrator, PLM, or apparel-construction training is a plus.
Physical Demands and/or Work Environment
This role operates in a professional office environment and is primarily desk-based. It includes maintaining the sample closet by collecting and hanging garments, locating approved samples in other departments, dressing dress forms, and taking photographs for PLM. Minimal lifting may be required.
#
LI-EM1
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.
OUR VALUES
Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.
Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.
Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.
Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.
Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.
Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
OUR BENEFITS
We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:
- Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
- HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
- Wellbeing Program
- 401(k) plan with company matching
- Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
- Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
- Varsity Brands Ownership Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
- St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
- Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!
Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
Apparel Designer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 91 Apparel Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Apparel Designer JobsApparel Designer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- NIKE10
- Nordstrom7
- Premier Brands Group Holdings5
- Under Armour3
- Deckers Brands3
Top Industries Hiring
- Fashion & Apparel
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in apparel designer jobs.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for technical flat sketches and presentations
- Experience creating detailed tech packs including construction specs, measurements, and callouts
- Knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, and manufacturing processes
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a closely related field
- Familiarity with PLM or product development software such as Centric or Flex
- Portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design work across at least one apparel category
Tips for Your Apparel Designer Job Search
Tailor your portfolio to each category
Hiring managers in activewear want to see performance fabric knowledge, while luxury brands look for hand-sketching and draping. Pull the most relevant projects forward in your portfolio for each application rather than showing every category you've worked in.
Show your technical pack skills upfront
Many postings screen out candidates who only show finished renderings. Lead your resume with specific CAD tools you use, such as Adobe Illustrator or CLO 3D, and call out your experience building tech packs and construction specs directly in your skills section.
Target openings that match your seasonal rhythm
Apparel hiring is tied to product calendar deadlines. Roles posted in late winter and early summer often signal teams prepping for the next season's development cycle, so that timing gives you a better shot at joining before a busy crunch begins.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists apparel designer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a trend research presentation for interviews
Many apparel design interviews include a take-home or live trend exercise. Practice presenting a cohesive seasonal concept with a clear customer POV, color palette rationale, and fabric direction so you're not caught flat-footed by a whiteboard prompt.
Negotiate scope before accepting a title
An apparel designer role can mean anything from full creative ownership to production-only tasks depending on the brand. Ask directly in final-round conversations which categories you'll own, who approves designs, and how much input you have on material selection before you sign.
Apparel Designer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most apparel designers?
The companies hiring the most apparel designers right now include NIKE, Nordstrom, and Premier Brands Group Holdings, with the largest share of openings in California, Oregon, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is distributed across mass-market retailers, specialty brands, and sportswear labels.
How many apparel designer jobs are remote?
About 50% of apparel designer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote flexibility found in concept and trend roles rather than technical design positions. Roles that require hands-on sample review, fit sessions, or factory coordination are more likely to require in-office or on-site presence.
How do you become an apparel designer?
Most apparel designers complete a degree in fashion or apparel design to build foundational skills in sketching, draping, and garment construction. From there, internships or assistant roles at a brand or manufacturer help you build a portfolio and learn how product calendars and tech packs work in production. Proficiency in Illustrator and a strong category focus make your application stand out when you move into full designer roles.
Can you get hired as an apparel designer with little experience?
Entry-level apparel designer roles do exist, but most require a portfolio that demonstrates real design thinking even without professional credits. Freelance projects, school collections, capsule collaborations, or self-initiated work in a specific category all count. Targeting smaller brands or private-label manufacturers is often more realistic early on because they tend to develop junior talent in-house rather than requiring proven production experience upfront.
What does the apparel designer interview process look like?
Most apparel designer interviews begin with a portfolio review where you walk through past seasons and explain your design decisions. A hiring manager or creative director will typically ask about your process from concept to final spec. Many brands follow with a design exercise, either a take-home trend or a live whiteboard prompt, before a final round with cross-functional partners like merchandising or production.
Where can I find and apply to apparel designer jobs?
You can find and apply to apparel designer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your category experience and seniority level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 91 Apparel Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Apparel Designer Jobs