Apparel Designer Jobs in New York
Apparel Designer jobs in New York sit at the center of one of the world's most active fashion markets, with demand running from entry-level technical design assistants through senior creative directors across ready-to-wear, luxury, and activewear. Most openings concentrate in New York City's Garment District and Midtown Manhattan, with additional roles in Long Island City and Brooklyn's growing fashion-adjacent studios. Employers like Ralph Lauren, PVH Corp, and Tapestry maintain large New York design teams and hire consistently across pattern making, textile development, and trend-driven product design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Apparel Designer jobs
SUMMARY:
The Senior Technical Apparel Designer will partner closely with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing,
Quality, and overseas manufacturing partners to transform product concepts into production-ready
garments that meet the highest standards for fit, construction, durability, and performance.
The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical design expertise with product development
knowledge and thrives in a fast-paced environment managing multiple product categories simultaneously.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical Design
- Develop comprehensive technical packages including construction details, specifications, BOMs, grading, artwork placement, and measurement standards.
- Create and maintain garment specification packages throughout the product lifecycle.
- Evaluate first prototypes through production samples.
- Lead garment fit sessions and document all fit corrections.
- Establish fit standards across multiple product categories.
Product Development
- Collaborate with Merchandising and Design during concept development.
- Recommend construction methods and manufacturing solutions that improve quality while controlling costs.
- Evaluate fabrics, trims, and component compatibility.
- Manage seasonal development calendars to meet launch deadlines.
- Support innovation through new materials, finishes, and construction techniques.
Factory Collaboration
- Communicate directly with domestic and overseas factories.
- Review pattern corrections and production comments.
- Resolve construction, grading, and manufacturing issues.
- Ensure products meet quality, fit, and performance standards.
- Support factory onboarding and capability assessments.
Performance & Quality
- Assist with laboratory testing and wear testing.
- Review test reports and implement corrective actions.
- Support military certification requirements when applicable.
- Evaluate garments for durability, comfort, moisture management, and performance.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to improve manufacturing consistency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Compliance, Marketing, and Sales.
- Present product updates during development meetings.
- Assist with product costing by identifying efficient construction methods.
- Support commercialization from development through production.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or related field.
- 8+ years of technical apparel design experience.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing.
- Extensive experience leading garment fit sessions.
- Ability to create detailed technical packages.
- Experience communicating with overseas factories.
- Strong understanding of grading and patternmaking principles.
- Excellent organization and project management skills.
Preferred:
- Experience with military, tactical, athletic, or outdoor apparel.
- Knowledge of moisture management, performance fabrics, and functional apparel.
- Experience with product testing and certification programs.
- Understanding of apparel quality systems.
- Experience with licensed products.
Software Experience:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- PLM systems
CLO 3D or Browzwear (preferred)
- Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Knowledge:
- Technical specifications
- Patternmaking
- Garment grading
- Apparel construction
- Sewing operations
- Textile performance
- Fabric testing
- Quality assurance
- Product costing
- Manufacturing processes
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to
stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to move between
departments to interact with others. Consistent daily attendance required; occasional off-shift support and limited travel required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Generally, will work in conditioned office environment.
- The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be
construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and
are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.
AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender
(including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other
protected characteristics. *
SUMMARY:
The Senior Technical Apparel Designer will partner closely with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing,
Quality, and overseas manufacturing partners to transform product concepts into production-ready
garments that meet the highest standards for fit, construction, durability, and performance.
The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical design expertise with product development
knowledge and thrives in a fast-paced environment managing multiple product categories simultaneously.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical Design
- Develop comprehensive technical packages including construction details, specifications, BOMs, grading, artwork placement, and measurement standards.
- Create and maintain garment specification packages throughout the product lifecycle.
- Evaluate first prototypes through production samples.
- Lead garment fit sessions and document all fit corrections.
- Establish fit standards across multiple product categories.
Product Development
- Collaborate with Merchandising and Design during concept development.
- Recommend construction methods and manufacturing solutions that improve quality while controlling costs.
- Evaluate fabrics, trims, and component compatibility.
- Manage seasonal development calendars to meet launch deadlines.
- Support innovation through new materials, finishes, and construction techniques.
Factory Collaboration
- Communicate directly with domestic and overseas factories.
- Review pattern corrections and production comments.
- Resolve construction, grading, and manufacturing issues.
- Ensure products meet quality, fit, and performance standards.
- Support factory onboarding and capability assessments.
Performance & Quality
- Assist with laboratory testing and wear testing.
- Review test reports and implement corrective actions.
- Support military certification requirements when applicable.
- Evaluate garments for durability, comfort, moisture management, and performance.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to improve manufacturing consistency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Compliance, Marketing, and Sales.
- Present product updates during development meetings.
- Assist with product costing by identifying efficient construction methods.
- Support commercialization from development through production.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or related field.
- 8+ years of technical apparel design experience.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing.
- Extensive experience leading garment fit sessions.
- Ability to create detailed technical packages.
- Experience communicating with overseas factories.
- Strong understanding of grading and patternmaking principles.
- Excellent organization and project management skills.
Preferred:
- Experience with military, tactical, athletic, or outdoor apparel.
- Knowledge of moisture management, performance fabrics, and functional apparel.
- Experience with product testing and certification programs.
- Understanding of apparel quality systems.
- Experience with licensed products.
Software Experience:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- PLM systems
CLO 3D or Browzwear (preferred)
- Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Knowledge:
- Technical specifications
- Patternmaking
- Garment grading
- Apparel construction
- Sewing operations
- Textile performance
- Fabric testing
- Quality assurance
- Product costing
- Manufacturing processes
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to
stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to move between
departments to interact with others. Consistent daily attendance required; occasional off-shift support and limited travel required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Generally, will work in conditioned office environment.
- The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be
construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and
are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.
AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender
(including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other
protected characteristics. *
See All 13 Apparel Designer Jobs in New York
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Find Apparel Designer JobsApparel Designer Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Apparel Designer Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in apparel designer jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in fashion design, apparel design, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and CAD-based technical flat sketching tools
- Experience developing technical packages and working with overseas production teams
- Knowledge of garment construction, fit standards, and fabric selection processes
- Strong portfolio demonstrating original apparel concept and finished product development
- Ability to collaborate with merchandising, sourcing, and retail teams in fast-paced environments
Apparel Designer Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an apparel designer in New York?
Apparel design in New York does not require a state-issued license, so the path centers on education and portfolio. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in fashion design or a related field from programs at schools such as the Fashion Institute of Technology or Parsons School of Design, both based in New York City. Graduates build a portfolio of technical flats and finished concepts, then apply to assistant designer or junior designer roles at brands headquartered in the Garment District or surrounding areas.
How much do apparel designers make in New York?
Apparel designers in New York earn a median of about $98,640 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,610 for the lowest 10% to over $177,430 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire apparel designers in New York?
Employers hiring apparel designers in New York right now include J. Mclaughlin, PPI APPAREL, and Walmart, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New York's concentration of global fashion headquarters means large vertically integrated brands, department store private-label teams, and specialty retailers all post design openings consistently throughout the year.
Which New York cities have the most apparel designer jobs?
New York and Brooklyn account for the largest share of apparel designer openings in New York. New York City dominates because the Garment District and Midtown Manhattan house the headquarters and design studios of major fashion groups, while Brooklyn and Long Island City attract smaller independent labels and contemporary brands that have expanded out of Manhattan over the past decade.
Are there remote apparel designer jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 71% of apparel designer openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the work. Tasks like trend research, graphic print development, and digital illustration can shift remote, while fittings, fabric review, and sample approvals typically require in-person presence at a New York studio or showroom.
How can I get hired as an apparel designer in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an assistant designer or design intern role at a New York brand or manufacturer. Large companies like PVH Corp and Ralph Lauren run structured internship programs that convert to full-time offers, and the Fashion Institute of Technology's co-op program places students directly with Garment District employers. Candidates with a strong portfolio of technical flats, even from academic projects, and familiarity with Adobe Illustrator tend to advance past initial screening faster than those without visual samples of their work.
Where can I find and apply to apparel designer jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to apparel designer jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current New York openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 13 Apparel Designer Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Apparel Designer Jobs