Fashion Designer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Fashion Designer, or Apparel Designer, creates various clothing products, along with shoes and accessories to match current trends and styles. Their main duties include managing the entire design process from start to finish, making edits to current clothing and accessory lines and choosing fabrics and trims for upcoming designs and product lines.

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Fashion Designer Duties and Responsibilities

A capable Fashion Designer should understand the principles of design. In addition, they should be able to apply this knowledge to creating aesthetically pleasing and functional pieces. A Fashion Designer will work closely with a design team. This will enable them to excel at their duties, which include the following:

  • Researching current fashion trends and determining what consumers will like
  • Collaborating with the design team to develop ideas for new products based on research data
  • Designing sketches for new products with a design team
  • Creating clothing patterns for mass production
  • Testing and deciding on fabrics, colors, patterns and textures for each design
  • Overseeing the production of designs, including carrying out fittings, determining prices and managing marketing
  • Maintaining relationships with vendors, suppliers and models
  • Communicating technical design information for customer samples
  • Working with team members to design clothes for upcoming seasons
  • Selecting fabrics and trims
  • Creating tech packs with detailed specifications
  • Developing CAD sketches to present to stakeholders
  • Overseeing the prototype sample process
  • Working with the design team to create mood boards
  • Creating cost sheets and product lists

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Fashion Designer Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Assistant Fashion Designer / Graphics

Barabas Menswearfashion apparel brand is seeking a smart positive and outgoing candidate.

The ideal Design Assistant has strong communication skills, organizational skills, follow-through, and initiative.

Responsibilities but not limited to :
  • Creating and editing CADS in Adobe Illustrator
  • Create graphic elements under the direction of the head designer, Photoshop skills must be proficient.
  • Assist Head Designer in the selection with seasonal or group color palettes, color pitching, prints, fabrics, etc.
  • Help shoot the final season collection by booking model, photographer, create photoshoot concepts and trade show marketing.
  • Check and Follow up with the marketing team to make sure the correct information is being entered on the website about garment description-color, fabric, etc.
  • Track samples, record sample , check in and spec first samples received from factories, take photos of samples
  • Assisting in fittings , take notes and amend technical packages according to fittings.
  • Make comments back to factories on samples reviews and amendments.
  • Hang, tag and steam samples assist head designer on all design responsibility matters.
  • File and organize incoming fabric swatches, accessories, artwork, etc
  • You must be a team player, understand fashion and be positive, energetic, optimistic about your work, creative but sellable.
  • There’s “NO”Work well under pressure and tight deadlines under my watch.
  • The working hours are 9-5 and at 5pm you go home.

    Minimum Qualifications:
  • Design Major graduated from fashion a accredited school
  • Minimum of 2-4 years of work experience in a Design department or studio
  • Demonstrate illustrative skills through Photoshop and Illustrator.

    this can be an entry level position

    I am willing to train a fast learner talented Fashion designer or Graphic designer but "must" be proficient in Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $42,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Job description

    We are looking for an experienced designer/merchandiser who also has a strong knowledge in technical design to join our amazing team at Deja Bleu, LLC. Must have an experience in Woven top, skirts, and beach cover ups

    Responsibilities

    · Designing and creating apparel that is leading in design, innovation, function, and quality

    · Produce cads using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop

    · Generate detailed sketch and tech packs

    · Research markets, trends, raw material, and fabrics.

    · Participate in “inspiration” shopping and store visits

    · Adhere to all apparel and development timelines by meeting all due dates with 100% complete design tech packs

    · Collaborate with sales team to discuss line plans, understand current business and consumer best sellers to develop appropriate style, design and brand evolution

    · Participate in fitting sessions

    · Responsible for development samples, pattern/print, and lab dips approval

    · Work closely with technical team and factories to develop multiple prototypes

    Qualifications:

    · College degree in fashion design, technical design, or equivalent experience in related area

    · 5-7 years of fashion design experience

    · Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office

    · Detail oriented

    · Excellent communication skills

    · Flexible and ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment

    · Had worked closely with buyers or buyer connections are preferred

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Secaucus, NJ 07094: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 3

    Fashion Assistant will act as a right hand to the founder Rocknremix and help manage operations. Must be self-motivated for daily tasks, MUST have experience in the fashion industry with fabrics and sourcing, and MUST be based in Los Angeles and have access to reliable transportation. Familiarity with Downtown Fashion District is needed.

    Primary duties will include:

    Customer Service Emails

    High taste level and heightened sense for current and upcoming trends

    Attend fit meetings and evaluate fit samples returned from production to determine compliance of construction, fit and overall final look of garment

    Job description: Core responsibilities

    Packaging and Shipping Orders

    Organizing studio when needed and maintaining clean common areas

    Packaging and Shipping Customer's Orders

    Running Errands in DTLA

    Dropping materials with sewers and pattern makers, picking up garments on some days

    Communicating with Founder and Production Staff

    Trend research

    Sourcing Fabrics and other materials

    Personal Assistant Duties

    We are looking for a highly proactive and quick thinking candidate with excellent Customer Service skills. Knowledge of Fashion Production and different types of fabrics. The candidate must be highly self-sufficient and an independent problem solver.

    Skills Required: (About you) were looking for:
  • Understanding of apparel design and the production process.
  • You can work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities and hit strict deadlines.
  • You are a team player and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.
  • You have good communication and interpersonal skills.

    Job Types: Full-time

    Pay: $15.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee Discount
  • Possibility of growth within the company

    Schedule:
  • 6-7 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Experience:
  • Fashion Industry: 2 years or more (Required)

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent ing Days:
  • Monday (Required)
  • Tuesday (Required)
  • Wednesday (Required)
  • Thursday (Required)
  • Friday (Not Required)

    Why work for RocknRemix
  • We're a fast-growing company with ambitious plans to expand and scale.
  • We work in a collaborative and relaxed office. We want work to be rewarding and enjoyable.

  • We offer all the latest and greatest equipment and technology to help you perform at your best .

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $15.00 per hour

    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Sanitized areas, Wearing masks around others.

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Los Angeles, CA 90015: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    Experience:
  • Garment construction: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Fashion design: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Adobe Illustrator: 1 year (Preferred)

    Language:
  • English Location: One location
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    Example 4

    Hybrid or On-site Fashion Design Opportunity (Requires location commutable to Reading, PA) Sign-on bonus and relocation reimbursement available for the right candidates!

    About Us:

    Elite Sportswear, LP, located in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in gymnastics, swimwear, and cheerleading apparel. Distributed in over 35 countries, Elite Sportswear, LP specializes in high-performance, niche, branded apparel that meets the exact needs of top athletes. It is Elite Sportswear, LP's GK branded products that have been consistently worn by Olympians, World Champions, and enthusiast amateurs for over 40 years.

    At Elite Sportwear, LP, we are committed to encouraging an environment where all team members feel respected and appreciated regardless of our backgrounds and differences.

    Bring your authentic self and enjoy the equal opportunity to join an excellent One Team environment where being heard, supported, and inspired to reach your fullest potential is part of our everyday culture!

    Job Overview:

    The Fashion Designer (Gymnastics, Cheerleading - 2 job openings) designs cutting- edge garments (leotards or cheerleading uniforms) and assists in the production process while identifying trends, styles, fabrics, colors, prints and embellishments for collections.

    Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Assist with designing customer artwork
  • Process cheer es including special orders and stock with embellishment
  • Communicate technical design information for customer samples
  • Create embellishments, support product development and line design
  • Match and coordinate sublimation colors to existing fabrics
  • Grade/size artwork and logos for different sized garments
  • Help with tech pack set ups and accessory design

    Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Associates or Bachelors in Apparel Design required
  • Apparel/garment construction experience required
  • Complete understanding of fashion design principles required
  • Excellent creativity with a good sense of the latest trends in style and fashion
  • Must be proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Keen eye for detail
  • Excellent communication skills to work effectively across all departments

    We offer competitive wages and exceptional benefits including: paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, life/accident/disability insurance, pet insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401K match, employee discounts, cool fun events and more!

    Job Type: Full-time

    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    For the safety of all team members, we follow the CDC's Covid 19 Location: One location
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    What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

    Fashion Designers work either independently or directly for an apparel company, creating various clothing and accessory designs that appeal to consumers. They often sketch their designs, then select patterns and fabrics that best complement the designs.

    Many Fashion Designers travel to trade shows to gather the fabric and material needed to design their new fashion pieces. They’ll also collaborate with other designers to create prototypes of their ideas. Fashion Designers often present their design ideas to Creative Directors and may also be asked to demonstrate their designs at fashion shows.

    Fashion Designer Skills and Qualifications

    To show that they can create amazing designs which will appeal to a target audience, a successful Fashion Designer applicant should possess the following skills and qualifications:

    • Superior knowledge of fashion design principles
    • Excellent creativity with a good sense of fashion and style
    • In-depth knowledge of garment technology
    • Ability to create, cut and sew-up patterns
    • Proficiency in computer-aided fashion design applications and digital visualization tools
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Strong time-management skills
    • Excellent attention to detail

    Fashion Designer Salary Expectations

    The average salary for Fashion Designers is $16.02 an hour. However, Senior Fashion Designers can make much higher than the average salary, especially in consulting roles at more lucrative organizations.

    Fashion Designer Education and Training Requirements

    It’s not a strict requirement that Fashion Designers have higher education, but an associate or bachelor’s degree is recommended. Education in fashion design, fashion technology, textiles and fabric design or related fields is common. In addition, some training in business management is necessary for Senior Fashion Designers. Hence, a master’s degree in business administration, retail fundamentals or related areas is a bonus.

    Fashion Designer Experience Requirements

    A qualified Fashion Designer should have a minimum of two years of experience working in the fashion industry. Volunteer experience at fashion shows and festivals is also acceptable. Candidates should be familiar with fashion trends in the industry and possess the versatility to come up with product ideas based on those trends. A Fashion Designer should be comfortable creating patterns and sketches and working with different fabric types. Proven experience designing with software tools may also be required. A highly qualified candidate may also have worked in large teams and produced designs that went on to become top-selling products.

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    Frequently asked questions about Fashion Designers

     

    What are the different types of Fashion Designers?

    Some Fashion Designers may work in larger apparel companies creating an abundance of different designs, while others may specialize in a certain type of clothing or accessory. Clothing Designers work primarily on apparel for men, women and children. They create many different styles for this audience, including casual wear, sportswear, suits and maternity clothes. Accessory Designers create various types of accessories like suitcases, scarves, handbags and belts. 

    Footwear Designers make a wide variety of shoes and boots. Many of them experiment with different materials, working to create shoes that are both comfortable and stylish for customers. 

     

    Who do Fashion Designers report to?

    Fashion Designers work primarily in larger apparel companies, where they report to a Creative Director, who provides their input on the apparels’ design elements. The Creative Director typically establishes the company’s design goals for upcoming products and the Fashion Designer comes up with ideas that match these goals. 

    They’ll present these ideas to the Creative Director, who then provides feedback and edits to help the design better appeal to consumers. Fashion Designers typically go to the Creative Director for any additional details or questions about an upcoming project or feedback given to them.

     

    What makes a good Fashion Designer?

    Great Fashion Designers are passionate about clothing and accessories and are talented at spotting trends. Strong technology skills and software knowledge are also important for Fashion Designers to have as they regularly use design programs to create new apparel ideas. 

    They should also have impressive creativity and artistic abilities to help them regularly brainstorm unique fashion designs and transform an idea into a visually appealing final product. Effective attention to detail is needed as well to identify subtle differences in various textures and fabrics. 

     

    What's the difference between a Fashion Designer and a Costume Designer?

    While they both design fashion pieces for individuals to wear, Fashion Designers and Costume Designers both hold different responsibilities. Fashion Designers create clothing and accessory designs usually for commercial use, but may work in an abundance of different industries. Most Fashion Designers create pieces to be worn by the general public. 

    A Costume Designer is typically a type of Fashion Designer who focuses solely on designing outfits for Actors and other people in the performing arts. They can design costumes for Actors performing in television, film or theater productions. 

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