Description
Design apparel collections and develop garments from concept through production, creating original clothing or adapting trends into manufacturable, market-ready products.
- • Direct and coordinate patternmaking, sample construction, and cutting teams.
- • Evaluate fit and construction on samples and models, revising designs for desired results.
- • Sketch apparel concepts and create detailed tech packs with specs, colors, construction, and materials.
- • Confer with sales, merchandising, management, or clients to refine design direction.
- • Identify target markets and customer profiles by age, gender, lifestyle, and price point.
- • Track trends via fashion shows, trade publications, and market research.
- • Select fabrics, trims, and production techniques suited to design intent and cost targets.
- • Present samples to buyers and sales representatives; plan showings at sales meetings or fashion events.
- • Translate runway and competitor trends into mass-market apparel.
- • Source reference garments, trims, and components to inform designs.
- • Visit textile mills and showrooms to stay current on fabrics and technologies.
- • Collaborate with cross-functional designers to coordinate capsules and special projects.
- • Design custom apparel for individuals or retail partners.
- • Develop preliminary costs, bills of materials, and target prices for styles.
- • Create or refine patterns and cut materials according to specifications.
- • Plan and develop seasonal apparel collections and line sheets for sales channels.
- • Coordinate with vendors and factories on sampling, fit approvals, and production timelines.
- • Oversee fabric testing and care labeling requirements.
- • Sew mockups or samples as needed to evaluate design and construction.
- • Analyze sales data and consumer feedback to iterate and improve future designs.
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Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
