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Apparel Design Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in apparel design, textile science or related field (preferred). * Additional product creation experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. * 5-10yrs patternmaking and/or ...

Apparel Color Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

Required Qualifications * 5+ years of professional experience in apparel color design. * Strong ... expertise in color strategy, palette development, and color application. * A portfolio showcasing ...

This role reports directly to the Senior Creative Director, Kobe Footwear & Apparel Product Design and will lead a team of designers across footwear and apparel. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We're looking ...

Showing results 41-60

Apparel Design information

See Oregon salary details

$34.9K

$73.5K

$111K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in Oregon is $73,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,900.00 and $94,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is apparel design?

Apparel design is the process of creating clothing and accessories by conceptualizing, sketching, and developing garment ideas. Designers consider factors such as fabric, color, functionality, and style to produce wearable and appealing fashion pieces. They may work for fashion brands, manufacturers, or as independent creators, and their work involves staying up-to-date with trends and understanding consumer preferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apparel Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, textile knowledge, and often a degree in fashion or a related field. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Illustrator, CAD systems, and familiarity with industry-standard pattern-making tools is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help set designers apart in a competitive market. These abilities are vital for translating ideas into marketable garments that meet consumer trends and production standards.

What are some common challenges faced by apparel designers when collaborating with production teams?

Apparel designers often encounter challenges in translating creative concepts into technically feasible garments, especially when working closely with production teams. Differences in material availability, cost constraints, and manufacturing capabilities can require designers to adjust their original ideas. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers must frequently provide detailed specifications and adapt their designs to ensure both aesthetic quality and production efficiency. Building strong relationships with pattern makers and manufacturers helps streamline this process and leads to better final products.

What is the difference between Apparel Design vs Fashion Design?

AspectApparel DesignFashion Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in fashion or apparel designOften requires a fashion design degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, retailRunway shows, design studios, fashion houses
Industry UsageFocuses on clothing production and technical designEncompasses the broader fashion industry, including trends and branding

Apparel Design primarily focuses on creating clothing items and technical specifications, while Fashion Design covers the broader scope of fashion trends, runway collections, and branding. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Apparel Design is more technical and production-oriented, whereas Fashion Design emphasizes creativity and trendsetting.

What can you do with a degree in apparel design?

A degree in apparel design prepares individuals for careers such as fashion designer, technical designer, product developer, or stylist. Graduates can work in clothing manufacturing, retail, or start their own fashion brands, often utilizing skills in CAD software, fabric selection, and trend analysis.

What does an apparel designer do?

An apparel designer creates clothing and accessory designs, developing concepts, sketches, and prototypes based on fashion trends and client needs. They use design software like Adobe Illustrator and may collaborate with pattern makers and manufacturers to bring their designs to production.

What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Apparel Design jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Apparel Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,475 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Senior Color Designer, Men's Apparel

Columbia Sportswear Company

Portland, OR • On-site

$108K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Columbia Sportswear rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 105 rated fashion retailers


Job description

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As our Senior Color Designer, you will be an influential member of the Apparel Color Design team who forecast, create and deliver the seasonal color palette. A passion for color combined with strong trend and design concept forecasting, exemplary presentation skills, calendar awareness to ensure deadlines are met and a collaborative mindset will allow you hands-on involvement in creating the color vision which reflects Columbia Sportswear's design ethos of connecting the consumer to their outdoor passions. In this role, you will be responsible for creating a seasonal color point of view and displaying strong creative vision through inspiring concept ideation, development, and color application.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • Actively research global color and market trends for the outdoor marketplace.
  • Influence an inspired vision for season trend and color direction through clear communication and understanding of shared corporate goals.
  • Own the creation of new color palette and collection concepts through a strong understanding of our consumers' needs.
  • Collaborate with Color team to design innovative and inspiring presentations of color trends, seasonal and historical palettes, current marketplace, proprietary data and collection colorways for review by the product creation team.
  • Support the development and utilization of smart tools and info graphics to communicate design color direction.
  • Ideate new processes, exemplify discipline and manage time expertly for color projects to ensure effective and efficient transfer of information at key gates and dates. Strong awareness of design calendar is a must.
  • Engage and partner with Product Line Management and Design Leadership on seasonal strategies and execution.
  • Inspire and mentor other Designers.

YOU ARE:
  • Passionate about apparel and color design and always keeping up to date on consumer trends.
  • An outdoor enthusiast.
  • A team player, able to successfully communicate and interact with your team members as well as external partners.

YOU HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience. Specializing in apparel design, graphic arts, or related field or Associate's degree with 7 or more years related work experience acceptable in lieu of bachelor's degree.
  • Five to eight years' experience in color design and/or apparel industry.
  • Exposure to the outdoor industry preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of computer software including Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office Suite, as well as the talent and ability to perform free hand drawings.
  • Must have excellent eyesight, including exceptional sense of color.
  • Ability to travels for consumer/product research as approved by senior management.
  • DESIGN PORTFOLIO LINK OR ATTACHMENT REQUIRED ON RESUME OR APPLICATION.

#Hybrid
#LI-LC1
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.
At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.
If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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About Columbia Sportswear

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1938

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