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Apparel Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Driving sales and margins through vendor communication, internal design and product development ... Associate Apparel Buyer pay range: $55,000-$60,000 annually. This role will be eligible for the ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Graphic Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Graphics Design Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$146K - $234K/yr

Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns across email, web, newsletters, and print platforms for broad audiences * Design PowerPoint presentations and briefing materials including executive ...

Graphics Design Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$146K - $234K/yr

Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns across email, web, newsletters, and print platforms for broad audiences * Design PowerPoint presentations and briefing materials including executive ...

Graphics Design Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns across email, web, newsletters, and print platforms for broad audiences * Design PowerPoint presentations and briefing materials including executive ...

Showing results 21-40

Apparel Design information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$78.7K

$118.9K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in Washington is $78,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $100,800.00 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 Washington?

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Apparel Design jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Apparel Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,709 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Associate Buyer (Apparel)

DTLR, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


DTLR rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Come work for us!

We are looking for dedicated employees to join our team to help our customers have the best experience possible every time they enter a DTLR store.


Our employees are key to our success.


The Associate Apparel Buyer is responsible for assisting the buyer in managing all aspects of the category businesses in order to drive results that meet or exceed the planned financial and qualitative objectives established for the fiscal period. The Associate Buyer will support administrative needs of the business group. They’ll take data flow information and independently make recommendations on how to drive the business, take initiative to understand variance to plan and prior year, build partnerships that allow for open and timely communication and have confidence to speak in open forums to provide value added comments.


Duties/Responsibilities:


Purchase order management: Ability to enter buys into the system with an understanding of how the product and deliveries affect the company’s overall goal. Ability to reconcile and report receipts monthly and demonstrate financial responsibility for success of business


Manage Style Outs: Responsible for sample management for respective brands and coordinating pass offs to marketing, ecom, and visual merchandising teams. Work efficiently creating visual presentations of product information and color, that can be used by VM, Marketing and Ecommerce teams.


Merchandise Analysis: Analyze weekly and monthly sales, stock, and on-order with the goal of optimizing sales and minimizing markdowns. Identify Key Trending in the marketplace and react quickly, both major and minor, in the business, whether they be product related, or store related. Driving sales and margins through vendor communication, internal design and product development,


Merchandise Planning: Works closely with the Buyer and Planner revising plans to ensure that sales and margin are optimized by class. Ensure the buying direction is on target based on partnering with Buyer and comprehensive analysis of the business, e.g., last year results, current trends, attribute selling, etc.


OTB (Open-To-Buy) Management: Manage the financial elements of the business, e.g., OTB, IMU, MD’s, etc. Ensure that the receipt plan is tightly managed and that orders are placed on a timely basis (neither too late or too soon) and that receipts flow correctly throughout the month.


E-Commerce: Assist in selecting new products for e-commerce division from retail’s assortment. Suggest category extensions / web exclusives to further growth. Provide vendor/style investments by quarter in order to promote product through our web platforms


Vendor Relations: Develop effective and beneficial relationships with key vendors. Sit in on vendors’ appointments and participate in product development and purchasing in the market. Prepare for meetings and projects with Business Analysts. Manage vendor performance through effective negotiation and communication to maximize profitability, achieve financial objectives and ensure optimal supply chain operations.


Communication: Ensure that all communication (listening and directing) is conducted appropriately with the stores, vendors, ecommerce and warehouse. Develop collaborative relationships with internal colleagues including Planning, Visual Merchandising, Ecommerce, Buyers, Marketing and Community, and the Operational team. Gain understanding of all roles and responsibilities within the organization and be flexible and cooperative in working with teams to achieve a common goal.


Performs other duties as may be assigned


Required Skills/Abilities:


Demonstrate an understanding of the DTLR target customer and the ability to select the appropriate product trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.


Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook) and the ability to learn new computer systems quickly and retain the information


Exhibit a professional communication style (both verbal and written) as shown through strong presentation skills and excellent organizational skills, with a high sense of urgency.


The ability to prioritize tasks to balance the immediate and long term needs of the business.


Must be task driven and pro-active when it comes to executing tasks


Work requires a solid knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate with management, associates, and customers


Must demonstrate an ability to think strategically, plan and organize effectively


Must be able to maintain an exemplary degree of professionalism in all situations


The ability to execute directives with precision and consistency


Detail oriented, excellent time management with a strong sense of urgency.


Education and Experience:


High School Diploma or GED is a must.


Requires a minimum of two (3-5) years of retail experience


Must be willing to travel via car, plane or train


Career Path:


An Associate Buyer should expect to spend 2 years gaining experience and mastering the required skills prior to being considered for promotion to the Buyer level.


Physical Requirements:


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.


The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.


The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.


General Information:


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. DTLR, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits


discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


#LI-DNI


Compensation: Associate Apparel Buyer pay range: $55,000-$60,000 annually. This role will be eligible for the company 401K plan.


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