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Apparel Design Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) · Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) · Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) • Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

We're growing our design team and looking for a Senior Apparel Designer to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line. This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic.

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

We're growing our design team and looking for a Senior Apparel Designer to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line. This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic.

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

We're growing our design team and looking for a Senior Apparel Designer to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line. This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic.

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

We're growing our design team and looking for a Senior Apparel Designer to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line. This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic.

Design apparel concepts and products that meet Puma's global performance brand and quality standards. * Work closely with the apparel design team, product development, and PLM team to develop four ...

Designer II Running Apparel

Boston, MA · On-site

$62K - $83K/yr

Work closely with the apparel design team, product development, and PLM team to develop four seasonal and carryover apparel ranges per year. * Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of ...

Design apparel concepts and products that meet Puma's global performance brand and quality standards. * Work closely with the apparel design team, product development, and PLM team to develop four ...

Great design goes beyond what people wear. It shapes how they feel. At Life is Good, every product ... Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, fabrics, trims, print techniques, washes ...

Great design goes beyond what people wear. It shapes how they feel. At Life is Good, every product ... Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, fabrics, trims, print techniques, washes ...

Great design goes beyond what people wear. It shapes how they feel. At Life is Good, every product ... Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, fabrics, trims, print techniques, washes ...

Knowledge of fabric and color used in apparel design * Hand painting & Illustration skills a plus * Must have a strong balance of technical and creative strengths * Detail oriented * Extremely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Apparel Design information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.8K

$75.5K

$114.1K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in Boston, MA is $75,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $96,700.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Apparel Design jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Apparel Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,494 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Apparel Design Director

Janji

Somerville, MA • On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description


JANJI
Better gear for greater distance.

Apparel Design Director

Boston, MA (HQ)  ·  Full-time

Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Design Men's and Women's apparel with a technical, function-first approach and a contemporary eye.
  • Partner directly with the Head of Product, Senior Tech Designer, and Product Development Director, from concept through production.
  • Own the design process end to end: research, sketching, fabric and trim selection, fit reviews, and revisions. Design into a range of styles includes men's , women's, knits, wovens, and accessories.
  • Bring a point of view on solving problems and reducing barriers for the Janji athlete/customer
  • Push the line forward season over season, always asking what the product could do better.

WHAT YOU BRING

  • 12+ years of experience in apparel design.
  • A portfolio showing technical, function-first design, across Men's and Women's.
  • Strategic understanding of designing product between consumer, market, and margin
  • Comfort working hands-on with Tech Design and Development to solve fit and construction problems as a design moves toward production.
  • Technical, construction-first design background (garment construction, seaming, taped/sealed seams for outerwear)
  • Materials knowledge (knits, wovens, synthetics, merino, etc.)
  • Adobe Illustrator (universal, always required) 
  • Cross-functional fluency: costing, MOQ, line planning, sourcing timelines
  • Based at, or willing to relocate to, our Boston HQ.

BONUS POINTS

  • A personal passion for running and/or the outdoors.
  • 3D design capabilities: CLO3D or Browzwear

 

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