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Apparel Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Puma

Lead Design Running Apparel

Boston, MA

$99K - $134K/yr

Lead the design of technical running apparel, ensuring a balance between functional performance (moisture management, mobility) and a run style-driven silhouette. * Run Culture Pulse: Act as the ...

Puma

Lead Design Running Apparel

Somerville, MA · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

Lead the design of technical running apparel, ensuring a balance between functional performance (moisture management, mobility) and a run style-driven silhouette. * Run Culture Pulse: Act as the ...

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All JobsApparel Design Jobs

Apparel Design information

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$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in the United States is $69,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is fashion design a good major in 2026?

Fashion design is a viable major for those interested in apparel design, as it provides skills in creativity, technical drawing, and industry tools like Adobe Illustrator. Job prospects depend on industry demand, which is influenced by trends, sustainability efforts, and technological advancements such as 3D modeling. Success often requires building a strong portfolio and networking within the fashion industry.

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.

Can I be a fashion designer if I can't sew?

Fashion designers do not need to be skilled in sewing, as their primary focus is on creating designs, selecting fabrics, and overseeing production. However, understanding sewing and garment construction can enhance their ability to communicate with pattern makers and manufacturers. Many fashion designers collaborate with technical staff or learn basic sewing skills to better realize their designs.

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 produce finished products. Strong creativity, knowledge of textiles, and understanding of production processes are essential in this role.

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.

How much do clothing designers make?

Clothing designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the designs. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced or specialized designers can earn significantly more, especially if working for major brands or running their own businesses.
More about Apparel Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Apparel Design jobs? Cities with the most Apparel Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs are:
What states have the most Apparel Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Apparel Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Apparel Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apparel Design jobs are:
Apparel Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Director, Fashion Design - Apparel - Sam's Club

Director, Fashion Design - Apparel - Sam's Club

Walmart

Bentonville, AR • On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,832 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...Position Summary: As Design Director of Apparel, you will shape the creative vision and seasonal direction for Sam's Club private brand Member's Mark, translating emerging trends into compelling, member-first product that leads the market in style, quality, and value. This role blends visionary leadership with hands-on design execution - leading and inspiring a team while also actively sketching, developing, and driving product concepts from ideation through final assortment. About the Team: This is a unique opportunity to help shape and build the future of the Member's Mark design organization, making a meaningful impact on both the product and the team. We are looking for an entrepreneurial creative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings a strong strategic point of view, and leads through both innovation and execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic creative leader and highly skilled designer with deep product expertise, a strong apparel background, and a passion for developing talent and elevating design excellence across the organization. What you'll do
  • Lead seasonal design direction for Sam's Club across Apparel translating trend and member insights into cohesive assortments.
  • Design and oversee sketches, presentations, and prototype development to deliver high-quality samples with strong adoption.
  • Drive brand storytelling and aesthetic consistency across men's, women's and children's apparel.
  • Partner with Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing, and Tech to optimize calendars, tools (PLM/CAD/3D), and design-to-cost decisions.
What you'll bring
  • Director-level apparel design leadership across multi-category assortments, from concept through prototype and adoption.
  • Expertise in brand architecture, line planning, tiering, and storytelling that strengthens member promise.
  • Strong command of color/print/fabric, fit intent, and material innovation balanced with cost and margin.
  • Fluency in trend platforms and design workflows/tools (PLM, CAD/3D, AI/social listening) to improve speed and quality.
  • Proffered 8+ years of experience
At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile design, or related area and 8 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
Option 2: 10 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
5 years' supervisory experience.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Experience driving brand identity and innovation., Proven ability to build and scale design teams., Strong business acumen and ability to influence product strategy.Primary Location...2101 Se Simple Savings Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712-4304, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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