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Apparel Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grayson HR

Technical Design Intern- Apparel

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Are you passionate about apparel and the intersection of design and production? Join our fast-paced e-commerce team and gain hands-on experience ensuring our creative vision translates flawlessly ...

QVC

Associate Apparel Designer

West Chester, PA · Hybrid

The Associate Apparel designer supports QVC and HSN, and helps design and develop apparel categories/brands that align to business strategy, trend direction, and customer needs. Where You'll Work

Huk Gear

Design I

Charleston, SC · On-site

Through our brands, Huk and Nomad, we design high-performance fishing and hunting apparel that works as hard as the environments they're made for. From early casts to last light in the field ...

Huk Gear

Design I

Charleston, SC · On-site +1

Through our brands, Huk and Nomad, we design high-performance fishing and hunting apparel that works as hard as the environments they're made for. From early casts to last light in the field ...

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All JobsApparel Design Jobs

Apparel Design information

See salary details

$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.

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.

How do you become a clothing designer?

To become a clothing designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fashion design, textiles, or a related field. Developing a strong portfolio, gaining experience through internships, and mastering design software like Adobe Illustrator are important steps. Building industry connections and staying current with fashion trends also help advance a career in apparel design.

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 work closely with pattern makers and manufacturers to bring their designs to production. Strong creativity, knowledge of textiles, and understanding of manufacturing processes are essential in this role.

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 freelance design, often utilizing skills in sketching, pattern making, and computer-aided design (CAD).

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 get paid?

Clothing designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced designers earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the designs, and many designers work in creative environments that value portfolio quality and technical skills.
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:
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Apparel Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Senior Manager, Kids NSW Apparel Graphic Design

Senior Manager, Kids NSW Apparel Graphic Design

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
This role reports to the Director, Kids Graphic Design and leads a team of designers across Kids Sportswear apparel graphics. The role partners closely with Apparel Design, Color Design, Product Management, Merchandising, and Development to deliver cohesive, consumer-right product across seasonal collections.
The role also collaborates with cross-functional and cross-category leaders to ensure alignment to brand vision and business priorities.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike is seeking a Senior Manager who brings strong creative leadership and the ability to build and scale high-performing teams, elevate design craft, and drive impact across the marketplace. This leader balances vision and execution-setting a clear creative direction while ensuring delivery against seasonal timelines, product creation needs, and business goals.
  • To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio. Please provide website links or attach PDF files when you apply.
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • 8+ years of apparel graphic design experience, including leadership experience
  • Proven experience leading designers and developing talent
  • Brings a strong point of view on kids' culture, sport, and lifestyle, translating insights into compelling seasonal direction
  • Demonstrates the ability to lead and inspire teams, creating clarity, accountability, and growth
  • Builds scalable graphic systems that extend across collections and categories
  • Excels in cross-functional collaboration and influences partners at multiple levels
  • Communicates vision and strategy clearly through storytelling and presentations
  • Champions diversity of thought, inclusivity, and a culture of creativity
  • Strong understanding of apparel product creation and graphic application

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
You will lead the end-to-end graphic direction for Kids Sportswear apparel, shaping both seasonal execution and long-term creative evolution. You will direct seasonal concepts, review team work, align cross-functional partners, and build presentations that communicate vision and strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Set and drive seasonal graphic direction across Kids Sportswear apparel (boys and girls)
  • Lead, coach, and develop designers, supporting both craft excellence and career growth
  • Ensure consistent, elevated design quality across all product touchpoints
  • Partner with Apparel Design, Color, and Product teams to create cohesive product narratives
  • Translate consumer and cultural insights into relevant, scalable graphic systems
  • Manage workload, priorities, and timelines to ensure on-time delivery
  • Influence cross-functional and leadership partners to align on creative direction

IMPACT & EXPECTATIONS
  • Elevate the creative standard of Kids Sportswear graphics at scale
  • Build and sustain a high-performing, engaged design team
  • Drive consistency and distinction across seasonal collections
  • Balance innovation with commercial viability and marketplace relevance
  • Strengthen cross-functional alignment through clear, decisive vision

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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