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Apparel Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fashion Nova

Apparel Designer

Beverly Hills, CA

ROLE OVERVIEW The Apparel Designer will lead trend-driven design initiatives across both men's and women's categories, with a strong focus on small capsules, special projects, and fast-turn ...

The Workshop LA

Apparel Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... house denim designer. In the position you would be responsible for supporting the design ... Required Qualifications * 3-5+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within women ...

Fashion Nova

Apparel Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

ROLE OVERVIEW The Apparel Designer will lead trend-driven design initiatives across both men's and women's categories, with a strong focus on small capsules, special projects, and fast-turn ...

Dolls Kill

Freelance Apparel Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

About The Role The Freelance Apparel Designer supports Dolls Kill's product team in developing new styles across all categories (ready-to-wear, intimates, outerwear, etc.), from concept through tech ...

Set Active

Freelance Apparel Designer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Apparel Designer supports the Product Design team in bringing SET Active's seasonal vision to life through thoughtful, trend-forward execution. This role works closely with the Senior Product ...

Dolls Kill

Freelance Apparel Designer

Oakland, CA

About The Role The Freelance Apparel Designer supports Dolls Kill's product team in developing new styles across all categories (ready-to-wear, intimates, outerwear, etc.), from concept through tech ...

Clare V

Senior Technical Designer, Apparel

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Senior Technical Designer, Apparel serves as the technical expert across all apparel categories, including women's knits, wovens, and sweaters. This role partners closely with Design, Product ...

Vans

Vans: Designer, Women's Apparel

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

As our Women's Apparel Designer, you'll bring the Off The Wall spirit to life through product that connects with women around the globe, blending trend-right relevance, creative storytelling, and ...

Vans

Vans: Designer, Women's Apparel

Costa Mesa, CA · Hybrid

$82K - $102K/yr

As our Women's Apparel Designer, you'll bring the Off The Wall spirit to life through product that connects with women around the globe, blending trend-right relevance, creative storytelling, and ...

ALO

Seamless Designer

Beverly Hills, CA

$110K - $120K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Seamless Apparel Designer to lead the creation of cutting-edge seamless garments, focusing on activewear, athleisure, and performance wear. In this role, you will ...

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All JobsApparel Designer JobsApparel Designer Jobs in California

Apparel Designer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.6K

$103.6K

How much do apparel designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel designer in California is $68,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apparel designer?

An Apparel Designer creates clothing, accessories, and footwear by sketching designs, selecting fabrics, and overseeing production. They research fashion trends, collaborate with manufacturers, and ensure designs align with a brand’s vision. Their role involves creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of market demands. Apparel Designers may work for fashion brands, retailers, or as independent designers.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an apparel designer?

As an Apparel Designer, your daily responsibilities may include sketching and developing new clothing concepts, selecting fabrics and materials, creating technical drawings, and collaborating with pattern makers and production teams. You’ll often attend fittings, adjust designs based on feedback, and research upcoming trends to inspire future collections. Regular communication with merchandisers, marketing teams, and suppliers is common to ensure cohesive development from concept through to finished product. The role balances creativity with practical problem-solving and attention to market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel designer?

To thrive as an Apparel Designer, you need a strong foundation in fashion design principles, sketching, textile knowledge, and a relevant degree in fashion design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems is typically required, and pattern-making skills can be an asset. Creativity, attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are key soft skills. These qualities enable designers to create innovative collections that meet market demands while working efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

How to get a job as an apparel designer?

To become an apparel designer, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills, gain relevant education such as a degree in fashion design or a related field, and acquire experience through internships or entry-level positions. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and understanding of textiles and manufacturing processes are also important for securing a job in this field.

What does an apparel designer do?

An apparel designer creates clothing and accessory designs, developing concepts, sketches, and prototypes based on fashion trends and target markets. They use design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop and 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 most commonly searched types of Apparel Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Apparel Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Apparel Designer jobs in California?

For Apparel Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apparel Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apparel Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apparel Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apparel Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Apparel Designer jobs in CA?

For Apparel Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Apparel Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 58% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,584 per year, or $33 per hour.

Apparel Designer

Jerry Leigh of California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:


The Apparel Designer will be responsible for developing the standards and creating designs and tech packages for new and elevated products. This position works closely with the Product Developers and Sales to establish the vision for new products, partnering to ensure that all products meet established standards with focus on quality, comfort, and cost.


Job Responsibilities - Other duties may be assigned


  • Prepare and present seasonal graphic driven fashion across key licenses
  • Research and present relevant trends, materials, colors, and product innovations.
  • Prepare presentation materials for line previews and buy meetings
  • Present trend and line from design perspective to buyers and licensors
  • Responsible for style CADS, style set up, Bill of Materials, and Trim Packages
  • Oversee product development process and execution of samples
  • Conduct fit sessions
  • Approve Lab Dips, Fabric Qualities, Graphic strike offs
  • Conceptualize and develop innovative bodies
  • Capabilities in designing bags, headwear, accessories, drinkware a plus


Basic Qualifications:


  • Must have enthusiasm for apparel, fashion and a strong sense of style and color
  • 7 -10 years of experience in design, production, or merchandising department
  • A Design and/or Development Bachelor's degree is preferable.
  • Must have advanced understanding of knit and woven fabrications and garment construction
  • Must have ability to set creative tone and inspire ideas and new concepts
  • Must be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures of graphic and fine art
  • Strong time management skills a must, along with ability to keep up with changing task prioritization in a fast-paced team environment
  • Proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop
  • 3-D and AI Design software knowledge a plus!


Benefits:


  • Healthcare options for medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending.
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Generous paid time off plans for vacation, sick, and personal, as well as company holidays
  • Life, accidental death & dismemberment

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