1

Apparel Product Development Freelance Jobs in Renton, WA

Freelance Merchandiser

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$19 - $22.50/hr

Minimum 3-5 years of retail buying, product development, merchandising and/or planning experience ... Engagement Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor This is a 1099 independent contractor ...

Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality ... and products * Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and ...

New

Minimum 3-5 years of retail buying, product development, merchandising and/or planning experience ... Engagement Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor This is a 1099 independent contractor ...

BA degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field. * At least 2 years of experience in apparel development, design, or related function preferred. * Strong Illustrator, Excel, Word ...

Mens Apparel Designer - Denim

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$37.05 - $39.42/hr

Production & Sourcing, Product Development, Technical Design, Buying and Design Leadership ... BA or equivalent coursework in Apparel preferred * 3-4 years of experience in Apparel Design

BA degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field. * 5-6 years of experience in apparel development, design, or related function preferred. * Proficient with Adobe CS - Illustrator ...

Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality ... and products * Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and ...

New

SVP of Women's Design

Seattle, WA · On-site

$261 - $375/hr

Leads the development of seasonal creative vision--including product color, print and pattern ... experience in women's apparel design, including leadership of large and complex design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Apparel Product Development Freelance information

See Renton, WA salary details

$16

$28

$47

How much do apparel product development freelance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apparel product development freelance in Renton, WA is $28.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.98 and $29.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apparel product development freelance?

Apparel Product Development Freelancers are independent professionals who specialize in creating and developing clothing products for brands, designers, or manufacturers. They handle various stages of the product lifecycle, including concept design, fabric selection, sample creation, and production management. These freelancers often collaborate with clients to bring fashion ideas to life, ensuring that garments meet quality, budget, and timeline requirements. Their expertise allows companies to access skilled development support on a flexible, project-by-project basis.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance apparel product developers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance apparel product developers often face challenges such as managing multiple client expectations, coordinating with remote teams, and keeping up with fast-paced industry trends. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to ensure clear project milestones and deliverables. Networking with reliable contractors and using collaborative design tools can streamline the development process. Staying updated with fabric innovations and production techniques also helps maintain a competitive edge in freelance roles.

What is the difference between Apparel Product Development Freelance vs Apparel Product Developer?

AspectApparel Product Development FreelanceApparel Product Developer
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications required, but experience in fashion design or product development is preferredOften holds degrees or certifications in fashion design, apparel production, or related fields
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site, project-basedUsually employed by companies, working in design studios or corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance basis, working with multiple clients or brandsFull-time or part-time employee within fashion or apparel companies

Apparel Product Development Freelance professionals typically work independently on a project basis, offering flexibility and diverse client work. In contrast, Apparel Product Developers are usually employed by companies, focusing on in-house product creation. Both roles require knowledge of apparel design and production, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel product development freelance?

To thrive as an Apparel Product Development Freelance, you need a solid understanding of garment construction, fabric knowledge, trend forecasting, and typically a degree in fashion design or related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, tech pack creation tools, and project management platforms is crucial. Strong communication, creativity, and time management skills set top freelancers apart when collaborating with brands and manufacturers. These skills ensure efficient development of market-ready apparel that meets client expectations and industry standards.
What are popular job titles related to Apparel Product Development Freelance jobs in Renton, WA? For Apparel Product Development Freelance jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apparel Product Development Freelance jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Apparel Product Development Freelance jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Apparel Product Development Freelance jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Apparel Product Development Freelance job openings:
Infographic showing various Apparel Product Development Freelance job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,327 per year, or $28 per hour.

$74K - $119K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


REI rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 172 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Overview
This role supports the apparel design team in creating meaningful, brand-right products that serve REI members and the outdoors. This role contributes to research, trend application, concept development, and design pack deliverables across assigned apparel categories. You will assist with the creation and maintenance of design tools, templates, sketches, sketch updates, color CADs, and PLM system updates while helping bring seasonal product concepts to life.
Working closely with partners across Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Color, Development, and Merchandising, you will apply market trends, consumer insights, and product knowledge to support the design process. You will contribute to seasonal milestones, maintain organized design assets, and help ensure design intent is accurately communicated throughout product development.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
  • Support apparel design work across assigned categories, contributing to research, trend application, concept development, and seasonal product deliverables.
  • Create and maintain seasonal design assets including sketches, sketch updates, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, presentations, and other design tools as needed.
  • Assist with the preparation, organization, and management of product samples, design reviews, and meeting materials.
  • Maintain accurate and organized digital design files, charts, and documentation; enter and update product design information within the PLM system.
  • Follow seasonal calendars, milestone dates, and established design processes to ensure deliverables are completed on time and with accuracy.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams including Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Development, Merchandising, and Operations to support product execution, identify potential issues, and help deliver design intent throughout the product development process.

Qualifications
  • 3+ years of product design experience
  • Demonstrated ability to create, express, and apply a compelling design point of view that drives product direction and results.
  • Strong understanding of apparel design, market trends, consumer insights, and product development processes.
  • Experience creating design sketches, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, technical packages, and presentation materials.
  • Working knowledge of apparel materials, manufacturing processes, garment construction, and performance product requirements.
  • Proven ability to manage workflow, prioritize work, and meet deadlines within a product development calendar.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office applications, and PLM systems; familiarity with Figma and FigJam is preferred.

Closing
At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.
REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.
Pay Range
$74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year

What REI employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


REI logo

About REI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

REI, or Recreational Equipment, Inc. is a widely respected retail company based in Kent, WA, US. The company caters to the outdoor recreation industry, providing a complete range of high-quality, sustainable gear and sporting goods. Founded in 1938 by avid mountaineers, it was built on the passion for exploring the outdoors and offers products for camping, hiking, cycling, fitness, paddle sports, snow sports, and more. REI also conducts outdoor adventure trips and classes. Its mission is to inspire, educate, and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. For decades, REI has stood by its core values of authenticity, quality, service, respect, integrity, and balance. Proudly, the company has made Fortune Magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the list's inception.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

1938