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Assistant Apparel Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Buyer II

Camas, WA · On-site

$32 - $47/hr

Sigma Design believes in hiring, developing, and recognizing the best. We offer competitive ... Purchases for new hires, including apparel, ordering of desk nameplates, and any furniture ...

New

Buyer II

Camas, WA · On-site

$32 - $47/hr

Sigma Design believes in hiring, developing, and recognizing the best. We offer competitive ... Purchases for new hires, including apparel, ordering of desk nameplates, and any furniture ...

Assistant Manager

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

To design thoughtfully. To craft skillfully. To give back wholeheartedly. Founded in 1876, Jockey ... apparel is sold in more than 140 countries and our commitment to quality, innovation and customer ...

Assistant Manager

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

To design thoughtfully. To craft skillfully. To give back wholeheartedly. Founded in 1876, Jockey ... apparel is sold in more than 140 countries and our commitment to quality, innovation and customer ...

Sales Leader

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$18 - $24.70/hr

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in developing and motivating associates to maximize sales potential

Sales Leader

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in developing and motivating associates to maximize sales potential

Sales Leader

Portland, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in developing and motivating associates to maximize sales potential ...

Sales Leader

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in developing and motivating associates to maximize sales potential

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Apparel Design information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17K

$47.5K

$88.4K

How much do assistant apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant apparel design in Portland, OR is $47,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,456.00 and $55,927.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant apparel designer?

Assistant Apparel Designers support the design team in creating clothing collections by preparing sketches, sourcing fabrics, organizing samples, and coordinating with manufacturers. They help turn creative concepts into finished garments by assisting in the design process, tracking trends, and handling administrative tasks. This entry-level role is ideal for those looking to build a career in the fashion industry and gain hands-on experience in apparel creation.

What are some typical challenges faced by an assistant apparel designer in their daily work?

Assistant Apparel Designers often juggle multiple tasks, such as creating tech packs, assisting with sample reviews, and updating design boards, all while adhering to tight deadlines. Balancing creative input with technical requirements and feedback from senior designers can be challenging, especially during peak production cycles. Additionally, collaborating across teams—including pattern makers, merchandisers, and production staff—requires strong communication and organizational skills to ensure design concepts are accurately realized.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant apparel designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Apparel Designer, you need a strong understanding of fashion design principles, garment construction, and proficiency in sketching, often supported by a relevant degree in fashion or design. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems, as well as knowledge of fabric sourcing, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with design teams and interpret trends. These skills are crucial for supporting the design process, ensuring product quality, and contributing innovative ideas in a competitive fashion industry.

What is the difference between Assistant Apparel Design vs Apparel Designer?

AspectAssistant Apparel DesignApparel Designer
CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant coursework, some experienceBachelor's degree in fashion design or related field, more experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive team setting, design studios, fashion housesLeading design projects, creating original collections, client presentations
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sketches, fabric selection, trend researchConcept development, designing garments, overseeing production

Assistant Apparel Design roles focus on supporting the design team with research and preparatory tasks, while Apparel Designers lead the creative process and develop original collections. Both roles require a background in fashion or design, but the Designer position involves more responsibility and creative input.

What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR?

For Assistant Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Apparel Design jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Assistant Apparel Design jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Assistant Apparel Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Apparel Design job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,518 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Design Assistant- Apparel

Perry Ellis International

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY: 

Responsible for the administration and follow-up of the product design process. Assists the Sr. Designers from concept to finished goods. Supports the team by managing tech sheets, color CADs, 3D renderings, and graphic schematics. Additionally, helps with late adds/SMUs and sales tools. This role provides essential hands-on exposure to the apparel industry flow for individuals entering a creative field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage the administration and follow-up of the product design process, utilizing Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
  • Drive product relevance by synthesizing global market trends and color concepts into commercially viable, brand-right narratives.
  • Assist in the creation of trend and color boards, and provide asset and presentation support for milestone reviews and partner presentations.
  • Champion product integrity by maintaining a meticulous library of accurate Illustrator CADs.
  • Collaborate with the Sr. 3D Apparel Designer to review, audit, and perfect all 3D product renderings.
  • Own and deliver clear, highly detailed tech sheets to streamline the development process, and communicate updates to Technical Designers and Product Developers.
  • Work closely with the Senior designers & Print & Pattern team on print & graphic development - assisting with rework of print layouts and schematics, and maintaining color pitch forms, ensuring final print & colorways are correct for development.
  • Assist with reviewing product design prototypes, helping to ensure the product meets all specifications & requirements.
  • Attend development meetings to monitor development progress. Ensure a detailed recap of progress and any issues is provided to the Sr. Designer when he or she cannot attend meetings.
  • Responsible for updating the team of any style changes and uploading images to the PLM system.
  • Assists in approving lab dips, strike offs, etc. and capturing any relevant notes / share out of revisions needed.
  • Responsible for maintaining seasonal overview of all print, fabric, material and trim development.
  • Responsible for maintaining all benefits and details information. Owns the integrity of the PDP pipeline, translating complex product attributes into accurate, consumer-facing verbiage.

SKILLS:

  • Working knowledge of adobe illustrator, photoshop, InDesign and Browzwear/Lotta 3D
  • Foundational knowledge of apparel products, materials, and manufacturing methods.
  • Foundational knowledge and understanding of apparel construction.
  • Foundational knowledge of general design principles, and color theory.
  • Ability to create basic 2D product sketches (in Illustrator).Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to prioritize and multitask.

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • BA or BS Degree in Apparel Design.
  • One year design experience (may include summer jobs, internships, etc.).
  • Proficient in Google suite, Adobe Suite, Browzwear