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Assistant Apparel Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience as a Boutique Manager, Key Holder, Assistant Manager, Retail Supervisor, or Luxury Sales Associate. * Experience with luxury apparel, designer brands, jewelry, footwear, or premium ...

Boutique Manager

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Experience as a Boutique Manager, Key Holder, Assistant Manager, Retail Supervisor, or Luxury Sales Associate. * Experience with luxury apparel, designer brands, jewelry, footwear, or premium ...

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Assistant Apparel Designer information

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How much do assistant apparel designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant apparel designer in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a fashion designer assistant?

To become a fashion designer assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant skills in fashion design, sewing, or pattern making. Internships or entry-level positions in fashion or apparel companies can provide valuable experience, and strong organizational and communication skills are important for supporting designers effectively.

What does an Assistant Apparel Designer do?

An Assistant Apparel Designer supports senior designers in creating new clothing collections by researching trends, preparing sketches, selecting fabrics, and helping with the technical aspects of design. They may also assist in developing samples, coordinating with production teams, and organizing materials. This role requires creativity, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

What do assistant designers do?

Assistant apparel designers support lead designers by creating sketches, selecting fabrics, and developing prototypes. They often handle tasks such as organizing samples, conducting research, and preparing technical specifications, using design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Their role helps ensure the design process runs smoothly and efficiently.

How much does a fashion assistant earn?

A fashion assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those working in major fashion hubs can earn higher salaries. The role often requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of design tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

How much do clothing designers get paid?

Clothing designers, including assistant apparel designers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions often start lower, while experienced designers or those working for major brands can earn higher salaries. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the main collaboration points between an Assistant Apparel Designer and other departments during the product development cycle?

As an Assistant Apparel Designer, you will regularly collaborate with product developers, technical designers, and merchandising teams. Your role often involves sharing design concepts, providing technical sketches, and attending fittings to address construction or aesthetic adjustments. Effective communication with sourcing and production teams is essential to ensure materials, costs, and timelines align with design intent. These cross-functional interactions help streamline the development process and ensure the final product meets brand standards.

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 solid grasp of fashion design principles, garment construction, and textile knowledge, usually supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with CAD software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and apparel-specific programs, as well as an understanding of trend forecasting tools, is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with design teams and interpreting brand aesthetics. These skills ensure you can effectively contribute to the design process, meet production timelines, and help create commercially successful apparel collections.
More about Assistant Apparel Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Apparel Designer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Apparel Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Designer jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Apparel Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Apparel Designer jobs include:
Anthropologie Apparel Designer - Sweaters & Knits

Anthropologie Apparel Designer - Sweaters & Knits

Urban Outfitters, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Set the overall trend and direction for sweater designs each season and ensure alignment with market trends and business strategy.

  • Supervise Assistant and Associate Designers, delegate responsibilities, and provide training and leadership.

  • Collaborate with Product Development and Technical Design teams to develop materials, communicate style details, and ensure product execution meets design specifications.


URBN rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 102 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Anthropologie is looking for a Designer for Sweaters. The Senior Designer will set the overall trend and direction for designs each season for their respective category focusing on sweaters. They will also supervise designers and ensure that designs and resulting product are appropriate for the Anthropologie customer.


  • Initiate and complete line plan requirements on a seasonal basis ensuring that the product is consistent with the market trends and business strategy.
  • Research emerging trends and inspiration as they relate to the Anthropologie product.
  • Contribute to finding inspiration based upon the concept direction.
  • Supervise the Assistant/Associate Designers and delegate responsibilities to support the workload.
  • Globally source and shop raw materials markets and partner with PD to develop them within pricing guidelines.
  • Communicate style details to PD and collaborate with Technical Design to set-up specifications for confirmed silhouettes.
  • Partner with PD on the status of styles in development on a daily basis to ensure product execution meets design specifications.
  • Attend weekly fittings and all relevant design meetings.
  • Travel to factories for development and execution of programs as needed.
  • Develop, train, and lead the Assistant and Associate Designers.

  • Highly creative with the ability to recognize and forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to the Anthropologie customer. 
  • Expert knowledge of garment construction, knit machines, yarns, trims, washes with the ability to mock and drape on dress forms.
  • Detailed understanding of the Knit and woven manufacturing process and technique.
  • Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and commercial design solutions.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to multitask in fast paced environment.
  • Energetic team player with excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with partners in Design, Buying, PD, and Production.
  • Proficient computer skills of Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Web Pdm is a plus.
  • Strong hand sketching skills
  • Must have at least 7 years of experience in knitwear design.
  • Education - Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field is preferred.

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URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits


URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.


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