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Associate Fashion Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

About the Role The Associate Apparel Designer will support the design and development of women ... Research fashion, color, fabric, trim, and silhouette trends through market shopping, competitor ...

About the Role The Associate Apparel Designer will support the design and development of women ... Research fashion, color, fabric, trim, and silhouette trends through market shopping, competitor ...

About the Role The Associate Apparel Designer will support the design and development of women ... Research fashion, color, fabric, trim, and silhouette trends through market shopping, competitor ...

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Associate Fashion Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$17.7K

$53.1K

$79.4K

How much do associate fashion designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate fashion designer in Tennessee is $53,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate fashion designer do?

An Associate Fashion Designer assists senior designers in creating and developing clothing lines or accessories. Their responsibilities typically include researching fashion trends, sketching design ideas, creating technical drawings, choosing fabrics and materials, and collaborating with pattern makers and manufacturers. They may also help prepare presentations, attend fittings, and ensure that designs meet brand standards and production requirements. This role is key in supporting the creative process and helping bring new collections to life.

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

To thrive as an Associate Fashion Designer, you need a strong background in fashion design principles, garment construction, and trend analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems is essential, along with knowledge of textile sourcing and technical packs. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and bring innovative concepts to life. These skills ensure the ability to create marketable, well-constructed designs that align with brand identity and industry trends.

How does an associate fashion designer typically collaborate with other team members during the design process?

As an Associate Fashion Designer, you will regularly collaborate with senior designers, pattern makers, merchandisers, and production teams. You'll participate in brainstorming sessions, contribute to mood boards, and help translate design concepts into technical sketches. Communication is key, as you’ll be expected to share feedback, coordinate fabric and trim selections, and ensure your designs align with brand direction. This teamwork fosters creativity and helps move collections smoothly from concept to finished product.

What is the difference between Associate Fashion Designer vs Fashion Designer?

AspectAssociate Fashion DesignerFashion Designer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in fashion design or related field; some experienceBachelor's degree; extensive experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists senior designers, supports design process, collaborates with teamsLeads design projects, creates original concepts, oversees entire design process
ResponsibilitiesSupports design development, prepares sketches, sources materialsDevelops collections, makes final design decisions, manages design team

The main difference between an Associate Fashion Designer and a Fashion Designer lies in experience and responsibility. An Associate Fashion Designer typically supports the design team with less autonomy, focusing on assisting and executing tasks. In contrast, a Fashion Designer leads the creative process, makes key decisions, and manages projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the level of experience and scope of responsibilities distinguish them.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fashion Designer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Fashion Designer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Fashion Designer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Fashion Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Fashion Designer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,150 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Apparel Designer

Eleven Eleven

Brentwood, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Eleven Eleven is a women’s apparel and lifestyle brand based in Nashville, Tennessee. We are seeking a Product Designer, Apparel to lead the creation and development of new styles from concept through production.

This role is centered on design execution and product development, with direct ownership over how each piece is created, refined, and brought to market. You will translate ideas into production-ready garments, working hands-on with fabrics, fit, construction, and overseas vendors to ensure every product meets our standards.

About the Role

The Associate Apparel Designer will support the design and development of women's apparel across lounge, fleece, knitwear, outerwear, and seasonal lifestyle collections. This role is responsible for helping create successful products that align with Eleven Eleven's elevated aesthetic, quality standards, and community-first approach.

You'll assist in bringing products from concept through production, including trend research, CAD development, color direction, tech pack creation, fittings, sample reviews, and factory communication.

Working closely with Production and Brand Strategy, and our overseas manufacturing partners, you'll help bring new collections to life while ensuring every detail meets our design and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has 3–5+ years of apparel design experience, exceptional taste, strong technical skills, and a passion for creating products women reach for every day.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the design process from initial concept through production.
  • Create original CADs, technical sketches, and presentation boards for seasonal collections.
  • Develop and maintain detailed tech packs, ensuring all updates from fittings and sample reviews are accurately reflected.
  • Participate in fit sessions and communicate revisions with Product Development and overseas factories.
  • Research fashion, color, fabric, trim, and silhouette trends through market shopping, competitor analysis, runway collections, social media, and consumer insights.
  • Assist in developing seasonal color palettes, prints, graphics, and trim direction.
  • Organize and maintain design boards, line plans, seasonal presentations, and development calendars.
  • Communicate daily with overseas vendors regarding sample corrections, construction details, and development timelines.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Production and Brand Strategy to ensure products are delivered on time and meet quality expectations.
  • Help identify opportunities to improve fit, functionality, and construction while maintaining brand consistency.
  • Stay informed on emerging trends, fabrics, and innovations that align with the Eleven Eleven customer.
  • Over time, take ownership of individual product categories from concept through production.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Development, or related field
  • 2–5+ years of experience in apparel design, technical design, or product development
  • Strong experience creating tech packs, specs, and garment construction details
  • Deep understanding of fit, grading, and fabric behavior
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
  • Direct experience working with overseas factories
  • Experience across women’s apparel categories

Additional Attributes

  • Strong eye for proportion, detail, and overall product execution
  • Ability to translate creative direction into technically accurate garments
  • Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple styles simultaneously
  • Clear communicator with both internal teams and external vendors
  • High ownership mentality over product quality and final output

Portfolio Requirement

  • Portfolio required (CADs, tech packs, or product examples demonstrating design and development work)

What This Role Requires

  • Strong balance of design vision and technical execution
  • Direct ownership of the product from idea through production
  • Comfort working hands-on in fittings, revisions, and factory communication
  • Accountability for the final product—not just the concept