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Freelance Apparel Technical Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BRUNT Workwear

Apparel Technical Designer

Reading, MA · On-site

BRUNT is a fast-growing workwear brand built for the trades, and we're looking for a detail-obsessed, technically sharp Apparel Technical Designer to own initial design through construction, and ...

QVC

Apparel Technical Designer

West Chester, PA · Hybrid

The Tech Designer supports QVC and is responsible for creating Technical Product Development Packets for all apparel as well as fitting of these styles and following them through to the release of ...

TekSky

Apparel Technical Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

As a Senior Apparel Technical Designer , you would be responsible for: * Maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that enables you to get along with customers ...

Carter's

Technical Designer-Apparel

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Technical Designer-Apparel Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter's Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing ...

Burlebo

Senior Apparel Technical Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree Tech Design, Patternmaking or equivalent professional experience * 8-12+ years of experience in Apparel Technical Designer/Developer (mostly men's) apparel * Advanced knowledge of ...

Carter's

Technical Designer-Apparel

Atlanta, GA

The Technical Designer role is an individual contributor position responsible for executing ... apparel Technical Design. - Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 4 years of additional industry ...

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 ...

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Freelance Apparel Technical Designer information

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How much do freelance apparel technical designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance apparel technical designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance apparel technical designer?

A Freelance Apparel Technical Designer is a professional who works independently to develop, refine, and communicate the technical aspects of garment design for clothing brands or manufacturers. They create detailed technical packages (tech packs), review prototypes, and ensure garments meet fit, construction, and quality standards. Their role bridges the gap between fashion designers' creative visions and the practical requirements of production, often collaborating with pattern makers, manufacturers, and product developers. Freelance technical designers manage multiple clients and projects, offering flexibility and specialized expertise to various brands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance apparel technical designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Apparel Technical Designer, you need strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, and technical specifications, often supported by a degree in fashion design or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD programs, and familiarity with PLM systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and time management skills help you stand out when collaborating remotely with clients and vendors. These abilities ensure precise technical packages, efficient production, and successful client relationships in a fast-paced freelance environment.

How does a freelance apparel technical designer typically collaborate with brands and manufacturers throughout a project?

A Freelance Apparel Technical Designer frequently works closely with both brand clients and manufacturers to ensure design concepts are accurately translated into production-ready garments. This often involves creating detailed tech packs, reviewing prototypes, and providing feedback on fit, construction, and materials. Strong communication skills are essential, as the designer must coordinate virtual meetings, clarify specifications, and troubleshoot technical challenges remotely. By maintaining open lines of communication and being responsive to feedback, freelance designers help teams stay aligned and deliver high-quality finished products on schedule.

What is the difference between Freelance Apparel Technical Designer vs Apparel Product Developer?

AspectFreelance Apparel Technical DesignerApparel Product Developer
CredentialsFashion or Technical Design background, technical skillsFashion, merchandising, or product development experience
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or on-site, project-basedIn-house or agency, collaborative team setting
Industry UsageDesign-focused, technical specifications, fit, and constructionProduct planning, sourcing, and overall product lifecycle

Freelance Apparel Technical Designers focus on technical specifications, fit, and construction details for apparel projects, often working independently. Apparel Product Developers oversee the entire product development process, including sourcing and production. While both roles require industry knowledge, the technical designer emphasizes design execution, whereas the product developer manages the broader product lifecycle.

More about Freelance Apparel Technical Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Apparel Technical Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Apparel Technical Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Technical Designer jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Technical Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Apparel Technical Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Apparel Technical Designer jobs include:
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Freelance Apparel Technical Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Apparel Technical Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Apparel Technical Designer

BRUNT Workwear

Reading, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

We're leading the way in redefining the workwear category. Our mission is to engineer better boots and apparel for our country's tradesmen and women by working directly with real workers to learn what they actually need to execute their jobs.
The BRUNT team is not only devoted to improving on the old workwear standards, but we're also creating a community that tradesmen and women can call their own. From our weekly hangouts at the BRUNT Garage, to hosting events across the country, we're all about getting boots on the ground and building something real with the BRUNT crew.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
BRUNT is a fast-growing workwear brand built for the trades, and we're looking for a detail-obsessed, technically sharp Apparel Technical Designer to own initial design through construction, and quality of our Bottoms, Denim, and Outerwear product lines. Every product you touch will be built for the trade worker the carpenter, electrician, plumber, and laborer who demands gear that can keep up with the hardest days on the job site. Your work ensures that what we design is exactly what gets built, and that it performs when it matters most. You'll serve as the creative and technical backbone of our product creation process translating creative concepts into precise, production-ready packages and shepherding every style from first proto to bulk approval with an expert eye and zero tolerance for shortcuts.
HOW YOU'LL DO IT:
Tech Pack Development
  • Design functional silhouette solutions for the trade worker capturing key functionality outlined in the product brief.
  • Build and maintain comprehensive, production-ready tech packs for all assigned Bottoms, Denim, and Outerwear styles including detailed technical flat sketches, graded measurement charts, construction specifications, bills of materials (BOM), and hardware callouts
  • Ensure all tech packs clearly communicate design intent, workwear performance requirements, and construction standards to international factory partners
  • Maintain meticulous version control and documentation throughout the development cycle
  • Partner with Product Merchant and Consumer Insights early in the brief process to evaluate feasibility, flag construction risks, and propose workable solutions before development kicks off

Fit Sessions & Garment Evaluation
  • Lead and own all fit sessions for assigned categories from initial proto to buy ready evaluating garments on live fit models for fit, drape, mobility, and functionality specific to trade work environments
  • Analyze samples against spec sheets, identifying pattern issues and construction discrepancies, and communicating precise corrections to factory partners
  • Ensure fit standards reflect the physical demands of the trade worker freedom of movement, reinforced stress points, and category-specific durability requirements
  • Document all fit comments clearly and efficiently to minimize revision cycles and protect the development calendar
  • Partner with Consumer Insights during the wear test phase to capture any necessary adjustments to fit or function and align with product merchants on final changes.

Vendor Communication & Sample Approval
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact with factories and suppliers throughout the development process
  • Review and approve lab dips, proto samples, fit samples, and pre-production samples providing clear, actionable feedback at every stage
  • Partner with Sourcing to resolve production and construction challenges early, balancing quality standards with cost and timeline requirements
  • Visit factory and production sites as needed to ensure bulk production aligns with approved standards

Grading & Quality Standards
  • Develop and maintain graded measurement specs across the full size range for all assigned styles
  • Establish and uphold quality control standards from proto through bulk ensuring finished products are free of defects and consistent with brand and performance benchmarks
  • Research new construction methods, fabrications, and production technologies that could improve durability, functionality, or efficiency in workwear categories

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Product Merchant, Design, and Sourcing teams to align on seasonal timelines, milestone deliverables, and product intent
  • Contribute to line reviews, proto reviews, and fit sessions with a clear point of view advocating for construction solutions that serve both the trade consumer and the commercial goals of the business
  • Help create and maintain contingency plans when unexpected production challenges arise, keeping projects on track without sacrificing quality
What You Bring to the Table:
  • 4-6 years of apparel technical design experience, with a strong focus on Bottoms, Denim, and/or Outerwear workwear, outdoor, or performance categories strongly preferred
  • Deep, hands-on knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, fabric behavior, and grading principles
  • Experience with denim fabrication and construction is a meaningful plus wash development, rigid vs. stretch denim, and workwear-specific denim standards
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical flat sketching precise, clean, and production-ready
  • Experience with PLM software for tech pack management and development tracking
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for spec management and measurement charting
  • Familiarity with 3D design tools (CLO 3D, Browzwear) is a plus
  • Strong communicator able to clearly document and convey detailed specifications to cross-functional teams and international vendors
  • Deadline-driven, highly organized, and comfortable managing multiple styles simultaneously in a fast-paced seasonal calendar
  • A genuine appreciation for the trade worker consumer understanding the physical demands of the job and how good construction directly impacts their day

In accordance with applicable salary transparency laws, we are providing the good-faith salary range for this position. This range reflects the base salary that we reasonably expect to pay for this position at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered will depend on factors such as qualifications, experience, skills, and budget.
Benefits & Perks:
  • Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Retirement: 401(k) plan with Company Match.
  • Paid Time Off: 15 days of PTO, plus 11 paid holidays and sick leave.
  • Incentives: Performance-based bonus eligibility and Equity if applicable.

The anticipated salary range for this role is:
Compensation
$85,000-$110,000 USD
No matter what experience you have within our industry we encourage you to apply. At BRUNT, we believe that a strong crew is assembled with people from different backgrounds.
We look for individuals who thrive on challenges, will be passionate about our brand, and believe that teamwork is necessary for success. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to BRUNT. We can't wait to hear from you!

Apply