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Apparel Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Sr Apparel Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$38 - $44/hr

In this role, you will help drive men's apparel design from early concept through production while working closely with design leadership and cross-functional partners. The position is ideal for ...

J+F Design

Be Seen First

Apparel Associate Designer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

What we're looking for: * 2-4 years of apparel design experience * Strong Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop skills * Ability to create CADs, colorways and design presentations * Understanding of garment ...

Grayson HR

Technical Design Intern- Apparel

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Are you passionate about apparel and the intersection of design and production? Join our fast-paced e-commerce team and gain hands-on experience ensuring our creative vision translates flawlessly ...

Eleven Eleven

Apparel Designer

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Eleven Eleven is a women's apparel and lifestyle brand based in Nashville, Tennessee. We are ... This role is centered on design execution and product development, with direct ownership over how ...

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apparel design information

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$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in the United States is $69,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is apparel design?

Apparel design is the process of creating clothing and accessories by conceptualizing, sketching, and developing garment ideas. Designers consider factors such as fabric, color, functionality, and style to produce wearable and appealing fashion pieces. They may work for fashion brands, manufacturers, or as independent creators, and their work involves staying up-to-date with trends and understanding consumer preferences.

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

To thrive as an Apparel Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, textile knowledge, and often a degree in fashion or a related field. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Illustrator, CAD systems, and familiarity with industry-standard pattern-making tools is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help set designers apart in a competitive market. These abilities are vital for translating ideas into marketable garments that meet consumer trends and production standards.

What are some common challenges faced by apparel designers when collaborating with production teams?

Apparel designers often encounter challenges in translating creative concepts into technically feasible garments, especially when working closely with production teams. Differences in material availability, cost constraints, and manufacturing capabilities can require designers to adjust their original ideas. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers must frequently provide detailed specifications and adapt their designs to ensure both aesthetic quality and production efficiency. Building strong relationships with pattern makers and manufacturers helps streamline this process and leads to better final products.

What is the difference between Apparel Design vs Fashion Design?

AspectApparel DesignFashion Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in fashion or apparel designOften requires a fashion design degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, retailRunway shows, design studios, fashion houses
Industry UsageFocuses on clothing production and technical designEncompasses the broader fashion industry, including trends and branding

Apparel Design primarily focuses on creating clothing items and technical specifications, while Fashion Design covers the broader scope of fashion trends, runway collections, and branding. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Apparel Design is more technical and production-oriented, whereas Fashion Design emphasizes creativity and trendsetting.

What can you do with a degree in apparel design?

A degree in apparel design prepares individuals for careers such as fashion designer, technical designer, product developer, or stylist. Graduates can work in clothing manufacturing, retail, or start their own fashion brands, often utilizing skills in CAD software, fabric selection, and trend analysis.

What does an apparel designer do?

An apparel designer creates clothing and accessory designs, developing concepts, sketches, and prototypes based on fashion trends and client needs. They use design software like Adobe Illustrator and may collaborate with pattern makers and manufacturers to bring their designs to production.
More about apparel design jobs

What cities are hiring for Apparel Design jobs?

Cities with the most Apparel Design job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs?

The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs are:

What states have the most Apparel Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Apparel Design jobs include:

apparel design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Senior Expert, Apparel & Accessories Design, Energy

Nike

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$348K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Nike rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $166,400.00 in our lowest geographic market to $348,800.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.
Information about benefits can be found here.
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
In this role you will report directly to the Sr. Director of Energy Collaboration Design (Apparel, Footwear, Graphics & Accessories) and focus on working with external collaborators. You will partner closely with your design, product management, global merchandising, brand marketing and development counterparts in other areas of the business to ensure continuity and alignment. In addition, you will work closely with the extended energy design team to maintain a cohesive strategic intent.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Based in Beaverton, Oregon; we are looking for an incredible Senior Apparel Designer to lead projects. In this role you will be accountable for the design direction and initiatives to drive the future of design with external collaborators. You and your team of designers will establish and nurture the creative vision for Nike Apparel, leading with innovative key concepts and ensuring a cohesive vision across the entire consumer journey.
The ideal candidate must be an authority in apparel design, display a high taste, with a passion for excellence, a storyteller, innovator, creative leader, tenacity to solve problems, and a passion to inspire and develop teams. This person will be passionate about driving business critical initiatives and elevating Nike for a wide range of products and consumers, while driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling!
PLEASE INCLUDE A LINK TO YOUR PORTFOLIO OR A PDF OF YOUR WORK. A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A PORTFOLIO WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
  • Bachelor's degree in field of study or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience in apparel design
  • Experience leading creative teams and managing designers
  • Proven ability leading teams with varied strengths with a team first approach crafting a strong team culture and connectivity
  • Leads as a strategic creative partner to cross-category partners
  • Ability to think strategically about product relevance, product positioning, timing, and collections
  • Strong knowledge of fashion, design, and Lifestyle trends
  • Ability to build seasonal concepts, and provide the team with both short and long-term vision
  • Proficient ability to apply and perform industrial design skills, including drawing/sketching, ideation, color theory, use of textiles, spacing and scale, visual presentation development and layout that is supported by a portfolio of non-computer-based creative design.
  • Digital design competence in Adobe CC and comfortable working within Digital tools/3D
  • Strong communication and presentation skills

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
Collaboration Energy Design creates future opportunities and energizes existing franchises through culturally relevant stories. In this role you will establish the Apparel Design Direction with external collaborators and ensure cohesion across multiple collections, consumers, and fields of play. You will drive business critical design initiatives to elevate Nike Apparel, driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling. You will build, hold, and maintain a standard of practice and design excellence, ensuring the highest standard of quality, consistency, accuracy while pushing the boundaries of creativity! You will lead your team in delivering innovative & well-crafted designs through physical executions. You are an experienced people leader who builds opportunities for individual development, performance management, recognition and rewards. You will drive design excellence with key partners and ensure the team delivers coordinated creative against the seasonal strategy through encouraging and leading innovative thinking, collaboration, and partnership.
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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