Apparel Designer

Key Responsibilities Design & Creative Support

• Assist in developing seasonal sweater concepts, including yarns, stitches, patterns, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction
• Create design sketches, stitch callouts, and technical flats using Adobe Illustrator
• Support development of stripe layouts, jacquards, textures, and novelty stitches
• Collaborate on yarn selection, color development, and trim details with cross-functional teams and vendors
• Help build mood boards, concept decks, and sweater-specific presentations for seasonal reviews
• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research focused on knitwear using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN)

Product Development & Execution

• Assist in creating and updating detailed tech packs, including stitch specifications, gauge, yarn details, construction, and measurements
• Support communication of design intent to overseas vendors, including stitch developments and proto comments
• Participate in fit sessions for sweaters; take notes, track revisions, and support approvals
• Review knit-downs, strike-offs, and samples to ensure accuracy of stitch, color, and quality
• Track development timelines and maintain accurate records to ensure on-time delivery

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising to support sweater assortment plans, pricing architecture, and seasonal direction
• Collaborate closely with Technical Design to ensure fit, construction, and knit feasibility
• Work with Production and vendors to align on yarn sourcing, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities
• Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule

Operational & Team Support

• Maintain organized sweater design files, yarn libraries, stitch references, and seasonal documentation
• Update PLM systems with accurate sweater-specific data (yarns, gauges, constructions)
• Assist with line plan updates, sample tracking, and development charts
• Support market preparation, sample organization, and presentation setup

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or related field preferred

Experience

• 1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably in sweaters/knitwear (internships included)
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment preferred
• Portfolio required (including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred)

Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM familiarity preferred
• Understanding of knitwear construction, stitches, gauges, and yarns
• Experience working with or exposure to knit-downs and sweater sampling processes
• Familiarity with Miro or similar tools for collaboration
• Exposure to AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills