Apparel Designer

Who We Are

At Tillys, we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.

Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.

Position Summary

The following is a brief description of responsibilities to be performed by the Designer. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Key Responsibilities

A typical day may include:

• Research and report seasonal trends in all classifications across men’s, women’s, and kids – including silhouette, color, graphic motifs, and design details
• Assemble and deliver season trend reports to merchant team
• Prepare and distribute seasonal color palettes across all classifications: men’s, women’s, contemporary, swim, accessories, and graphic tees
• Work with the Design Director to identify and build seasonal collections across all categories/classifications, including graphic tee assortments
• Assist the Design Director in new product launches, new private label brand launches, and re-branding of existing in-house brands
• Create new brand art for hangtags, woven labels, packaging, and other components as needed
• Prepare and complete all inspiration and trend boards, thumbnail concept sketches, technical line drawings, and CADs/line drawings throughout the development season
• Maintain and update CAD libraries to reflect accurate product information, including fabric, construction, colorways, and graphics
• Design original graphics and placement artwork specifically for the graphic tee program, tailored to the Tillys customer
• Collaborate closely with the marketing and e-commerce teams to ensure consistent visual messaging in graphics across platforms
• Prepare and complete with accuracy all initial detail drawings, bill of materials, trim and label packages, and seam construction
• Partner with Tech team for tech packages as needed
• Establish strong working relationships with outside suppliers and the internal merchant team to achieve margin goals and cost targets through use of appropriate style details, fabrications, and construction
• Oversee and provide guidance to the Textile Print & Graphic Designer in the development of all-over and placement prints
• Provide guidance and direction to external partners for silhouette design, repeat and placement print graphics, especially in support of our graphic tee business
• Manage external vendor timelines and deliverables
• Create, manipulate, and recolor in-house textile designs/graphics/prints and embroidery when needed
• Participate in fittings and partner with the Technical Design team to achieve consistent brand-right, trend-right fits
• Attend relevant trade shows, and travel to vendors and suppliers as requested
• Conduct regular competitive audits to ensure Tillys is on-trend, with a strong focus on our graphic tee category
• Partner with marketing to provide seasonal in-house brand direction and ideation
• Partner with stylist to provide trend-right styling
• Perform other duties as assigned and apparent

Qualifications

Your experience brings:

• Proven experience and passion for the Tillys customer, designing to their lifestyle, with a focus on casual wear and graphic tees
• Strong proficiency in CAD software for fashion design (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, CLO, or similar tools) with a focus on accurate and visually compelling technical and presentation-ready work
• Experience designing graphics specifically for apparel, including placement art and slogans for graphic tee programs
• Expert in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Expert at repeat pattern production for collection merchandising
• Comprehensive understanding of woven and knit garment and fabric construction, synthetic, natural, performance, and sustainable fibers
• Knowledge of printing, dyeing, and finishing techniques relevant to both fabric and graphic application
• Strong creative, conceptual, and merchandising skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills required
• Polished interpersonal, communication, networking, and presentation skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and communicate project status effectively
• Demonstrated creativity and a resourceful approach to problem-solving

·       Ability to reprioritize projects frequently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Education & Experience

• 7 years of combined design experience, with 2 years of focused experience in apparel graphics or CAD
• Minimum 2-year AA degree required (preferably in Fashion Design)
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
• Portfolio required – must include samples of fashion CADs and original graphic tee designs

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Regularly lift/move up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs
• Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
• Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities

Leadership & Team Development

Non-Management:

While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.

Compensation

Yearly Range: $90k-$100k
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

What to Expect

Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.

Why Join Tillys?

At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.

Perks & Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
• Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
• Employee Discount – In-store and online
• Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
• Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
• Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
• Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats

Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring

Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.

Other Considerations

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.

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