From swimwear to runway looks, fashion designers create styles for diverse consumers. However, fashion careers require more than just a good eye and sewing skills.
A fashion designer creates original apparel and accessories. Drawing on fashion trends and a deep knowledge of textiles and style, designers turn their vision into a reality.
Careers in fashion design also require business training. Successful designers blend creativity with solid skills in marketing, sales, and management. Most fashion designers hold a bachelor's degree.
The fashion design career offers above-average salaries. But how do fashion designers start their careers? Like other art and design careers, fashion designers often put in long hours before breaking into the industry. This page explores how to become a fashion designer.
What Do Fashion Designers Do?
Fashion designers create and design clothing and accessories. They may specialize in high fashion, ready-to-wear apparel, mass-market clothing, sportswear, evening wear, accessories, or footwear.
Designers research fashion trends to create forward-looking designs. They often rely on design software to create pieces, and they collaborate with designers on projects. At the beginning of a design project, fashion designers make sketches, evaluate textiles, and create a prototype.
Some designers create collections or fashion lines that showcase a theme or trend. They design pieces to show during fashion weeks in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. Other designers work for major brands, where they pitch ideas to creative directors and design seasonal lines for the brand.
In addition to fashion training, many designers learn marketing and business skills. Fashion merchandising experience helps designers get their pieces in retail establishments and market their work to customers.
Where Can Fashion Designers Work?
Fashion designers work for major fashion brands on the wholesale and manufacturing sides. In these roles, they create apparel and accessories that brands distribute to retailers. Nearly a quarter of fashion designers work in freelance roles, where they contract with clients to create pieces. Some of these designers launch their own clothing lines or create high-end custom apparel.
The career often requires long hours and travel. Designers who work on production deadlines or put together fashion shows often work long hours. Most fashion designers based in the U.S. work in New York or Los Angeles.
Skills
Fashion careers require a variety of skills. Designers draw on their creativity and artistic sensibilities to create designs. The career demands strong communication skills, an ability to collaborate, and a detail-oriented outlook. Hard skills like the ability to use design software, clothing construction training, and a deep knowledge of textiles and color also help designers.
Students planning to run their own fashion business also need strong marketing, sales, advertising, and management skills. Self-employed designers draw on sales and product development skills to understand their consumers and create in-demand designs. Overall, fashion designers must balance their passion and creativity with technical and business know-how.
Fashion Designer Skill Sets
Human Skills
- Artistic
- Creativity
- Communication
- Detail-oriented
- Collaborative
Hard Skills
- Computer-literate
- Clothing construction techniques
- Color theory
- Textile training
- Design software
Steps to Become an Fashion Designer
Earning a fashion design degree can help designers launch their careers. But a degree alone does not guarantee success. Fashion designers also need a strong portfolio, work experience, and a professional network to break into the fashion industry. Career success also depends on skill. Designers must know their brand identity, aesthetic, and niche in the industry.
Successful fashion designers work their way up. Many start building skills long before entering a fashion program. Learning how to sew, following fashion trends, and practicing with design softwares all help future designers gain admission to competitive fashion programs. After earning a degree, designers often work as stylists, fashion buyers, and assistants to established designers. These roles help designers expand their skills and build a network.
1. Complete a Fashion Design Degree Program
Most fashion designers hold an art and design bachelor's degree. During a fashion design program, students study fabrics, fashion theory, and color theory. They also learn how to create styles using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Fashion design courses use project-based assignments to help students strengthen their skills and build their portfolios.
Fashion design degree programs incorporate coursework in fashion merchandising, business, and marketing. Designers draw on these skills to launch a line, evaluate customer demand for styles, and earn a profit. At the conclusion of a fashion design program, seniors may design a line for a school fashion show.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
A fashion design or fashion merchandising degree provides valuable training for a career in fashion. However, designers also need hands-on experience.
During school, fashion designers should pursue internship opportunities. Many colleges connect aspiring designers with companies hiring interns. During an internship, students work under the supervision of an experienced fashion designer. Internships provide practical experience with the business side of the fashion industry. While students hone techniques and aesthetics in class, an internship provides career training.
In addition to internship experience, students should consider part-time or contract work opportunities. Working for a small brand helps students build their portfolio and potentially launch their own line. Experience with a major brand helps designers build their resume and make valuable connections in the industry.
3. Network Within the Industry
Like other artistic fields, networking helps fashion designers find professional opportunities, secure clients, and advance their careers. Designers should begin networking as early as possible, even before entering a fashion program. Networking events in school offer a valuable resource for meeting fashion professionals.
Connect with other designers, suppliers, buyers, and everyone else in the industry. Those connections can pay off once you begin freelancing or applying to full-time positions.
4. Build Your Design Portfolio
Careers in fashion require a strong design portfolio. Many fashion designers start building their portfolios before entering fashion programs. Students expand their portfolios to showcase their designs and skills. For example, designers might want to show range in their portfolio by including ready-to-wear looks and custom high fashion looks, or they may emphasize their technical skills.
Throughout a fashion career, designers update their portfolios. Internships, entry-level jobs, and stylist positions all help designers add to their portfolio.
5. Stay Up-to-Date on the Fashion Industry
Fashion designers need to stay on top of trends and keep up with fashion news. In an industry that changes seasonally, designers must devote time to following fashion cycles.
Several resources help fashion designers stay current. Professional associations, fashion magazines, and fashion shows showcase trends and industry information. Following other fashion designers and watching red carpet events also help designers keep up with trends. Designers can then incorporate new styles into their upcoming projects.
Things to Know Before Becoming a Fashion Designer
Considering a career in fashion? Wondering how to become a fashion designer? Before applying to design schools, make sure you have done your research. Here are three things to know before becoming a fashion designer.
Fashion Designer Salary Information
Fashion designers earn an above-average salary, with the highest paid designers making more than $145,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on the industry and location. As the tables below show, designers in manufacturing and specialized design services report average salaries of over $100,000.
Fashion Designer Annual Wages in 2020
$38,570
Lowest 10%
$75,810
Median Annual Wage
$146,300
Highest 10%
Source: BLS
| Industry | Mean Annual Wage (2020) |
|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | $110,780 |
| Specialized Design Services | $109,320 |
| Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing | $91,550 |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | $90,790 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $89,120 |
Source: BLS
| Industry | Mean Annual Wage (2020) |
|---|---|
| California | $97,270 |
| New York | $91,690 |
| Vermont | $90,640 |
| New Hampshire | $84,990 |
| Massachusetts | $84,480 |
Source: BLS
Ask a Fashion Designer
Carolina Dalfó
Carolina Dalfó is a fashion designer based in New York. Her academic career includes a BA in fashion and textile design from UADE in Buenos Aires and a MA in critical theory and the arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She has experience working for leading brands such as Ralph Lauren, Robert Geller, Opening Ceremony, and Gustav Von Aschenbach. She has also worked with companies such as Lululemon and Dreamworks on special projects and collaborations. Dalfó is also the founder and chair of LATA — the Latinx Alumni Together in the Arts Association at the School of Visual Arts — and the owner and designer of DALFO.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your career?
The most rewarding aspect of being a designer is seeing people feel good in something I've created. Clothes should ultimately enhance the human experience, and when one gets to a point of creation where garments contribute to someone's confidence, it's something to be proud of.
What are the most challenging aspects of your career?
Fashion design is a competitive, busy, and fast-paced industry. The nature of it can be exhausting, even frustrating at times.
When the road to becoming a fashion designer was challenging, what kept you going?
Working in fashion in New York is a dream come true, but being far from home is very hard sometimes. The key for me was to always look at the bigger picture, aim for that image I created for myself, and put in the work to get there. I now know that not everything will go as expected, but everything will be a learning experience on the way to where I want to be.
Granted, this is hard to understand when something doesn't go as planned, but the best way is through. Letting all the effort I've put in go to waste was never an option for me, so I'd allow myself to feel my feelings and keep going.
What type of person is successful and thrives in a fashion career? What type of person may not be the best fit?
Many different types of people are successful in fashion. What they all have in common is that they haven't only perfected their skills, but they've developed their own taste and aesthetic preferences and understand them really well.
Knowing how to take criticism is a big part of this job. If someone struggles with this, it doesn't mean they are not a good fit for fashion — just that they might need to work on accepting critique on their work.
What's a typical day for a fashion designer? What tasks do you typically work on?
I work on every step of the design process, from the initial research and designing a collection to fitting the sample garments and making corrections with the technical designers.
I prefer sketching by hand to get my ideas flowing, but I do my job sketching in Illustrator and sometimes in a 3D program. It's a lot of screen time and a lot of editing and reviewing.
The installed idea that fashion is a glamorous world is not entirely true. It's a very hands-on career.
Who do you communicate with?
I communicate with several different teams permanently every day. I mostly work closely with product developers and technical designers, who are in charge of the construction of a garment and setting up fittings for designers.
I also work with a graphics team and a prints team, as well as with other design teams, such as woven shirts and outerwear.
Besides communicating with creatives, my team also works close to the merchandising team, who dictate the seasonal collection needs. It really is a huge team effort.
What kind of hours do you keep?
Sometimes it gets busier, and you might need to put in some extra time, but most days, even working from home, 9am-6pm are my hours.
I used to work during Fashion Week, and those days were longer. Producing a runway show takes a lot of preparation because there are a lot of parts moving together, so the schedule can get a bit out of control. There was always something to do, but it was a lot of fun. I loved it.
Who are your coworkers?
My coworkers are mostly other fashion and textile designers, but also illustrators, graphic designers, and product designers. We all come from different places and we all have our own strengths we bring to the table. It's great to work with people you can also learn from.
What knowledge do you utilize?
A designer needs to know how to read a brand's DNA every season in order to come up with new ideas that will push the brand forward and reach new customers without turning the brand into something it is not. For this, it is important to pay attention to social shifts and customer behavior.
Technically, knowledge of garment construction is necessary, especially because you're going to be participating in fittings and you need to know how to modify that garment in order to solve any issue that might come up.
Personally, even if you're just starting, knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is a must for me. You can always learn and improve your skills, but a good foundation is always good.
Since becoming a fashion designer, has there been anything about the role that you didn't expect or anticipate?
Absolutely! Fashion design school does not reflect the reality of being a fashion designer accurately. It is very idealistic and abstract. It surprised me to see how much weight departments like merchandising have, for example.
At the end of the day, you need to make money to keep your company in business, and contrary to that, designers are trained to look to the future and experiment. It took me a while to find the right balance between pushing for newness through experimentation and creating something that makes a profit without feeling like a "sell out."
What would you recommend that students do, in addition to their fashion design degree programs, in order to stand out to employers?
Anything they genuinely find interesting [that] they could use to fuel their designs. When interviewing, I was always drawn to candidates who had something they were passionate and knowledgeable about, which they could take elements from to add to their own creations. It's about differentiating yourself and bringing something new to the table.
Fashion Designer Professional Organizations
Common Questions About Fashion Designers
How Can I Learn Fashion Designing at Home?
Yes. Online fashion design programs train students for careers in fashion design without going to campus. Prospective designers can also enroll in online courses and practice their skills at home.
How Many Years Does It Take to Be a Fashion Designer?
About four years. Most fashion designers hold a bachelor's degree. During a fashion design program, students study textiles, fashion history, and fashion merchandising.
Can I Design Clothes Without Making Them?
Yes, some fashion designers create designs without constructing pieces themselves. Designers can outsource construction to other professionals.
Do Fashion Designers Travel a Lot?
Yes. Most fashion designers travel regularly to attend fashion shows, meet with suppliers, and network. The majority of fashion designers live in New York or Los Angeles.
Genevieve Carlton
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton's work at genevievecarlton.com.
Header Image Credit: xavierarnau | Getty Images
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FAQs
What qualifications do you need to be a fashion designer? ›
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. Courses are widely available and include: fashion design. art and design.
What does it take to have a career in fashion design? ›How do I start a career in fashion designing? You can start a career in this field by pursuing a diploma in Fashion Designing. Students can begin after 10th with a diploma or bachelor's degree in Fashion Designing after 12th such as BDes or BSc Fashion Designing.
What are 5 skills that you need to have to be a successful fashion designer? ›To become a fashion designer, you need skills like creativity and proactivity, interpersonal skills, eagerness to succeed, good sewing skills, communication skills, business skills, leadership skills, and adaptability to dynamic trends.
How do you study fashion? ›- Review trends on social media. ...
- Sign up for newsletters. ...
- Read books about the history of fashion. ...
- Connect with fashion designers in your area. ...
- Find a mentor who can offer insight. ...
- Pursue experiential learning opportunities. ...
- Consider studying fashion formally.
- Think in Terms of Your Portfolio. The best way to stay focused at fashion design school is to work on each project as though it will become part of your portfolio. ...
- Keep Up on Trends. ...
- Start Sewing. ...
- Sharpen Your Technology Skills. ...
- Talk to Fashion Design School Graduates.
Art theory and art history are both useful elements in the world of fashion design. Understandably, a lot of design is being done on computers, but the option of manual sketches, knowledge of colours, lines, contrast, perspective and insight into the history of art can only improve your fashion design chances.
How do I know if fashion design is for me? ›- You're a creative. Without creativity, there is no chance of design, but this is likely a skill you possess if you're reading this blog. ...
- Design is a big part of your life. ...
- You're constantly looking to improve things. ...
- You're good at expressing yourself. ...
- You're entrepreneurial.
- Communication. Communication includes listening, writing and speaking. ...
- Problem solving. Challenges will arise in every job you have. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Initiative. ...
- Analytical, quantitative. ...
- Professionalism, work ethic. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Detail oriented.
You will develop your technical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as drawing, fashion illustration, fabric technology, pattern cutting, computer-aided design (CAD), colour, testing, sewing and garment construction. There will also be modules on fashion communication, fashion business and fashion cultures.
What are 3 interesting facts about fashion? ›- —
- 100 Billion Items of Clothing Are Produced Each Year.
- The Average Person Only Wears 20% of Their Clothes 80% of the Time.
- The Target Audience for Fast Fashion Retailers Is Largely Consumers Aged 18 to 24.
Who is No 1 fashion designer in the world? ›
1. Coco Chanel. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, “Coco” was an exquisite French fashion designer and founder of the well-known CHANEL brand. Her modernist thinking, practical design, and pursuit of expensive simplicity made her an important and influential figure in 20th-century fashion.
Where can you study to become a fashion designer? ›- Vega School. Offered: Bachelors of Arts in Fashion Design. For more information, click here.
- Inscape. Offered: Bachelors of Design, Higher Certificate. ...
- Damelin. Offered: Fashion Design and Retail Buying Certificate. ...
- Durban University of Technology. Offered: National Diploma, Bachelors of Technology in Fashion.
The fundamental ideas behind a design project don't require you to have any drawing skills. Rather, it requires you to be able to communicate the idea in such a way as to make the client understand your vision. Being able to draw even basically helps convey the idea succinctly.
What makes a good fashion designer? ›Creativity
A good fashion designer is creative and is able to make something out of anything. You should be able to transform the two dimensional idea into a three-dimensional art piece. The process from conceptualization to completion takes a lot of creativity and determination.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| Design Process & Draping Basics – I | Fashion Draping – I & Graphic Design – I |
| Art & Costume Studies – I | Fashion Merchandising & Marketing |
| Pattern Drafting – I | Fashion Illustration & Draping – III |
Fashion Designer Course: How Many Years? A fashion designer's associate degree takes two years, and a bachelor's usually takes four years to complete. Earning a master's degree in the field will take two more years of your time. You can earn a fashion design associate degree at FIT in just two years.
Is fashion designing hard? ›Know that fashion design is a tough line of work
“It is a lot of hard work and dedication. It's not just making clothes and having shows. There's a business side to it too, and you must be ready for that. There will be weeks with no sleep where you must get things done.”
Fashion design is a highly fulfilling career for people with a creative mind and an adventurous spirit. Pursuing professional courses in fashion design equips you with the required understanding of design creation. It also helps you to choose a specific area of interest and develop your skills.
What is fashion design course? ›What Is a Fashion Design Course? A fashion design course is a course that covers the art of designing beautiful clothing and fashion accessories. These courses look at the work of famous designers and the culture of the time to show students how great fashion designs come to be.
Do you need math for fashion design? ›Fashion designing does not demand expertise in complicated subjects like math or physics, but it does demand from a professional the creativity and dedication to stay true to that creativity.
How do I become a fashion designer with no experience? ›
- Familiarize yourself with design software. ...
- Research other fashion designers. ...
- Create new sketches every day. ...
- Read books about sewing and craftsmanship. ...
- Quiz yourself on fashion terms. ...
- Practice making prototype pieces. ...
- Attend fashion events. ...
- Develop your own collection.
You do not have to know how to draw to be a fashion designer or create your fashion designs. In fact, it is required within the industry that you are able to create digital designs at some point in the design process.
What do fashion designers wear? ›Surprisingly, most fashion designers opt to wear austere outfits, like jeans and a t-shirt with casual loafers or sneakers. Some choose to wear slightly more dressy clothes, but pieces that could still be considered simple, like a black dress, or black trousers and a shirt.
What inspires you to be a fashion designer? ›Q:What inspired you to become a fashion designer? A:I wanted to create looks that were kind of against what women wear at time. While most women dressed in super tight corsettes and fancy dresses,I created tailored blouses and trousers that were meant for men.
What skills do you need to be successful? ›- Computer skills. In nearly all industries, employees perform many everyday tasks using computer software and programs. ...
- Technological skills. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Organizational skills. ...
- Time management. ...
- Confidence. ...
- Positive thinking. ...
- Flexibility and open-mindedness.
- Step 1: Cultivate a career-ready mindset. To make the most of the opportunities that are presented to you, it's a good idea to keep the following clear in your mind: ...
- Step 2: Take advantage of on-campus resources. ...
- Step 3: Gain real life experience in the world of work.
- Communication skills. Communication skills are needed in virtually any job. ...
- Leadership skills. ...
- Teamwork skills. ...
- Interpersonal skills. ...
- Learning/adaptability skills. ...
- Self-management skills. ...
- Organizational skills. ...
- Computer skills.
- Course in Jewelry Design - Fall Semester. ...
- Milan Fashion Week Experience. ...
- Short Online Course in Luxury Fashion Branding & Consumer Experience. ...
- Course in Fashion Design. ...
- Fashion Branding & Communication Online Course. ...
- Fashion Marketing and Communication Academic Year - Fall Intake. ...
- Course in Fashion Law.
The four basic ingredients or elements of design used in fashion are shape or silhouette, line, colour and texture. A silhouette can be described as the outline of the entire garment. This is the most obvious visual element of the garment. It creates the initial impact before any other details are noticed.
Do fashion designers get paid well? ›15,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month, depending on the brand and the opportunity. Once you gain experience in the field, your salary can go up to 2 Lakhs per month. The job opportunities for fashion designers aren't restricted to India alone.
Does fashion designing need Maths? ›
No maths in not compulsory for fashion design. Students seeking admission in Fashion Designing courses at UG level must have passed their class 12th examination with not less than 50 per cent from a recognised board in India. You can give entrance exams like NID DAT, UCEED and NIFT.
How many years does it take to become a fashion designer? ›Most formal fashion design programs take 2-4 years to complete, but your formal education as a designer may last longer if you decide to work while you study.
What age do fashion designers start? ›The majority (43.2%) average age of those in Fashion Designing and other types of design are in the 25-34 age group. The average age for someone working in this type of role is 35 years, which is below the average age of all occupations that sits at 40 years.
How do I know if fashion design is for me? ›- You're a creative. Without creativity, there is no chance of design, but this is likely a skill you possess if you're reading this blog. ...
- Design is a big part of your life. ...
- You're constantly looking to improve things. ...
- You're good at expressing yourself. ...
- You're entrepreneurial.
1. Coco Chanel. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, “Coco” was an exquisite French fashion designer and founder of the well-known CHANEL brand. Her modernist thinking, practical design, and pursuit of expensive simplicity made her an important and influential figure in 20th-century fashion.
Do fashion designers make clothes? ›Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.
Do fashion designers travel a lot? ›Most designers travel several times a year to trade and fashion shows to learn about the latest fashion trends. Designers also sometimes travel to other countries to meet suppliers of materials and manufacturers who produce the final products. Most fashion designers work in New York and California.
Which subject is important for fashion designer? ›Here are the major subjects needed for Fashion Designing: Pattern Making & Garment Construction. Fashion Illustration. Elements of Fashion & Design.
What math do you need to be a fashion designer? ›Math Courses: Algebra, Calculus, Computer Science, Logic, Statistics.
Is fashion designing hard? ›Know that fashion design is a tough line of work
“It is a lot of hard work and dedication. It's not just making clothes and having shows. There's a business side to it too, and you must be ready for that. There will be weeks with no sleep where you must get things done.”
Is fashion design worth studying? ›
Ofcourse YES … But if you have interest in designing and fashion and and you love to create something different & creative . The field of fashion ihas no success without passion.
How do fashion designers start? ›Students interested in the field can earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in fashion design, where they take courses in computer-aided fashion design, the history of fashion, textiles, figure drawing, and pattern making.