Apparel design is a central field in the fashion industries where designers develop clothing and accessories for various audiences and occasions, ranging from casualwear to haute couture. Fashion designers start by researching trends, sketching ideas by hand or using digital tools like CAD, and selecting fabrics, colours, and patterns to bring their concepts to life. They may work for high street brands, luxury fashion houses, or as independent designers, and often specialise in specific areas such as menswear, womenswear, lingerie, or sportswear.
Roles in this field require creativity, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of current and future trends. Designers often collaborate with product developers, buyers, and marketing teams to produce collections that align with a brand’s identity and consumer needs. As the industry shifts towards sustainability and innovation, there’s increasing demand for designers who can blend creative flair with eco-conscious practices. Career paths can lead from assistant designer roles to senior design manager or head of atelier positions, offering many opportunities to shape the fashion landscape.
Examples of roles in apparel design:
- Studio/Design/Atelier Assistant
- Junior Designer
- Fashion Designer
- Tailor
- Product Developer
- Circular Design Expert
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in apparel design:
- BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring
- BA (Hons) Fashion Contour
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Menswear
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear
- BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration
- BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear
This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.