How to hire an apparel designer?
Hiring an apparel designer is a crucial step for starting or expanding a clothing brand. These professionals specialize in creating functional and stylish clothing that balances design with production. Learn what an apparel designer does, how much it costs, and what to ask before you hire one.
What is an apparel designer?
An apparel designer is a fashion professional who specializes in designing clothing for various markets, from high-fashion to casual wear. They have expertise in everything from sketching and technical drawings to fabric sourcing and garment construction. Their goal is to create clothing that is both aesthetically pleasing and manufacturable.
Things an apparel designer can do for you
- Conceptual Design: Create original design concepts and sketches for a new clothing line.
- Technical Flats: Produce detailed technical drawings that show every garment detail for manufacturing.
- Tech Packs: Create a full technical package that includes all the specifications needed for a manufacturer to produce the garment.
- Fabric Sourcing: Advise on or source the best fabrics and materials for your designs.
- Pattern Making: Create or advise on patterns for the garments to ensure a perfect fit.
How much does it cost to hire an apparel designer?
The cost for an apparel designer depends on the number of garments, the complexity of the design, and the level of service required. On freelance platforms, prices might be:
- Simple sketch or flat drawing: Average of $50-$150 per design.
- Full tech pack (per garment): Average of $150-$400+.
- Full collection design: Prices are highly variable.
Questions to ask when hiring an apparel designer
- Can you show me a portfolio of your apparel designs?
- What is your experience with designing for my specific niche?
- Are you familiar with technical fabrics and their properties?
- What is your process for developing a new product from a concept?
- What file formats will the final technical drawings and tech packs be delivered in?
How much time does an apparel designer take to complete a job?
The time to complete an apparel design job can vary. A simple design with a sketch and technical flat might take a few days, while a full tech pack for a complex garment could take a few weeks. On average, a project can take between 7 to 20 days.
