Skip navigation

Fashion Designers - 27-1022.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Apparel Fashion Designer
  • Clothing Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Dance Costume Designer
  • Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Historic Clothing and Costume Maker
  • Latex Fashions Designer
  • Product Developer

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
  • Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
  • Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
  • Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
  • Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
  • Determine prices for styles.
  • Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.
  • Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
  • Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
  • Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
  • Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
  • Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
  • Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
  • Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.
  • Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.
  • Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
  • Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
  • Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
  • Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.
  • Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Build models, patterns, or templates.
  • Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
  • Conduct market research.
  • Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
  • Coordinate design activities.
  • Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
  • Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
  • Monitor current trends.
  • Promote products, activities, or organizations.
  • Select materials or props.
  • Study scripts to determine project requirements.
  • Write informational material.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Combat Artist (Officer) (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Fur Designer

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Copyist
  • Fashion Designer
  • Fur Designer