Apparel Designer

ThruDark Limited; Poole; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kit allowance

Latest technology and software

Hybrid-working options

Salary-sacrifice pension

Regular team events

On-site gym

Job summary

ThruDark is seeking an Apparel Designer to translate creative ideas into technically considered products for outdoor and sports use. You’ll collaborate with Product Development and Illustration to refine designs, communicate intent and manage samples through to production.

You’ll need a strong portfolio and experience in designing technical garments, with proficiency in Illustrator and a solid understanding of fabrics and construction to balance creativity with production realities.

Qualifications

• Experience designing technical, performance, outdoor or sports apparel.
• Experience progressing designs from sampling to production.
• Strong portfolio with clear personal contribution.
• Proficiency in Illustrator with ability to create detailed flat drawings.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabrics and trims and how design affects comfort and performance.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with production realities.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal design concepts for outdoor and sports apparel in response to product briefs and brand direction.
• Create product sketches and technical flats communicating silhouette, construction and functional details.
• Research materials and design developments and translate findings into designs.
• Select fabrics, trims and colorways to support use, aesthetics and brief.
• Collaborate with Product Development to assess feasibility and maintain design intent.
• Contribute to sample and fit reviews, refining proportions and detailing.
• Collaborate with Illustration to integrate artwork and branding into garments.
• Present ideas clearly and respond to feedback.
• Manage designs to meet seasonal deadlines and keep information up to date.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Garment construction

Independent working

Communication skills

Tools

CLO3D

Job description

ThruDark creates apparel that combines performance, function and a distinctive design identity. We’re looking for an Apparel Designer who can translate creative ideas into technically considered products built for their intended use.

Working within our Product Department, you’ll design outdoor and sports apparel, balancing aesthetics, garment construction, material performance and commercial requirements. You’ll work closely with Product Development and Illustration to develop your ideas, communicate design intent and refine products through sampling.

You’ll need relevant apparel design experience, the confidence to take ownership of your assigned designs and a portfolio that demonstrates both your creative ability and technical thinking.

What you’ll do

• Develop seasonal design concepts for outdoor and sports apparel in response to product briefs, customer needs and ThruDark’s brand direction.
• Create product sketches and accurate technical flat drawings, clearly communicating silhouette, proportion, construction and functional details.
• Research products, materials and emerging design developments across outdoor and sports apparel, translating relevant findings into purposeful designs.
• Select and propose fabrics, trims and colourways that support the product’s intended use, aesthetic and commercial brief.
• Work closely with Product Development to assess feasibility, resolve design challenges and maintain design intent.
• Contribute to sample and fit reviews, refining proportions, detailing, function and overall appearance.
• Collaborate with Illustration to integrate artwork and branding into garment designs.
• Present your ideas clearly, explain your design decisions and respond constructively to feedback.
• Manage your assigned designs against seasonal deadlines and keep design information accurate and up to date.

Essential

• Experience personally designing technical, performance, outdoor or sports apparel, or closely related garments where function, construction and material performance are central.
• Experience contributing to apparel designs that have progressed through sampling and into production.
• A strong portfolio showing your design process, technical drawings and finished garments, with your personal contribution clearly identified.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, including the ability to independently create detailed apparel technical flat drawings.
• Practical understanding of garment construction, fabrics and trims, and how design decisions affect comfort, movement, durability and performance.
• The ability to balance creative ambition with commercial requirements and practical production considerations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working alongside product development or technical colleagues.
• The organisation and judgement to progress your assigned designs independently and meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience spanning both outdoor and sports apparel.
• Experience using CLO3D or similar 3D apparel design software.
• Experience refining designs in response to wear testing or product performance feedback.

In return:

• Join a passionate, friendly and driven team.
• ThruDark kit allowance throughout the year.
• Access to the latest technology and software needed for your role.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid-working options.
• Salary-sacrifice pension scheme.
• Regular team events and outings.
• On-site gym for personal use.

ThruDark is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and do not discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.