SPORTSWEAR DESIGNER

University of the Arts London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenth Athletic is seeking a performance sportswear designer in London to contribute to research, design and development of technical running apparel and accessories. You will own products from concept to production, collaborating with the founder and creative team.

The role requires strong portfolio in sportswear, technical garment construction and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with an eye for fit and function.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in sportswear or activewear design.
• Strong portfolio showing apparel design and functional garment construction.
• Understanding of fit, movement, durability and comfort in performance garments.

Responsibilities

• Research performance apparel, fabrics and construction methods.
• Develop original concepts and seasonal design proposals.
• Design technical running products across tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories.
• Produce accurate tech packs and specification sheets.

Skills

Sportswear design

Technical drawings

Tech packs

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

3D garment design

Fabric knowledge

Tools

CAD software

CLO

Job description

The Performance Sportswear Designer will contribute to the research, design and development of Tenth Athletic’s technical running apparel and accessories.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching performance apparel, trail running, materials, construction methods and relevant market developments.
• Developing original product concepts, colour directions and seasonal design proposals in line with Tenth Athletic’s design language.
• Designing technical running products across tops, shorts, tights, outerwear, carrying equipment and accessories.
• Producing accurate technical drawings, specification sheets and production-ready tech packs.
• Researching and selecting performance fabrics, trims, components and appropriate construction methods.
• Communicating with suppliers and manufacturers throughout product development and sampling.
• Reviewing prototypes and samples, conducting fit reviews and preparing clear revision instructions.
• Participating in wear testing and field testing, then translating feedback into practical product improvements.
• Maintaining organised design files, material records, sample information and product-development documentation.
• Working closely with the founder and wider creative team while taking ownership of assigned products from concept through to production.

Skills and Experience Required

A middleweight sportswear or apparel designer with relevant professional experience and a strong portfolio of commercial work.

• Professional experience in sportswear, performance apparel, activewear or a closely related product category.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating original apparel design, technical ability and an understanding of functional garment construction.
• An understanding of fit, movement, durability and comfort in performance garments.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage responsibilities independently.
• Demonstrable experience designing technical sportswear, activewear or performance apparel from initial concept through to production.
• Strong understanding of functional garment construction, fit, movement and performance requirements.
• Proven ability to produce accurate technical drawings, specification sheets and production-ready tech packs.
• Good knowledge of performance fabrics, trims, components, finishes and garment manufacturing processes.
• Experience reviewing prototypes and samples, conducting fit assessments and preparing clear technical amendmentsto suppliers or manufacturers.
• Confidence communicating directly with suppliers, factories and other development partners.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong visual judgement, attention to detail and an organised approach to design and product development.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and take ownership of assigned products.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A genuine interest in running, outdoor performance, material research and function-led design.
• Alignment with Tenth Athletic’s approach of developing products through function, material and considered aesthetics.
• Experience with CLO or other 3D garment-design software is desirable but not essential.

Disability Confident Employer

We can confirm that we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1-3) who can welcome a wide-range of disabled applicants within our level of training.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.