Apparel Technical Designer I

Varsity Brands; Farmers Branch (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Employee discounts

Hybrid work

Job summary

Varsity Brands is seeking an Apparel Technical Designer to translate design concepts into production-ready specifications. You will develop technical sketches, maintain PLM data, coordinate samples, and ensure fit and construction meet established standards.

You will collaborate with Merchandising, Pattern, New Product Development, Costing, and manufacturing teams to document construction requirements, track samples, and communicate approved updates.

Qualifications

• Degree in Fashion Design or related field required.
• 1-3 years of apparel technical design experience.
• Proficiency in Illustrator, PLM, and garment-construction processes.

Responsibilities

• Document construction requirements and update technical sketches.
• Coordinate samples and ensure fit, construction, and measurements meet standards.
• Manage design files and communicate updates to cross-functional teams.
• Photograph approved samples and upload to PLM system.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Pattern, NPD, Costing, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

PLM systems

Patterns

Garment construction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field

1-3 years experience in apparel technical design

Tools

PLM software

Job description

JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT

At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.

WORK TYPE

Hybrid

LOCATION DETAILS

14460 VARSITY BRANDS WAY, Farmers Branch, TX 75244

Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation.

WORK HOURS

M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)

How You Will Make An Impact

The Apparel Technical Designer supports the technical execution of apparel products from design approval through production readiness. Working under established technical standards and direction from Product Development leadership, this role develops technical sketches, maintains PLM data, prepares samples and documentation, and coordinates follow-up activities that keep development work moving.

What You Will Do

The Apparel Technical Designer partners with Merchandising, Pattern, New Product Development, Costing, and manufacturing teams to document construction requirements, track samples, and communicate approved updates. The role identifies and escalates fit, construction, measurement, and quality concerns to the appropriate technical lead for direction and resolution.

Job Responsibilities

• Use design tools to document and maintain design productivity.
• Manage, create, develop, and maintain designs by preparing design layouts or modifying existing designs.
• Manage requests, product backlog, and prioritization through email and the PLM system.
• Develop, maintain, and release technical sketches, documentation, and data in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Prepare for fit sessions by organizing samples and technical information, documenting feedback, and updating sketches or specifications based on approved direction.
• Conduct initial sample inspections, document quality or construction observations, and elevate material fit, measurement, construction, or launch-impacting concerns to the designated technical lead.
• Coordinate approved product revisions and information updates with the New Product Development and Costing teams.
• Photograph approved samples and upload images to the PLM system.
• Develop solutions that keep PLM data coordinated and meet reporting requirements.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where priorities and product details may change daily, while seeking direction on complex technical decisions.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Skilled in Adobe Illustrator for creating and manipulating technical sketches.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, time-management, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of patterns, sewing construction, product research, and apparel product development.
• Ability to manage assigned work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment; seeks direction on complex fit, specification, and construction decisions.
• Strong computer skills and personal effectiveness in a professional setting.

Education/Experience

• Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in apparel technical design, product development, patternmaking, garment construction, or a related field. Relevant internships or co‑op experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, garment construction, patternmaking, and sample-development processes.
• Portfolio demonstrating technical sketches, apparel development work, or related technical design capabilities preferred.
• Adobe Illustrator, PLM, or apparel-construction training is a plus.

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment and is primarily desk-based. It includes maintaining the sample closet by collecting and hanging garments, locating approved samples in other departments, dressing dress forms, and taking photographs for PLM. Minimal lifting may be required.

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

Our Benefits

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.