Apparel Technical Designer II

Varsity Brands; Farmers Branch (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan with company matching

Paid holidays

HSA/FSA opportunities

Job summary

Varsity Brands is seeking an Apparel Technical Designer II to independently lead the technical fit and specification development from design through production readiness. You will manage measurements, lead fittings, and provide recommendations to ensure production-ready specifications.

The role partners with pattern makers, vendors, and Product Development leadership to resolve complex issues and ensure accurate, complete technical documents for launches.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of pattern making and garment construction.
• Proficiency in CAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant design software.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving, time-management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Own, perform, and record garment measurements to align with approved designs and fit specs.
• Lead product fittings with vendor partners; document decisions and follow-up actions.
• Identify and resolve fit and construction concerns; update specs before launches.
• Provide technical release recommendations through the product-approval process.
• Collaborate with pattern and sample makers to confirm cuts and sampling details.
• Adhere to calendars and communicate fit-session results and risks to the team.
• Develop relationships with vendors to resolve complex fit and construction issues.
• Evaluate final products for technical fit and defect concerns; drive corrective action.
• Maintain 24-hour turnaround for comments.

Skills

Pattern making

Garment construction

CAD

Photoshop

Illustrator

Time management

Problem solving

Leadership

Sublimation knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design/Technical Design

3+ years apparel technical design experience

Tools

PLM systems

CAD tools

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 II independently leads the technical fit and specification development of assigned apparel products from design through production readiness. This role owns measurement integrity, leads product fittings, evaluates construction and fit risks, and provides technical recommendations that support product-release decisions.

The Apparel Technical Designer II partners directly with the integrated product team, vendors, pattern and sample makers, and Product Development leadership to resolve complex technical issues. The role serves as a subject-matter expert in garment fit, construction, and fabrics and ensures technical documents, drawings, and specifications are complete, accurate, and production-ready.

What You Will Do

• Own, perform, and record garment and accessory measurements to ensure alignment with approved product designs and fit specifications.
• Lead and execute product fittings in collaboration with vendor partners; document decisions, required corrections, and accountability for follow-up actions.
• Independently identify, evaluate, and resolve fit and construction concerns, ensuring specifications are updated before scheduled launches.
• Confirm product fit testing is complete and provide technical release recommendations through the established product-approval process.
• Partner directly with pattern and sample makers during design to confirm cut patterns, construction details, and required sampling are correct and complete.
• Adhere to Product Development and Product and Project calendars.
• Communicate fit-session recaps, testing results, technical risks, and calendar delays to the integrated product team; elevate launch-impacting issues promptly.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with vendors and manufacturers, resolving complex technical fit and construction issues directly.
• Evaluate final products for technical fit, construction, and defect concerns and drive appropriate corrective action.
• Maintain a 24-hour turnaround time for comments.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on product fit, construction, and fabrics, providing technical guidance to cross-functional partners and less-experienced team members.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong technical knowledge of pattern making and garment construction.
• Proficiency in CAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant design software.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, networking, decision-making, and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead fit sessions, make technically sound recommendations, and work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Knowledge of sublimation and team-sports apparel preferred.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible apparel technical design experience, including independent fit-session leadership, technical specification ownership, and vendor-facing issue resolution.
• Demonstrated expertise in garment fit, measurements, patternmaking, construction, technical packages, and production-sample evaluation.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and PLM systems; experience with CAD, Photoshop, and apparel fit/specification tools preferred.
• Portfolio demonstrating technical packages, fit/specification work, and complex garment-construction or fit problem-solving strongly preferred.
• No certification required. Advanced training in apparel technical design, patternmaking, PLM, or garment fit is a plus.

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment and may require garment fittings, product inspections, and sample handling.

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.

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

• 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!

Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.

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.