Assistant Designer, Sweaters

Theory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Theory in New York is seeking an Assistant Designer for Women’s Knitwear to design and develop knit styles from concept to sample approval, collaborating with Merchandising and Production to meet seasonal targets. You will create CAD sketches, technical flats, and color concepts, work with overseas vendors on yarn and stitch development, and maintain thorough design documentation throughout development.

Salary range is $70,000–$74,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or related field.
• 2–4 years of relevant design experience, preferably in contemporary or luxury knitwear.
• Strong technical knowledge of fully fashioned knitwear, yarns, gauges, stitches, garment construction, and finishing techniques.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with PLM (Centric) systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience developing knitwear with overseas factories and yarn suppliers.
• Ability to create detailed technical flats and communicate knitwear construction clearly.
• Strong understanding of contemporary market trends, quality expectations, and commercial product development.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple styles and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop assigned knitwear styles in alignment with seasonal direction, brand aesthetic, and commercial objectives.
• Research seasonal trends, silhouettes, yarns, stitch techniques, and innovative knitwear constructions.
• Create detailed CAD sketches, technical flats, and design presentations using Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop seasonal yarn, stitch, and color concepts in collaboration with the design team.
• Collaborate with overseas vendors on yarn sourcing, stitch development, knitdowns, and prototype execution.
• Maintain and organize the seasonal yarn library and supplier information.

Skills

Knitwear design

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

PLM Centric

Excel

Technical flats

overseas vendors

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design

Tools

Centric PLM

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Defining the New Modern Founded by Andrew Rosen in 1997, Theory revolutionized the contemporary market with its concept of the urban uniform, a modern edit of elevated essentials. The Fast Retailing acquisition of Theory in 2004 spurred global expansion of the brand; today, Theory operates 221 freestanding stores worldwide. The launch of e-commerce in 2010 and collaborative relationships with department and specialty stores continue to position Theory as a continually expanding international omnichannel phenomenon. A leader in Fast Retailing Group's dossier, Theory balances luxury with accessibility in collections with integrity known for their precisely tailored silhouettes and exceptional fabrics.

About the role

Become an integral part of Theory. We are looking for an Assistant Designer to join our team. This position will focus on Women's Knitwear. Responsibilities include:

Design & Creative Development

• Design and develop assigned knitwear styles in alignment with seasonal direction, brand aesthetic, and commercial objectives.
• Research seasonal trends, silhouettes, yarns, stitch techniques, and innovative knitwear constructions.
• Create detailed CAD sketches, technical flats, and design presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop seasonal yarn, stitch, and color concepts in collaboration with the design team.
• Contribute creative ideas and product solutions that balance innovation, quality, and commercial relevance.

Knitwear Development & Execution

• Manage the design development of assigned styles from initial concept through sample approval.
• Create and maintain detailed design specifications, including stitch placement, gauges, measurements, trims, and construction details.
• Collaborate with overseas vendors on yarn sourcing, stitch development, knitdowns, and prototype execution.
• Maintain and organize the seasonal yarn library, including yarn cards, swatches, color references, and supplier information, ensuring materials are accurately cataloged and readily accessible to the Design team.
• Participate in fittings and collaborate with Technical Design to refine fit, proportion, and construction.
• Maintain accurate design documentation and communicate revisions throughout the development process.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Development Coordination

• Partner with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to execute seasonal collections within established timelines.
• Communicate directly with vendors and mills regarding design details, stitch techniques, and development revisions, in coordination with Product Development.
• Coordinate seasonal development activities, including tracking prototype and SMS samples to ensure timely delivery and adherence to calendar deadlines.
• Assist with issuing and tracking prototype and SMS purchase orders (POs), ensuring accuracy and alignment with seasonal development needs.
• Process and track Design-related invoices, coordinating with vendors to ensure timely and accurate payment.
• Support seasonal line reviews, fittings, and collection presentations.
• Collaborate on cost-conscious design solutions without compromising aesthetic or quality standards.

Minimum Skills & Qualificiations

• Bachelor’s degree in in Apparel Design or related field
• 2–4 years of relevant design experience, preferably in contemporary or luxury knitwear.
• Strong technical knowledge of fully fashioned knitwear, yarns, gauges, stitches, garment construction, and finishing techniques.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with PLM (Centric) systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience developing knitwear with overseas factories and yarn suppliers.
• Ability to create detailed technical flats and communicate knitwear construction clearly.
• Strong understanding of contemporary market trends, quality expectations, and commercial product development.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple styles and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a refined design sensibility, a strong technical foundation in knitwear, and the confidence to take ownership of assigned development projects. They are highly organized, proactive, and capable of translating creative concepts into well-executed commercial product while contributing meaningfully to the overall design direction of the collection.

Salary: $70,000 - $74,000 per year*

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Theory LLC does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.