Associate Designer

Hybrid Apparel; Cypress, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Hybrid Apparel in Cypress, CA is seeking an Associate Designer to support the design team in developing trend-right apparel concepts, graphics, and layouts aligned with brand and license requirements.

You will assist from concept through production, prepare tech packs, and collaborate with merchandising, production, and licensing. A strong foundation in garment construction, color theory, and graphic layout, plus proficiency with Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong apparel design foundations including garment construction, fabrics, color theory, and graphic layout.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design software and print-ready artwork handling.
• Ability to conduct trend and market research and apply findings to on-brand designs.
• Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and design libraries.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist design execution from concept through production.
• Prepare tech packs and artwork files.
• Collaborate with merchandising, production, and licensing.

Skills

Garment construction

Color theory

Graphic layout

Trend research

Organization

Communication

Deadline-driven

Education

Fashion Design or Graphic Design degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Company Description

Hybrid Apparel began as a small t-shirt company in 1997 and has grown into a leading apparel organization in the licensed and branded space. The company operates with a fully vertical structure, integrating design, production, and distribution to streamline the creation of apparel products. This structure allows Hybrid Apparel to serve a wide range of markets, including branded, licensed, generic, and private label apparel. Team members collaborate across departments to maximize quality, speed to market, and delivery to diverse retail channels, offering a dynamic environment for creative and operational professionals.

Role Description

The Associate Designer role is a full-time hybrid position based in Cypress, CA, with flexibility for some work-from-home days. This role supports the design team in developing trend-right apparel concepts, graphics, and layouts aligned with brand and license requirements. Day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with design execution from concept through production, preparing tech packs and artwork files, and collaborating with cross-functional partners such as merchandising, production, and licensing. The Associate Designer will help research market trends, colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, maintain organized digital and physical design libraries, and ensure that all designs adhere to brand guidelines and quality standards. The role also involves participating in internal reviews, revising designs based on feedback, and contributing to a creative, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Strong apparel design foundations, including knowledge of garment construction, fabric types, color theory, and graphic layout.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and comfort working with digital files and print-ready artwork.
• Ability to conduct trend and market research, interpret consumer insights, and apply findings to commercial, on-brand designs.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, maintain design libraries, and prepare accurate tech packs.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with design, production, merchandising, and licensing teams.
• Capacity to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, adapt to shifting priorities, and receive and apply constructive feedback.
• Relevant education such as a degree or diploma in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in apparel.
• Experience or strong interest in licensed and branded apparel is beneficial; familiarity with retail and e-commerce environments is a plus.