Associate Designer - Athletic apparel

EMERGING BLUE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

Health insurance contributions

Hands-on experience working with major retailers

Job summary

EMERGING BLUE in New York is seeking an Associate Designer for Women’s Activewear with strong Adobe Illustrator skills and experience in the apparel industry. The role involves creating CADs, researching trends, and supporting seasonal collections.

The ideal candidate has over 3 years of industry experience, is detail-oriented, and works well under pressure. Join a collaborative and fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and hands-on experience with major retailers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience required in the apparel industry.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills.
• Solid understanding of garment construction and fabrics.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate CADs and assist with tech packs.
• Support the design team in developing seasonal collections.
• Research trends, fabrics, colors, and silhouettes.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Garment construction

Trend analysis

Color theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Photoshop

Excel

Job description

Associate Designer – Women’s Activewear

Our client is a fast‐growing NYC‐based wholesale company specializing in women’s activewear, athleisure, and lounge. We work with well‑known brands and sell to leading off‑price retailers and department stores nationwide. Our team is focused on trend‑right product, strong retail partnerships, and speed to market.

The Role

We are looking for an Associate Designer with prior experience in the apparel industry to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who is creative, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate CADs and assist with tech packs across all activewear categories
• Support the design team in developing seasonal collections
• Research trends, fabrics, colors, and silhouettes
• Assist with mood boards, line sheets, and presentations
• Organize and maintain the sample room, ensuring all samples are properly logged and stored
• Help set up and maintain the showroom for meetings and market
• Work closely with design, production, and factories to execute product from concept to final sample
• Participate in fittings and track updates

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience required in the apparel industry (activewear experience is a plus)
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills (Photoshop/Excel a plus)
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple projects
• Team player with a strong eye for trend, color, and proportion
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

What We Offer

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Health insurance contributions
• Hands‑on experience working with major retailers
• Fast‑paced, collaborative, and growing environment

Salary 65‑70k