Associate Designer, Denim

R13; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

R13 in New York City seeks an Associate Designer to support denim and structured woven development across two brands, R13 and Denimist. You will guide denim concepts from research through prototyping, fittings, and final approvals, with a focus on wash innovation and heritage inspiration.

The role emphasizes collaboration, strong organization, and converting creative direction into commercially authentic pieces, while working in a fast-paced environment with an equal emphasis on craft and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years’ post graduate work experience in denim design and development.
• Degree in Fashion Design or Product Development preferred.
• Strong knowledge of denim fabrics, twill constructions, washes and finishing techniques.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Passion for denim heritage, vintage references, and translating them into modern washes and silhouettes.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with factories and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the Denim design department with seasonal denim and wash development from concept to samples.
• Assist with the seasonal wash and fabric development calendar and keep projects on track.
• Maintain style numbers, wash charts, and development documents for denim and structured wovens.
• Prepare and send development packages to factories and track execution.
• Support artwork hand-off to factories and communicate design intent clearly.
• Record changes in tech packs and keep all departments updated.
• Track wash submissions and provide comments aligned with brand targets.
• Maintain archives of samples, fabrics, and washes and support library cleanup.
• Participate in fittings and document corrections in wash notes.
• Prepare denim samples and washes for seasonal presentations and lookbooks.
• Provide style descriptions after each season for marketing and sales use.

Skills

Denim design & development

Organized & detail-oriented

Strong communication skills

Independent yet collaborative

Education

Fashion Design degree or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Fashion industry veteran Chris Leba founded R13 in New York City with an artisanal denim focus that has since expanded into an elevated collection with an extended ready-to-wear and leather goods range. R13 specializes in progressive silhouettes produced with high-quality Italian and Japanese materials. The brand represents the classics of American fashion: denim, plaid & leather, infused with a counter cultural edge that recalls the rebellious spirit of America’s history and tells the story of the “other” America’s provocative, underground culture playing on consistent themes of rock and roll and grunge.

THIS IS A HYBRID ROLE - 4 DAYS/WEEK IN OFFICE (NYC)

Overview:

R13 is seeking an Associate Designer to support the denim design department across all aspects of denim and structured woven development. This role will focus exclusively on denim, structured woven, and wash design—from initial concept research and vintage inspiration through prototyping, fittings, and final approvals.

The ideal candidate is passionate about denim heritage, fabric construction, and wash innovation, with a sharp eye for detail and the ability to translate creative direction into commercial yet authentic product.

Additionally, the selected individual will collaborate across two brands:

• R13 – denim, structured wovens, and processed styles
• Denimist – denim, structured wovens, and processed styles

Responsibilities:

• Support the Denim design department with seasonal denim and wash development: gather vintage inspiration, execute CADs/mockups, create wash boards, and prepare samples for fittings.
• Assist with the seasonal wash and fabric development calendar, ensuring all assigned projects stay on track.
• Build and maintain style numbers, wash charts, and development documents specific to denim and structured woven categories.
• Prepare and send development packages (tech packs, sew-bys, fabric headers, trims, and wash directions) to factories and follow through on execution.
• Support development and hand‑off of artwork/graphic files to the factories
• Communicate design intent, fit requirements with pattern making team for seasonal silhouette development & muslin mock‑ups
• Record and update changes in tech packs, ensuring all relevant departments receive updated information
• Track wash submissions and provide clear comments to ensure alignment with brand targets.
• Maintain sample, fabric, and wash archives: organize references, track check‑in/check‑out, and assist with seasonal library cleanup.
• Participate in fittings, document corrections, and update wash/fit notes across development documents.
• Assist in preparing denim samples and washes for seasonal presentations and lookbook shoots.
• Provide style descriptions upon completion of each season to pass to the marketing/sales team

Skills:

• Minimum of 2-3 years’ post graduate work experience in denim (design & development in designer or luxe brands will only be considered.)
• Degree in Fashion Design or Product Development preferred.
• Strong knowledge of denim fabrics, twill constructions, garment washes, dyes, and finishing techniques.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign (CADs, line sheets, wash photoshop mockups).
• Passion for denim heritage, vintage references, and translating them into modern washes and silhouettes.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced & dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with factories, wash houses, and internal teams.
• Self‑motivated, disciplined, and able to work independently while remaining collaborative.

R13 Rattles will not commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position at this time (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

13 Rattles is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $66,000 - $70,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.