Associate Outerwear Designer

Sweet Apparel Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO & Holidays

Summer Fridays

401k

Job summary

Sweet Apparel Inc. in Midtown Manhattan is seeking an Associate Designer for our Outerwear team. You will support the Design Director from concept through production, create CADs, tech packs, and detailed specs, and help translate trends into market-ready garments.

This on-site role emphasizes collaboration, attention to detail, and timely delivery across juniors, Missy, and kids’ lines, with exposure to the full product lifecycle and a fast-paced fashion calendar.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional apparel design experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience creating CAD sketches, tech packs, and garment specifications.
• Strong understanding of current fashion trends and mass-market apparel.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Design Director with the design and development of Junior, Missy, and Kids' outerwear collections.
• Research current fashion trends, colors, fabrics, trims, and silhouettes.
• Create and update CAD sketches, design presentations, and detailed tech packs.
• Support fabric, trim, and color selection.
• Assist with sample development, fittings, and design revisions.
• Communicate with overseas factories and production teams to ensure accurate design execution.
• Maintain accurate and organized design files, samples, and development materials.
• Collaborate closely with team members to support daily design activities and meet deadlines.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

CAD sketches

Tech packs

Garment specs

Trend knowledge

Fabrics & construction

Team collaboration

Communication

Job description

Sweet Apparel Inc. is a fast-paced apparel manufacturer specializing in quick turn production for juniors, women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing. The company is recognized for high standards in design, quality, and timely delivery to retail partners and brands. Teams collaborate closely across design, production, and operations to bring fashion-forward products to market efficiently.

We are growing and looking for an Associate Designer to join our Outerwear team!

The ideal candidate is someone who is creative, dependable, detail-oriented, and a strong team player. You should be comfortable supporting the Design Director throughout the entire design process, from initial concepts and CAD development to final samples and production.

If you are someone who takes initiative, pays close attention to details, communicates effectively, and enjoys working as part of a collaborative team.

Please note: this is an on-site position in Midtown Manhattan where we work in office 5 days/week!

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Design Director with the design and development of Junior, Missy, and Kids' outerwear collections.
• Research current fashion trends, colors, fabrics, trims, and silhouettes.
• Create and update CAD sketches, design presentations, and detailed tech packs.
• Support fabric, trim, and color selection.
• Assist with sample development, fittings, and design revisions.
• Communicate with overseas factories and production teams to ensure accurate design execution.
• Maintain accurate and organized design files, samples, and development materials.
• Collaborate closely with team members to support daily design activities and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in apparel design.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience creating CAD sketches, tech packs, and garment specifications.
• Strong understanding of current fashion trends and the mass-market apparel industry.
• Knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and fit.
• Experience in Junior, Missy, or Kids' apparel is a plus.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and accurate in design execution.
• Excellent team player with a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to take direction, accept feedback, and work collaboratively with the Design Director and team.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• PTO, Paid Holidays, Summer Fridays!
• 401k
• Exposure to the complete product lifecycle—from concept and product development through production and retail launch.
• Opportunity to support innovative programs for leading retailers and globally recognized brands.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Compensation

Posted salary range is a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary and is subject to change based on experience, qualifications, role requirements, and other factors.