Designer, Women's Apparel

Socket.dev; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Hybrid work

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Clothing allowance

Employee discounts

Bonuses

Commuter benefits

Job summary

J.McLaughlin is seeking a Designer of Women’s Apparel to join the Design Team, reporting to our Senior Design Director of Women’s Apparel. This role is a key member of the cross-functional product team for the Women’s apparel categories while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule with 4 days a week in-office.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in women’s apparel design within a retail or specialty lifestyle environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design seasonal women’s apparel collections across woven and knit categories.
• Develop concepts, sketches, and design details from inspiration through final approval.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, Fabric, and Production to ensure designs are viable and executable.
• Create and maintain detailed design packages with sketches, material callouts, and trim details.
• Support color, material, and print direction aligned with line plans.
• Review samples and provide design feedback through development stages.
• Participate in line reviews, fittings, and milestone meetings.
• Travel occasionally to vendors or factories as required.

Skills

Collaboration

Time management

Organization

Communication

Multi-season planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion/Accessories Design

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM systems

Job description

Why J.McLaughlin?

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

We are seeking a Designer of Women’s Apparel to join our Design Team reporting to our Senior Design Director of Women’s Apparel. This role is a key member of the cross-functional product team for the Women’s apparel categories while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule with 4 days a week minimum in-office.

About the role

Essential Functions:

• Design seasonal women’s apparel collections across Woven and Knit product categories aligned with brand aesthetic and seasonal direction
• Develop concepts, sketches, and design details from initial inspiration through final approval
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Fabric, and Production teams to ensure designs are commercially viable and executable
• Create and maintain detailed design packages, including sketches, material callouts, and trim details
• Support color, material, and print direction in alignment with overall line plans
• Review samples and provide design feedback throughout development stages
• Participate in line reviews, fittings (as applicable), and milestone meetings
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support calendar adherence and on-time delivery
• Ability to travel occasionally to vendors, factories, or other business locations, as required.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research to inform seasonal design direction
• Support development of materials and trim libraries
• Assist with maintaining design archives and sample organization
• Support special projects and perform other related duties as assigned

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in women’s apparel design within a retail or specialty lifestyle environment.
• Category experience across knits and wovens and within Outerwear and Dresses a plus.
• Experience working in PLM systems a plus
• Strong proficiency in creating accurate flat sketches in Illustrator
• Strong understanding of construction, materials, and production processes
• Proficiency in Photoshop
• Ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable designs
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$85,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.