Fashion Design intern

Buttercloth; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Buttercloth is seeking a design intern to assist with trend research and develop innovative apparel collections. You will create sketches and help organize design materials, collaborating closely with our merchandising team.

The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in Fashion Design and has strong sketching skills, proficiency in design software, and a great eye for detail. Join our team to redefine comfort in men's and women's fashion!

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• Strong sketching and illustration skills (hand and digital).
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop).

Responsibilities

• Assist in trend and market research for fabrics and innovations.
• Create concept and mood boards aligned with brand DNA.
• Sketch design ideas for shirts and other apparel.

Skills

Strong sketching and illustration skills (hand and digital)

Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)

Good aesthetic sense and understanding of brand identity

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to take direction and work collaboratively

Education

Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or related field

Job description

Buttercloth is a direct‑to‑consumer apparel brand known for redefining dress shirts and casual staples through innovative fabric and comfort. We engineer proprietary textiles like Icy Cotton®, infused with mint fibers and designed with 6‑way stretch, to deliver dress shirts that feel like your favorite T‑shirt. We’ve expanded from men’s shirts into broader assortments (women’s, polos, T‑shirts) and are now beginning to enter wholesale channels. At Buttercloth, design is not just about aesthetics but also about comfort, performance, and smart innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in trend and market research, with focus on fabrics, finishes, and wearable stretch innovations.
• Create concept boards, mood boards, and color story explorations aligned with brand DNA.
• Sketch design ideas (freehand and/or digital) for shirts, tops, polos, and other apparel.
• Develop technical flats and spec sheets for design review.
• Collaborate with fabric and material sourcing—assist in evaluating knit and woven textiles, stretch fabrics, and trims.
• Support prototyping: review samples, document feedback, help with fit/fabric trials.
• Participate in fittings, take notes, suggest adjustments.
• Help maintain an organized design materials library (swatches, fabrics, sample archive).
• Work with the design/merchandising team on line planning, seasonal assortment layouts, and collection cohesion.
• Assist in preparing lookbooks, lookbook mockups, line sheets, and internal presentations.
• Aid in visual merchandising or product styling as needed.
• General design department support: file management, documentation, cross‑team coordination.

Qualifications & Skills

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or related field.
• Strong sketching and illustration skills (hand and digital).
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalents).
• Good aesthetic sense, eye for details, and understanding of brand identity.
• Ability to take direction, adapt feedback, and work collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.