Technical Apparel Designer

Lakeshirts; Detroit Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Merchandise discounts & dog-friendly

Job summary

Lakeshirts in Detroit Lakes, MN is seeking an Apparel Product Developer to turn concepts into production‑ready garments across multiple lines. You’ll own the technical details that move a style from concept to sample and production, including tech packs, garment specifications, grading rules, fit sessions, measurements, and vendor communication.

This on‑site role requires a degree in Fashion/Technical Design and 4+ years in apparel development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Technical Design, or a related apparel field required.
• 4+ years of experience in apparel technical design, product development, merchandising, or a related apparel environment.
• Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, fitting, fabrics, trims, and apparel development timelines.
• Proficiency in Illustrator, Excel, Microsoft Office, and PLM; maintain accurate technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Move apparel styles from concept to production-ready samples by resolving fit, construction, measurement, and specification questions.
• Create and update tech packs, garment specifications, grading rules, points of measurement, bills of materials, and fit documentation in Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PLM, and related systems.
• Apply knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, pattern making, and fitting to support quality and consistency.
• Manage incoming samples and sample libraries; review fit, construction, design intent, workmanship, and production readiness.
• Coordinate model fittings, document measurements, and update specifications based on fit sessions, size runs, revisions, and vendor feedback.
• Troubleshoot fit, grading, construction, production, quality, and costing concerns while recommending practical solutions.
• Communicate technical updates, specification changes, fit requirements, and sample feedback to vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional teammates.
• Support fabric testing, development calendars, process improvements, product presentations, and technical design standards.

Skills

Pattern making

Garment construction

Grading

Sewing

Technical drawing

Fitting

Fabrics & trims

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

PLM systems

Education

Degree in Fashion/Technical Design

Tools

PLM or product-development systems

Microsoft Office

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT + FIT + CONSTRUCTION + DETAILS THAT MATTER.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Great apparel starts with a creative idea, but getting that idea ready for production takes technical know-how . Lakeshirts is looking for an Apparel Product Developer to help turn apparel concepts into well-built, production-ready garments across multiple product lines.

You’ll own the technical details that help a style move through development, including tech packs, garment specifications, fit sessions, measurements, grading, sample reviews, construction details, and vendor communication. You’ll partner with design and product teams to identify issues early, document changes clearly, and help ensure garments are ready for production.

This is a hands-on apparel product development role for someone who understands how garments are built and enjoys solving the details behind fit, construction, fabrics, trims, specifications, and production readiness.

PAY + SCHEDULE

Location: Detroit Lakes, MN. This is a full-time, onsite role.

Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Pay: $18.00-$22.00 per hour, based on experience.

Growth: Build deeper ownership of fit, vendor communication, technical documentation, and apparel product development. Advancement opportunities vary by department and business need .

BENEFITS

Lakeshirts offers a fun, creative, team-driven culture where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute. Eligible team members may receive daily pay options; paid time off and paid holidays; health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefit options; confidential Employee Assistance Program resources; merchandise discounts; profit sharing based on company performance; and a 401(k) program. Eligible employees may begin 401(k) contributions the first month following 60 days , with company match eligibility after one year and 1,000 hours . Plan eligibility and official plan documents govern all benefits. Team members also enjoy a relaxed dress code, onsite amenities, employee events, recognition programs, and a proudly dog-friendly workplace.

A TYPICAL DAY

• Move apparel styles from concept to production-ready samples by resolving fit, construction, measurement, and specification questions.
• Create and update tech packs, garment specifications, grading rules, points of measurement, bills of materials, and fit documentation in Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PLM, and related systems.
• Apply knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, pattern making, and fitting to support quality and consistency.
• Manage incoming samples and sample libraries; review fit, construction, design intent, workmanship, and production readiness.
• Coordinate model fittings, document measurements, and update specifications based on fit sessions, size runs, revisions, and vendor feedback.
• Troubleshoot fit, grading, construction, production, quality, and costing concerns while recommending practical solutions.
• Communicate technical updates, specification changes, fit requirements, and sample feedback to vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional teammates.
• Support fabric testing, development calendars, process improvements, product presentations, and technical design standards.

SKILLS

• Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Technical Design, or a related apparel field required .
• Four or more years of experience in apparel technical design, product development, merchandising, or a related apparel environment.
• Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, fitting, fabrics, trims, and apparel development timelines.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Microsoft Office, and PLM or product-development systems; able to maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple apparel projects in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.
• Strong written communication, decision-making, follow-through, and time-management skills; comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional teams.

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE

OUR CULTURE is one-of-a-kind and truly sets us apart. We are proud of our humble beginnings and non-corporate style . We offer a unique atmosphere, unlike any other manufacturer. We work hard to be the best and we seek only committed individuals that will help move our company forward and embrace our values and culture. Lakeshirts | Blue 84 is one of the largest privately owned screenprint manufacturers in the United States, responsible for decorating and distribution of a wide variety of garments for the resort, college and K-12 markets. At our headquarters in Detroit Lakes, MN, we employ over 1000 great people, proudly producing 35,000+ garments daily. It's not just a job but a lifestyle. Our job descriptions help support and guide you in the role you play in making our company successful. LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT. IT REALLY IS.

COGNITIVE OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Employee must be able to read, write, understand, and communicate work instructions, measurements, specifications, and vendor feedback. This role requires good judgment, attention to detail, organization, flexibility, problem solving, follow-through, collaboration, and the ability to manage changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

CONTINUOUSLY: Use a computer, review apparel details, communicate with teammates, and alternate between sitting, standing, and walking as needed.

FREQUENTLY: Handle garments, samples, trims, documents, and other materials; reach at desk or table height; lift or carry items under 10 pounds.

OCCASIONALLY: Lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing 10-50 pounds; bend, twist, reach above or below shoulder height, climb, balance, or move sample materials as needed. Move items over 50 pounds with assistance or equipment when appropriate .

NEVER: Crawl as an essential function of the role.

NOTE / DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, skills, effort, or working conditions. Responsibilities may change based on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.