Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Fashion Designer
What fashion designers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review trend reports and sales data. From there, the day usually includes research trends and markets, sketch designs, and select fabrics, colors and trims. Most work full-time, with long hours before collection deadlines and fashion weeks.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a fashion designer working full time.
- Review trend reports and sales data.
- Sketch a new jacket collection.
- Choose fabrics with the sourcing team.
- Build tech packs in Illustrator.
- Run a fit session on samples.
- Email the factory about corrections.
- Prepare boards for a line review.
Where fashion designers work
Designers work in design studios, showrooms and factories, sometimes traveling for fabric shows and production.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with long hours before collection deadlines and fashion weeks.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Research trends and markets
- Sketch designs
- Select fabrics, colors and trims
- Create tech packs
- Work with pattern makers and factories
- Oversee fittings and samples
- Present collections
Tools you’ll use every day
- Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- CLO 3D or Browzwear
- Dress forms
- Sewing machines
- Fabric swatches
- Product lifecycle management software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative career
- See designs in stores
- Exciting industry
- Run your own label
What’s hard
- Competitive industry
- Long hours before deadlines
- Jobs concentrated in a few cities
- Pressure from trends and sales
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love fashion
- I sketch and sew
- I follow trends
- I can handle deadlines
- I want a creative career
- I might start my own label
Not sure? Take the free Fashion Designer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use sewing machines and cutting tools safely
- Respect intellectual property
- Manage workload during deadlines
- Consider ethical and sustainable sourcing