Garment Technologist
Job Description:Garment technologists choose the right fabrics and designs for manufacturers to make clothes at a set cost.
Job Category:What you will do:
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
- give advice on suitable fabrics
- make sure garments can be produced within budget
- oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
- make sure that the correct garment construction methods are used
- respond to product queries
- analyse product returns and faults
- produce quality control reports
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio or in an office.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
As well as:
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Garment Technologist, you don’t need specific subjects, but a strong foundation in certain subjects and skills can be beneficial for pursuing a career in fashion and textile technology. Garment Technologists work in the fashion industry, ensuring the quality, fit, and production of clothing items. Here are some subjects and skills that can be helpful:
- Textiles Technology or Textiles: This subject can provide you with a basic understanding of fabrics, textiles, sewing techniques, and garment construction.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for measurements, pattern adjustments, and fabric calculations.
- Design and Technology (D&T): D&T can provide practical skills related to design, construction, and technology, which are relevant to garment technology.
- Physics or Chemistry: Understanding the properties of textiles and fabrics can be beneficial, as it relates to garment quality and performance.
- Art and Design: Creative skills can be useful, especially if you are involved in the design aspect of garment technology.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.
College
You could start with a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant.
In the UK, for example, courses include:
- Certificate in Fashion and Textiles
- Diploma in Garment Technology for Fashion Retail
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship, or a technical textiles specialist higher apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 38-40 hours of work. You may be required to work evenings occasionally.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.
You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.