Garment Technologist

Job Description:

Garment technologists choose the right fabrics and designs for manufacturers to make clothes at a set cost.

Job Category:
Art & Fashion

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)
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

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.