Occupation AtlasFashion Designers
O*NET · 27-1022.00
Fashion Designers
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Also called Accessories Designer · Apparel Accessories Specialist · Apparel and Accessories Designer · Apparel Designer · Apparel Product Developer · Apparel Technical Designer · Athletic Shoe Designer · Clothes Designer
38 more
Clothing Designer · Costume Designer · Costumer · Custom Furrier · Dance Costume Designer · Denim Designer · Design Manager · Designer · Dress Designer · Fashion Advisor · Fashion Consultant · Fashion Design Contractor · Fashion Designer · Fashion Graphic Designer · Fashion Illustrator · Fashion Stylist · Footwear Designer · Fur Designer · Fur Remodeler · Fur Stylist · Furrier Designer · Handbag Designer · Hat Designer · Image Consultant · Jewelry Advisor · Jewelry Designer · Product Designer · Product Developer · Shoe Designer · Style Advisor · Stylist · Sweater Designer · Swimwear Designer · Textile Designer · Uniform Designer · Wardrobe Consultant · Wardrobe Image Consultant · Women's Designer
Compare with another occupationCompare with First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
AREArtistic · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- A Artistic7.00
- R Realistic4.34
- E Enterprising3.96
- C Conventional2.94
- S Social2.35
- I Investigative2.17
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (26%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (22%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (31%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Time ManagementImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- PersuasionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- NegotiationImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
Show the other 23
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- InstructingImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Service OrientationImportance 3.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- WritingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 7 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.Importance 4.8
- Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.Importance 4.3
- Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.Importance 4.1
- Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.Importance 4.1
- Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.Importance 4.0
- Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.Importance 4.0
- Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.Importance 3.9
- Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.Importance 3.7
- Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.Importance 3.7
- Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.Importance 3.6
- Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.Importance 3.5
- Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.Importance 3.5
Show the other 8
- Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.Importance 3.4
- Determine prices for styles.Importance 4.3
- Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.Importance 4.0
- Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.Importance 3.8
- Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.Importance 3.6
- Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.Importance 3.6
- Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.Importance 3.5
- Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.Importance 3.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- DesignImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- English LanguageImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.7
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- TransportationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- AdministrativeImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- BiologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- OriginalityImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
Show all 52
- VisualizationImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.8Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
Show all 41
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
29 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (7)
- Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
- Adobe Illustratorhot
- Adobe InDesignhot
- Adobe Photoshophot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (7; 7 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk Revit
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAS
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Other tools (15)
- Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite
- Autodesk SketchBook Pro
- C-DESIGN Fashion
- CLO Virtual Fashion Marvelous Designer
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Corel Painter
- Fashion Toolbox
- Financial accounting software
- Lectra Prima Vision Print Repeat
- Optitex 3D Suite
- Patternmaking software
- StartingAClothingLine.com Digital Fashion Pro
- User interface design software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Gambling Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.3, Mathematics +1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Art Directors
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting −0.7, Negotiation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
General and Operations Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Operations Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Administrative Services Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −0.7, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.3, Operation and Control +1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.7, Time Management −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Equipment Selection −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.