There are a lot more careers in fashion outside of “just” fashion design. The best part? Many of them are less competitive and often pay more.
Table of Contents
8 Unique Jobs in Fashion
1. Technical Designer
A technical designer takes a 2D garment sketch and turns it into a real, well-fitting product by creating detailed tech packs, reviewing samples, conducting fittings, and collaborating with factories. The role involves a lot of problem-solving and precision – from perfecting measurements to catching construction issues before bulk production. It’s ideal for detail-oriented peeps who enjoy the technical side of fashion.
🎧 Curious what it looks like in real life? Listen to how Candice Stokes landed $6K freelance tech design projects in her first month: How to Become a $6K Freelancer with Candice Stokes
👉 Learn more about the technical design role in my guide: What is a Technical Designer in the Fashion Industry? (And How Do You Become One?)
2. 3D Fashion Designer
As more fashion brands shift to 3D design, this role is becoming increasingly in demand. 3D fashion designers use 3D design software like CLO and Browzwear to create digital garment prototypes that look and move like the real thing. It’s a total game changer for brands looking to speed up development and reduce sampling costs.
To do this work well, you’ll need a good grasp of garment construction and fit, plus the ability to collaborate with design and tech teams to bring concepts to life virtually.
🎧 After 12 years as a military pilot, Trudy Gardner switched careers to become a 3D intimates fashion designer and built her freelance business from scratch: From Military Pilot to Freelance Fashion Designer
3. Product Developer
Product developers keep everything moving from design to delivery. Depending on the company, this might be a standalone role or something the designer handles, too – I did a ton of PD work myself even though my title was “designer.”
You’ll be in charge of the full development process: sourcing materials, selecting factories, negotiating pricing, and tracking every detail to make sure everything’s on time and on budget. From labels to fabric to trims, you’ll review every component and make sure it’s approved for production.
If you’re organized, love spreadsheets, and have strong follow-up and communication skills, this role might be your perfect fit.
🎧 Fernanda, a freelance outerwear product developer, landed a client through a single LinkedIn post. In this episode, she shares how she used that momentum to win work: How Her ‘Viral’ LinkedIn Post Turned Into An Amazing Freelance Client
4. Merchandiser (different from a visual merchandiser!)
Not to be confused with a visual merchandiser (who designs store displays), a fashion merchandiser decides what the collection should actually include. Should the line have 4 blouses and 2 trousers, or 5 dresses and a jacket?
They use trend forecasting, sales data, and competitor research to build a smart assortment – keeping what sells and ditching what doesn’t. If you love the strategy side of fashion and still want a say in the creative process, this role sits right at that intersection.
In smaller brands, this job is often rolled into the designer’s responsibilities (I did a lot of it myself!), but in larger brands, merchandisers often guide the entire line plan.
🎧 Shelby Collins knew early on that design wasn’t for her. She carved her path into merchandising by working her way up from admin roles to a senior product manager role – all by being intentional with her relationships and showing up 110%: How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser and Product Manager
👉 Learn more about the fashion merchandiser role in my guide: What is a Fashion Merchandiser? (And How Do You Become One?)
5. Sourcing Specialist
Not every factory can do everything – and that’s where sourcing specialists come in. They’re the ones who find the right suppliers, trims, fabrics, and even factories with the specific machines or skills needed to produce certain styles. They also build and manage relationships, negotiate pricing and timelines, and help brands keep production moving smoothly.
If you’re great at networking, communication, and love discovering new resources and innovations, sourcing could be a good path for you.
🎧 In just 3 months, Amanda Russo went from zero clients to out-earning her full-time salary. She shares how she landed clients, set up retainers for steady income, and built her freelance business by connecting factories with fashion brands: How This Freelancer Does Sourcing & Product Development for Factories (and is making bank)
👉 Learn more about the fashion sourcing role in my guide: What is a Fashion Sourcer? (And How Do You Become One?)
6. Fashion Consultant / Strategist
A fashion consultant or strategist is someone brands turn to for expert guidance – whether it’s on product development, technical design, sourcing, or even branding. Instead of doing the hands-on work, you’re advising teams on how to improve their process, fix problems, or make smarter decisions.
It’s a great way to use your industry experience without committing to full-time work, which makes it an ideal side job for freelancers or anyone looking to earn extra income on top of other projects.
🎧 Paige Wilkins, a Freelance Apparel Designer & Consultant, shares how she went from crickets to charging up to $85/hour by landing clients, negotiating retainers, and building a steady stream of referrals: How this Fashion Freelancer is Charging $85/hr (during the pandemic!)
👉 Learn more about the fashion consultant role in my guide: What Does a Fashion Consultant Do? (And How Do You Become One?)
7. Textile Pattern Designer
Textile pattern designers create the decorative prints, graphics, and motifs you see on fabric. Their work can be printed, woven, or embroidered – and often helps define the overall aesthetic of a collection. Some designers specialize in florals or geometrics, while others create seasonal graphics or custom prints for specific clients.
One niche within textile pattern design is embroidery. Michelle D. (LinkedIn), an apparel embroidery designer from Seattle, shares how she got her role fresh out of graduating from Fine Arts:
“I was hired out of college as a designer for a missy sportswear company which specialized in printed and embroidered sweatshirts. I quickly became their top selling embroidery designer. My specialty was creating top selling machine embroidery/ appliqué designs that were highly illustrative as well as production friendly.”
Michelle charges an hourly fee of $50, although her rates vary depending on the complexity of the work.
8. Pattern Maker (esp. niche ones like lingerie, outerwear, plus-size etc.)
Patternmakers translate a designer’s vision into a garment that can actually be sewn – accurately and at scale. But specialized patternmakers? They go even deeper.
Whether it’s lingerie, plus-size, performance wear, or denim, niche expertise = higher pay. You’ll work closely with the technical and sample-making teams to get the pattern right from the start – which saves everyone time and money down the line.
This role is ideal if you’re detail-oriented, love construction, and don’t mind a bit of math.
🎧 Alison Hoenes shifted from general technical design to niche pattern making for women’s slow fashion brands – and ended up earning 75% more than her old full-time job: How This Freelance Patternmaker Beat Her Full Time Income by 75%
👉 Learn more about the pattern maker role in my guide: How to Become a Clothing Pattern Maker (without a degree)
