Apparel Designer

About the Role

WERX Design is seeking a Product Designer to work across performance apparel, accessories, and bags for a range of client brands. This is a junior to mid-level position suitable for candidates early in their careers with the right foundation, drive, and mindset to grow. The role involves designing for diverse categories, from cycling apparel to technical hunting bags, and participating in the product lifecycle from concept to bulk production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design performance apparel, bags, accessories, and gear across a rotating set of client brands and product categories.
• Take products from concept through production-ready technical specification, including CADs, construction details, material and trim callouts, and color direction.
• Build and maintain detailed tech packs to communicate design intent to overseas factory partners.
• Collaborate directly with the Creative Director and product development team throughout the full development cycle.
• Participate in sample reviews, evaluate proto and counter samples, and provide clear written and verbal feedback to vendors.
• Assist with fabric, trim, and material research, and contribute to sourcing direction for new product concepts.
• Contribute to presentations, line reviews, and client-facing materials.
• Stay current on market, trend, and competitive landscape across the outdoor, hunting, active, and lifestyle categories.
• Support the studio's broader design process, demonstrating curiosity, collaboration, and willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, with demonstrated ability to produce clean, detailed CADs and flat technical sketches.
• A working understanding of garment construction, including sewing techniques, seam types, and how a garment is built.
• Solid knowledge of performance fabrics, technical materials, and functional design principles.
• A portfolio showcasing design thinking and technical execution across apparel, bags, or related product categories.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay organized in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in apparel design, fashion design, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience with bags, packs, or accessories in addition to apparel (Nice to Have).
• Familiarity with the outdoor, hunting, or active performance market (Nice to Have).
• Experience attending fittings and translating fit feedback into technical corrections (Nice to Have).
• Experience in 3D rendering, AI rendering, and the broader Adobe Creative Suite (Nice to Have).
• Exposure to PLM systems or development tracking tools (Nice to Have).
• Any experience working with overseas vendors or factories, even in a supporting role (Nice to Have).

Employment Details

• Title: Product Designer
• Level: Junior to Designer I, depending on experience
• Type: Full-time, on-site
• Location: WERX Design Studio, Fort Collins, Colorado (in-person role, no relocation assistance)
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Compensation: $65,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.