Apparel Designer

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)•Seattle, WA

About The Position

This role supports the apparel design team in creating meaningful, brand-right products that serve REI members and the outdoors. This role contributes to research, trend application, concept development, and design pack deliverables across assigned apparel categories. You will assist with the creation and maintenance of design tools, templates, sketches, sketch updates, color CADs, and PLM system updates while helping bring seasonal product concepts to life. Working closely with partners across Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Color, Development, and Merchandising, you will apply market trends, consumer insights, and product knowledge to support the design process. You will contribute to seasonal milestones, maintain organized design assets, and help ensure design intent is accurately communicated throughout product development.

Requirements

3+ years of product design experience
Demonstrated ability to create, express, and apply a compelling design point of view that drives product direction and results.
Strong understanding of apparel design, market trends, consumer insights, and product development processes.
Experience creating design sketches, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, technical packages, and presentation materials.
Working knowledge of apparel materials, manufacturing processes, garment construction, and performance product requirements.
Proven ability to manage workflow, prioritize work, and meet deadlines within a product development calendar.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office applications, and PLM systems

Nice To Haves

familiarity with Figma and FigJam is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support apparel design work across assigned categories, contributing to research, trend application, concept development, and seasonal product deliverables.
Create and maintain seasonal design assets including sketches, sketch updates, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, presentations, and other design tools as needed.
Assist with the preparation, organization, and management of product samples, design reviews, and meeting materials.
Maintain accurate and organized digital design files, charts, and documentation; enter and update product design information within the PLM system.
Follow seasonal calendars, milestone dates, and established design processes to ensure deliverables are completed on time and with accuracy.
Partner with cross-functional teams including Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Development, Merchandising, and Operations to support product execution, identify potential issues, and help deliver design intent throughout the product development process.