Apparel Technical Designer

Lakeshirts•Detroit Lakes, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Lakeshirts, great apparel starts with great teamwork. We're looking for a Technical Designer who enjoys combining creativity, precision, and problem-solving to help bring new garment concepts to life. You'll support the development of apparel across multiple product categories by creating detailed specifications, managing technical documentation, reviewing prototypes, participating in garment fittings, and partnering with vendors to ensure products meet quality and fit expectations. If you enjoy apparel development, love digging into the details, and are comfortable working in Excel and Adobe Illustrator, we'd love to meet you.

Requirements

Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Technical Design, or related apparel field.
4+ years of technical design experience in apparel, merchandising, product development, or a related apparel environment.
Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, fitting, fabrics, trims, and development timelines.
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, PLM or product systems, Microsoft Office, and Excel; able to maintain accurate technical documentation.
Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple apparel projects in a fast-paced team environment.
Strong written communication, decision-making, follow-through, and time-management skills; comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
Employee must be able to read, write, understand, and communicate work instructions, measurements, specifications, and vendor feedback.
This role requires good judgment, attention to detail, organization, flexibility, problem solving, follow-through, collaboration, and the ability to manage changing priorities.

Responsibilities

Move apparel styles from concept to production-ready samples by resolving fit, construction, measurement, and specification questions.
Create and update tech packs, specs, grading rules, point-of-measurement standards, and fit documentation in Excel and related systems.
Apply knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, and fitting to support quality and consistency.
Manage incoming samples and sample libraries; review fit, construction, design intent, and production readiness.
Coordinate model fittings, document measurements, and update specs based on fit sessions, size runs, revisions, and vendor feedback.
Troubleshoot fit, grading, construction, production, quality, and costing concerns while recommending practical solutions.
Communicate technical updates, specification changes, fit requirements, and sample feedback to vendors, suppliers, and teammates.
Support fabric testing, process improvements, product presentations, and technical design standards while performing other duties as assigned.