Apparel Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Organization:

Berne Apparel is a manufacturer and distributor of durable work and outdoor apparel, proudly serving hardworking Americans for over 100 years. We design clothing that is made right, made to work, and made affordable, with a strong focus on quality, functionality, and sustainability.

Our products are distributed throughout the United States through farm and home retailers, sporting goods retailers, uniform resellers, and promotional product distributors.

At Berne, we value hard work, teamwork, accountability, and practical solutions. Our teams work closely together to support the people who rely on our products every day.

Job Description:

The Apparel Designer is a creative and detail-driven role focused on designing and developing seasonal workwear collections from concept through production. This teammate will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic direction of the line while also supporting the execution and development process that brings products to market.

While this is primarily a design-focused role, this individual will also be heavily involved in the product development side of the process. Responsibilities will include supporting Tech Pack creation and maintenance, reviewing and tracking samples, helping manage development timelines, coordinating material and trim details, consolidating production data, and partnering closely with Technical Design and vendor partners to help move products from concept to commercialization.

We are looking for someone with a strong design eye, apparel trend awareness, and a passion for functional product design. This individual will contribute creative ideas, garment styling details, color direction, and trim selections while partnering cross-functionally to ensure products are both visually compelling and commercially successful.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Market & Trend Research: Lead research on market trends, competitor styling, and consumer/ sales team needs to help drive the design direction for upcoming seasons.
• Design Ownership: Contribute to seasonal concepting; provide creative input on styling, color palettes, and functional design details for Men’s, Women’s, and Youth apparel.
• Trim & Detail Development: Collaborate with Material Developers to propose and select buttons, zippers, and functional trims and materials that enhance both the look and performance of the garment.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Ensure the Technical Designer has a clear understanding of the design intent before handing-off to them for fit and testing process.
• Tech Packs: Own and update Tech Packs in Centric PLM, including creating Technical Flats in Adobe Illustrator that reflect the design intent.
• Sample Feedback: Track and review all incoming samples for design intent/ material function. Actively participate in fit reviews and provide aesthetic feedback on prototypes, ensuring the "look and feel" of the garment aligns with the original design concept.
• Serve as the primary lead for coordination of seasonal production data; consolidating approved sketches, fit specs and material data into an accurate final Tech Pack for our vendor partners.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field.
• Open to entry-level candidates with a strong portfolio or professionals with early-career experience in the apparel industry.
• Creative Portfolio: Ability to demonstrate a strong “design eye” and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (specifically for technical sketching/flats).
• Technical Literacy: High attention to detail for data entry in Centric PLM and BOM
• management.
• Garment Knowledge: Foundational understanding of how design choices (fabric, seams, trims) affect the final product’s look and cost.
• Communication: Ability to confidently share creative ideas while remaining organized and supportive of the larger team’s goals.
• Ability to work on-site to collaborate hands-on with the team.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Work-from-home days
• Supportive team environment

Berne Apparel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.