Is Apparel A Good Career Path For Graduates | 2023 – (updated)

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Yes, apparel is a good career path. If you are one of those crazy about attires and trends, pursuing a career in the apparel industry is a great choice.

Like others, it isn’t out of the ordinary to ask this question, especially when considering a career in apparel.

In truth, everyone loves fashion and dreams of being involved with the apparel and fashion industry consciously and unconsciousness.

However, to work with the fashion industry, you have to truly be ready to sacrifice and most importantly, get your facts right.

But there’s no need to break a sweat, as we have come up with all-round information to guide you through making this decision and, of course, highlight the highest paying jobs in the apparel and fashion industry in 2023.

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What is an Apparel Industry?

The apparel industry means the making, cutting, sewing, finishing, assembling, pressing, or otherwise producing of apparel, designed or intended to be worn by any individual and sold or offered for sale for that purpose, but does not include cleaning, pressing, or tailoring services performed upon apparel sold or offered for sale at retail.

Why Consider the Apparel Industry?

People don’t go about trying careers in different industries for no reason. Humans will always be humans.

Therefore, let’s consider the following reasons why you should consider a career in the apparel industry:

1. The Diversity of the Apparel/Fashion Industry

The apparel and fashion industry is so dynamic and diverse and so are the people that work in the industry. Joining the industry gives you the opportunity to interact and connect with so many shades of perfection and beauty.

The positive aspect of these connections is that they will eventually come in handy. They always do!

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2. Qualifications are So Achievable

In the apparel and fashion industry, there is no formal education requirement in most entry-level positions.

In the apparel and fashion industry, there is no formal education requirement in most entry-level positions.

3. There’s A Job For Everyone

They structure the apparel and fashion industry to accommodate Four major levels which are:

  • Primary level: Raw material producers
  • Secondary level: Apparel manufacturers
  • Retail: Shop owners and buyers
  • Auxiliary

At these different levels, there are tons of creative, skilled, science, and managerial roles to accommodate virtually anyone. Awesome!

4. The Apparel/Fashion Industry is a Fast-Moving Train

You can be an assistant one day and a designer the next. Anything can happen, literarily!

Therefore, you must never lose an opportunity to promote yourself because you never know who might be watching. The jobs in the apparel and fashion industry are usually interconnected and depend on each other.

You can be sure that after your first few months working in the apparel and fashion industry, you’d have gathered tons of skills and your resume will thank you.

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5. The Glamour

The apparel and fashion industry is reputed for luxury and glamour. From frequent business trips to exotic locations to free access to exclusive glamorous events within the industry. It’s the life we all wish for.

Though one may argue that it could be stressful and all but really? HELLO!!!

6. Plenty Of Room For Improvement And Progress

In the apparel and fashion industry, there really is no going back only forward. You can only get better and better.

There is a lot of room for any committed individual to learn new things that will eventually propel you further up the ladder.

Success In The Apparel Industry

1. Enthusiastic Service Attitude.

When stepping into the career path of a clothing/accessory store, it is important to remain sincere and full of enthusiasm to treat every customer.

2. Good Communication Skills.

When you are selling clothes, you need to have the strong persuasive power to convince customers to buy them.

3. Sell Other Fashion Items.

Many garments now also sell cufflinks, pins, hats, and other items that help customers match their outfits. You can choose custom lapel pins and add store logo designs on pins. Customers tend to be more curious about original designs. Good for boosting sales!

Custom-Lapel-Pins

The Highest Paying Apparel/Fashion Companies

If you are considering entering the apparel and fashion industry, you should familiarize yourself with the big shots. Ain’t it?

Well, these guys have successfully attained the “big shots” status.

  • Nike
  • H&M
  • Burberry
  • Nordstrom
  • Adidas
  • Hermes
  • Louis Vuitton.

These companies are big shots in the apparel and fashion industry and that fact is not rocket science for anyone interested in fashion or not living under a rock. If you land a role in any of these companies, you are good to go.

However, all fingers cannot be equal. Depending on the importance and impact of the roles, there are some roles that can rake in more money.

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Starting A Career In Apparel/Fashion Industry

There is a twist to having a career in the apparel and fashion industry. The requirements are easily achievable as long as there is enough passion to sustain you. However, because of this allowance, there are a lot of passionate talented people that want it as much as you do maybe even more.

People from all parts of the world are aiming for that exact thing you have set your eyes upon as far as the apparel and fashion industry is involved.

There are also many who have tried and failed, while many are stuck in one position not making progress.

But that will not be your story because if you add the necessary information that this article provides to your burning passion, no bar can ever be high enough.

Do not be afraid as you have me and of course, I totally have your back. This is why I have compiled a list of all the do’s and don’ts as you start this journey.

However, you must not forget to unleash your inner fashionista with the best plugs around.

What Do People in the Apparel Industry Do?

The apparel industry is a dynamic one that houses jobs with creative ideas. In other words, you are sure to find a job due to the vast nature of the industry.

Considering the fact that this industry incorporates textiles, modeling, fashion media, and more. employees will carry out a host of responsibilities ranging from designing textiles to merchandising, fashion designing, photography, and what have you.

One thing is certain – you have an array of career paths to activate your creativity in this industry.

Is Apparel a Good Career Path?

Yes, apparel is a good career path. Working in apparel and fashion can be an absolutely amazing field, especially if you love clothing and trends.

There are many different avenues within this industry, and you can pick and choose what things interest you most and follow your dreams.

If you’re interested in exploring the field of apparel, the following list of jobs will give you an idea of what professions are out there and might inspire you to find a career path in apparel.

What are the Qualifications Required for a Career in this Field?

As you already know, there are a variety of career paths you can find in this industry due to its vast nature.

Therefore, apparel requires a variety of degrees or qualifications.

You can consider the following degrees and qualifications in order to pursue a career in this field:

  • Masters/Doctorate Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Associates Degree/ Technical certification
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • On-the-job training

What is the Job Prospect For An Apparel Industry? Is apparel a good career path?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment prospects for fashion designers are projected to fall by 4 percent between 2019 to 2029, which equates to the loss of about 1,300 fashion design careers as of May 2019.

Prospects are best, however, for those with a formal fashion designer education, and many earn more than the average wage for all occupations in the U.S.

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How Much Does An Apparel Make The U.S 2023? Is apparel a good career path?

As of Jul 1, 2022, the average annual pay for an Apparel Designer in the United States is $71,263 a year.

Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $34.26 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,370/week or $5,939/month.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $135,500 and as low as $31,000, the majority of Apparel Designer salaries currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) to $73,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $118,000 annually across the United States.

The average pay range for an Apparel Designer varies greatly (by as much as $28,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Source: ZipRecruiter

Highest Paying Jobs in Apparel/Fashion Industry in 2023

The following are the highest paying jobs you can consider in the apparel/fashion industry:

1. Design Director

Average net salary: $136,685/year

With that price tag, it’s not rocket science how this role snatched up the number one spot on the highest paying jobs in the apparel and fashion industry.

The alpha boss manages and supervises the fashion designers to develop product lines. We already know that fashion designer on their own is bosses then imagine being a boss to a boss. The ultimate boss!

The requirements for following this career path are quite achievable. I mean, is there anything that isn’t achievable? See for yourself:

  • A bachelor’s or associate degree in graphic design, fine arts, advertising, or related field
  • Creative creativity literarily
  • A lot of experience in years of design
  • Ability to transform ideas into product lines.

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2. Creative Director

Average net salary: $108,015/year

This role is really worth the pay because, without this guy, there would be absolute chaos.

This role demands passion and attention to detail as this guy has to create a vision and communicate this vision to the publication team.

Just when you think it’s over, more responsibilities. The creative director is responsible for supervising the details of the products i.e. color palettes, fabric texture, etcetera to make sure they align with the vision.

To land this role and get that bag, you know already that there are qualities you must possess. I would be glad to walk you through some of those qualities

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, graphic design
  • Experience in management
  • Great interpersonal and communication skills.

3. Product Manager

Average net salary: $106,480/year

Do you know how every fashion company has lines of products such as swimwear, menswear, womenswear, kidswear, shoe lines, lingerie, and so on? The product manager is responsible for managing a particular product line.

They basically have to monitor market trends to see how to develop the company’s product to match their set goals and objectives.

They oversee product development from the beginning to the end and work closely with the sourcing and design team.

This is a technical role and hence has more stringent requirements obviously. Some of those requirements are:

  • A bachelor’s degree in management or related field
  • Attention to the smallest detail
  • An expressive and creative mind
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • A will and ability to see projects through to the very end
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Experience, Experience, Experience!!

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4. Pattern Developer

Average net salary: $107,500

Have you ever wondered how fashion brands produce a product line for various sizes so perfectly? That is what pattern development is about.

This job role demands attention to every tiny detail. As “People are different” couldn’t be more true in a discussion about size.

A pattern developer starts the production process through sketches measurements and sloper patterns in a definite size. Once the base size is settled then the garment is shipped off for testing and aesthetics.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related training
  • Good with calculations
  • Attention to detail.

5. Sourcing Manager

Average net salary: $94,485/year

These guys work leg-in-boot with manufacturing. They source raw materials, and items needed for production.

They are the link between the company and its suppliers as they choose the suppliers and handle agreements and legal processes involved.

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6. Art Director

Average net salary: $76,447

Fashion art directors are the versatile creative brains behind all content creation of a fashion brand or magazine.

They actualize the perceptible presentation of a project, then direct, produce, and style a fashion photo shoot or video with the aid of conventional scripting and formats.

Requirements for this lucratively technical role are:

  • Non-discriminatory interpersonal and communication skills
  • Be a team player
  • Be highly skilled in all relevant art and design software packages
  • Ability to work under pressure.

7. Market Research Analyst

Average net salary: $61,272

Working as a fashion psychic, the market research analyst has been tasked with trend prediction.

Based on current consumer data, market research, and knowledge of the fashion industry.

A market research analyst’s duties involve making reports based on research theories and predictions. It is required that he/she provides the necessary documentation and data for the forecasts.

  • A bachelor’s degree in economics, math, or finance
  • Unshakable analytical and communication skills
  • Good history with the fashion industry, merchandising, and clothing retail

Conclusion – Is apparel a good career path

Everyone is involved with fashion one way or another. However, chasing a career in the apparel and fashion industry requires passion, creativity, consistency, and an imprinting personality above all.

If this describes you, then you definitely should go for it. Remember to adore the baby steps while keeping your eyes on the big shots.

I believe you have what it takes. Good luck and congratulations titans!

Frequently Asked Questions on is apparel a good career path

Is fashion designing a good career choice?

It is one of the most in-demand careers in the world. Being a highly creative field, it can give you the opportunity to blend cultures, traverse traditional attires to contemporary ones and even play with color themes!

What jobs can I do if I love fashion?

  • Buyer. Fashion buyers are responsible for keeping the sales floor stocked with clothes and accessories that will sell.
  • Costume Designer.
  • Design Assistant.
  • Editorial Assistant.
  • Fashion Journalist.
  • Fashion Publicist.
  • Fit Model.
  • Hair Stylist.

Is it hard to get a job as a fashion designer?

Breaking into the industry will be hard but not extremely so.

The key is to get your first fashion designer job and continue building experience.

Is a fashion degree useless?

On the surface, a degree in fashion design isn’t necessarily a lost cause. Indeed, in an industry where who you know is just as important as what you know, the chance to build some contacts within the industry is actually quite useful

Is fashion designing a good career choice?

It is one of the most in-demand careers in the world. Being a highly creative field, it can give you the opportunity to blend cultures, traverse traditional attires to contemporary ones and even play with color themes!

What jobs can I do if I love fashion?

  • Buyer. Fashion buyers are responsible for keeping the sales floor stocked with clothes and accessories that will sell.
  • Costume Designer.
  • Design Assistant.
  • Editorial Assistant.
  • Fashion Journalist.
  • Fashion Publicist.
  • Fit Model.
  • Hair Stylist.

Is it hard to get a job as a fashion designer?

Breaking into the industry will be hard but not extremely so.

The key is to get your first fashion designer job and continue building experience.

Is a fashion degree useless?

On the surface, a degree in fashion design isn’t necessarily a lost cause. Indeed, in an industry where who you know is just as important as what you know, the chance to build some contacts within the industry is actually quite useful

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