Apparel Designer Men's Category

Position Summary:

The Apparel Designer – Men’s is responsible for designing and developing trend-driven men’s apparel, with a strong emphasis on graphic apparel. This role combines apparel design expertise, graphic sensibility, and an understanding of the men’s market to create commercially relevant collections that align with Mad Engine’s creative vision, retailer requirements, and business goals. The Apparel Designer collaborates closely with Graphic Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production to ensure products meet aesthetic, fit, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop seasonal men’s apparel collections from initial concept through production, with an emphasis on graphic-driven styles.
• Research and interpret men’s fashion, streetwear, graphic, color, fabric, and silhouette trends to inform seasonal design direction.
• Develop mood boards, color palettes, sketches, and coordinated assortments tailored to brand identity and retailer needs.
• Design graphic tees, fleece, hoodies, sweatshirts, and other knit and woven styles within assigned categories.
• Create detailed technical flats, design specifications, and presentation materials using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Collaborate with graphic designers to develop and adapt artwork, considering garment silhouette, placement, scale, color, and application technique.
• Incorporate licensed artwork and branded elements into apparel while following applicable creative guidelines and approval requirements.
• Select fabrics, trims, washes, and finishes that complement graphic execution and meet target costs.
• Specify graphic placement and application details, including screen printing, embroidery, appliqué, heat transfers, and specialty treatments.
• Review artwork strike-offs, print samples, lab dips, trims, and garment samples for color accuracy, placement, quality, and overall design execution.
• Partner with Technical Design to evaluate men’s fit, proportion, construction, and garment functionality.
• Support Product Development in creating and updating tech packs, including garment details, fabric and trim specifications, and graphic placement information.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Production to resolve development challenges and maintain design intent through production.
• Incorporate feedback from Sales, Merchandising, and buyers to refine styles and develop retailer-specific assortments.
• Manage multiple styles and seasonal deadlines while maintaining organized design files, artwork references, and sample records.
• Participate in design reviews, fittings, and collection presentations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within men’s apparel.
• Demonstrated graphic apparel experience required, including integrating artwork into garment design and supporting execution through production.
• Strong portfolio showcasing apparel design, graphic-driven products, technical flats, and cohesive collection development.
• Understanding of men’s apparel fit, proportions, silhouettes, and garment construction.
• Experience designing knit categories such as graphic tees, fleece, hoodies, and sweatshirts; woven experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for technical drawings, graphic layouts, and presentations.
• Knowledge of graphic application techniques, including screen printing, embroidery, appliqué, and heat transfers.
• Understanding of how fabric selection, garment washes, and finishes affect graphic appearance and production quality.
• Experience creating design specifications and collaborating on tech packs.
• Ability to translate fashion and graphic trends into commercially relevant products that meet retailer pricing and customer expectations.
• Experience with licensed, entertainment, lifestyle, or streetwear brands preferred.
• Familiarity with mass-market, specialty, department store, or off-price retailers preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:

• Office setting with regular collaboration across Apparel Design, Graphic Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production teams.
• Standard business hours, with flexibility during seasonal development, buyer presentations, and product review cycles.
• Hands-on role involving fabrics, trims, artwork strike-offs, garment samples, fittings, and design reviews.