About this role
Job title: Associate Apparel Designer - A&F Womens Swim
About the Role Associate Apparel Designers help manage the full design and development process from concept to final garment, driving the Swim collection in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Abercrombie & Fitch values originality, curiosity, and leadership in design, pushing the product to new levels while maintaining brand voice. This role supports the A&F Womens Swim line with trend research, development, and presentation to leadership.
What You'll Do
- Driving the daily design process including: trend research and mood board creation, sketching in Illustrator, fabric and trim selection and development, fitting and approving final garments.
- Managing multiple seasons and product lifecycles for the swim department.
- Researching the global market to ensure that the product is in tune with emerging trends and relevant to our customer and brand voice.
- Clearly presenting the line to senior leadership, providing insight on style and fit and getting the team on board with ideas and trends.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or related field, with 1+ years of hands-on experience in apparel design.
- Deep understanding of both design and production processes, with a strong focus on Swim or Intimates preferred.
- Proficiency in design software, including PLM and Adobe Suite.
- Eagerness to help manage the design process and drive ownership.
- Genuine interest in connecting with and understanding customers.
- Skill in identifying and translating relevant trends into actionable design ideas.
- Extensive knowledge of fabrics, fits, and construction methods to guide the product lifecycle.
- Confident in presenting ideas clearly, authentically, and inspiring.
- Willingness to take bold risks and push boundaries.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with flexibility and quick thinking.
- Strong collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams to bring the brand's vision to life.
Nice to Have
- Swim or Intimates experience preferred.