Activewear Technical Designer

Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich. 

With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.

That's the FAM Brands difference.

Job Summary:

The Technical Designer for Activewear is responsible for managing all aspects of technical design to ensure the fit, function, and quality of our activewear products meet both design and customer standards. This role involves developing and maintaining accurate technical specifications, creating detailed tech packs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams from design, production, and factories to bring innovative activewear designs to life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Specifications & Development:

  • Translate design concepts into technical packages (tech packs), including detailed specifications for fit, construction, and fabrications.
  • Develop accurate product specifications and garment measurements for various activewear styles (e.g., leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets).
  • Create and maintain graded size specifications across all size ranges.

• Fit and Function:

  • Conduct and lead live fit sessions with cross-functional teams and fit models to ensure garments meet functional, performance, and aesthetic requirements.
  • Make fit adjustments and recommendations, ensuring activewear products meet company fit standards, customer needs, and brand expectations.
  • Review garments for fit consistency, pattern corrections, and grading.

• Collaboration:

  • Work closely with designers, production teams, pattern makers, and overseas factories to manage the development process, from concept to final sample.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve fit, construction, and quality issues throughout the development process.
  • Communicate any technical changes or improvements to all relevant teams.

• Fabric and Trim Testing:

  • Ensure that fabrics, trims, and components are tested for performance in activewear (e.g., moisture-wicking, stretch, durability, and comfort).
  • Collaborate with materials and product development teams to source fabrics that align with design intent and functional needs.

• Process Improvement:

  • Identify areas of opportunity in technical design processes, recommending new tools, software, and procedures to streamline development.
  • Maintain and update PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems to reflect current specifications and designs.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Ensure that all technical designs meet high-quality standards, and provide approvals for final samples before production.
  • Work with production teams to ensure accuracy and consistency across all final products in bulk production.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Manufacturing, or related field.

• Experience:

  • 4+ years of technical design experience in the apparel industry, preferably with a focus on activewear or performance apparel.
  • Strong experience with garment fit, grading, construction, and fabrics specific to activewear.

• Skills:

  • Proficiency in PLM systems (Centric experience preferred).
  • Expertise in Adobe Illustrator and other design software.
  • Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing processes.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Additional Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of activewear trends and market demands.
  • Familiarity with performance fabric properties and testing.
  • Experience working with international vendors and factories is a plus.