Skip to the main content
Go to the search page
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new clothing and related fashion accessories.

Main tasks

  • Observes and manages intellectual property issues.
  • Oversees production of sample and/or finished product or produces one-off products for fashion shows.
  • Specifies materials, production method and finish for aesthetic or functional effect.
  • Submits design to management, sales department or client for approval, communicates design rationale and makes any necessary alterations.
  • Prepares sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories.
  • Undertakes research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulates design concepts.
  • Liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of clothing or related fashion accessory.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£64,823.22

Average earnings

£34,663.37

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 1 1%
Level 2 3%
Level 3 11%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 4%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 74%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 5%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 2%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.