Garment technologist
Garment technologists check the quality of designs, fabrics and products that are sent to manufacturers for production.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a garment technologist, you could:
- advise on suitable fabrics for products
- suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
- make sure garments can be produced within budget
- oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
- make sure the correct garment-making methods are used
- work with suppliers and manufacturers
- analyse product returns and faults
- update workbooks with instructions for garments' construction stages
- produce quality control reports
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio or in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.
You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could complete a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant. Courses include:
- fashion and textiles
- garment technology for fashion retail
- T Level in Craft and Design
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You can apply to do an apprenticeship with a design studio or manufacturing firm, such as:
- Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Technical Textiles Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the UKFT for technical advice, networking opportunities and professional development training.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training in the clothing industry through UKFT Futures.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.