Apparel Technical Designer

CREATIVE + TECHNICAL + EXCEL & ILLUSTRATOR + COMMUNICATION + ORGANIZATION + ACCURACY + TEAM SKILLS

THE OPPORTUNITY

We live in a fast paced creative world were we strive to be ahead of trends instead of chasing them. We are looking for an experienced Apparel Technical Designer. This position works closely with our design and product team, collaborating to build a broad spectrum of apparel garments across multiple product lines.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9 am- 5 pm

Location: Onsite in Detroit Lakes, MN

Pay: $18-$20/hr

BENEFITS: Lakeshirts offers a fun, creative, and team-driven culture where employees are empowered to grow and thrive. We provide competitive pay with daily pay options, comprehensive insurance benefits, up to 22 paid days off in the first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, a relaxed dress code, unique perks like an onsite cafeteria and more. Join us and be part of a company that values teamwork, innovation, and making work enjoyable every day!

A Typical Day (job functions) | Apparel Product Development + Fabric & Construction + Tech Pack Creation (Excel) + Garment Fit & Troubleshooting + Vendor Communication

• Facilitate the transition of apparel styles from concept to production-ready sample, offering solutions for fit and construction issues
• Interpret and apply grading rules
• Understand fabric properties, trims, and garment details
• Create tech packs in Excel with construction call-outs and point-of-measurement (POM) specs
• Maintain product spec sheets and provide fit info per company standards
• Update base size specs and POMs based on revisions, fittings, and vendor feedback
• Organize and manage incoming samples
• Analyze samples for spec, construction, fit, and design compliance
• Coordinate model fittings
• Troubleshoot fit and construction issues using available resources
• Flag potential production, quality, or costing concerns, recommending solutions
• Communicate changes to suppliers
• Initiate internal testing for new fabrics
• Review size runs for fit, grading accuracy, and performance feedback
• Support process improvements in technical design
• Maintain spec sheet libraries to ensure fit consistency
• Create and manage sample library
• Ensure consistent fit and production quality
• Document key measurements and share data
• Support product presentations
• Perform other duties as needed

Skills (qualifications) | Apparel Technical Design + Detail-Oriented + Excel & Adobe Illustrator + Team Collaboration + Organization & Time Management

• Degree in Fashion / Apparel required
• 4+ years of technical design in apparel and merchandising
• Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring and fitting
• Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, and sewing techniques
• Familiarity with Time & Action calendars
• Fast-paced, collaborative work style
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, PLM, Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Experience with various fabrics, especially knits
• Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated
• Excellent written, decision-making, and time-management skills
• Able to multi-task and work under pressure

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE. At Lakeshirts, we believe in making work as awesome as the apparel we create. We're not just a t-shirt company- we're also a hat, sticker, and sock company (and so much more!). We're a place where creativity meets culture, where ideas and innovation are encouraged, and where the atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind. As one of the largest screenprinting manufacturers in the U.S., we decorate a variety of garments and accessories for the resort, licensed collegiate, and K-12 markets, supported by over 1,000 ah-mazing team members from sea to shining sea.

Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job

Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic, courteous, helpful, and patient.

Physical Demands

CONTINUOUSLY: Sit, Stand, Walk

FREQUENTLY: Lift under 10 lbs., Lift 10-50 lbs., Carry under 10 lbs., Carry 10-50 lbs.

OCCASIONALLY: Carry, Push, Pull, Climb, Balance, Bend, Twist, Crawl, Reach, Lift over 50 lbs., Carry over 50 lbs., Reaching above, at, and below shoulder height