Are you looking for a career in fashion? There are a wide range of options available aside from the ones you may expect, such as designers and models. From a career in fashion-related finance, to discovering a role in communications, the opportunities are varied. Retailers of men’s shirts, CT Shirts, take a look at what’s out there, considering some careers you mightn’t have thought of:
Garment technologist
Garment technologists are an extremely important aspect in the creation and supply sector of the fashion industry. This role is largely about quality control and investigative work with regards to the materials that are used to create fashion pieces.
The design and development of new materials is a key focus within the role of a garment technologist. Through testing new combinations of materials and fibres, people in this role look to find the best type of fabric for what’s to be made — for example, grey mens suits will need a high quality, durable material. These people work closely with designers, pattern graders and buying teams to find the right type of fabric for what’s to be made.
Garment technologists can also help to enhance production techniques and develop the company become towards becoming more efficient. This might be to do with price and would involve liaising with buyers and suppliers to negotiate a cost that’s within the budget of the project. Or, they might be looking to make the company more sustainable, and therefore the technologist would investigate the production of the fabrics.
A flair for creativity as well as a keen interest in the manufacturing processes and garment textiles will benefit a candidate in this role. Employers may also expect you to have a degree in a related topic, such as garment technology and production, or you may complete a module around this as part of a wider subject. Or, look out for apprenticeship schemes and junior roles, where you can work your way up to this role.
Pattern graders
Pattern grading focuses on producing scaled-up and scaled-down versions of design patterns, enabling the manufacturers to produce the same patterned piece of clothing in different sizes.
A pattern graders duty will be likely to include; tracing pattern outlines with scanning equipment, performing quality checks that the final pattern is in-line with the original design and creating sample garments from the pattern to send to prospective buyers.
Numerical skills could be a factor that distinguishes one candidate from the rest in this role. You must be able to take accurate measurements and make calculations in order to scale the patterns correctly. It’s also important that you enjoy being part of a team, so to cooperate with others in the design process, and be able to confidently use IT to work with a digitising table.
To become a pattern grader, you could take the apprenticeship route through college by studying subjects such as fashion or textiles. Or, work your way up from an assistant or pattern cutter to become a grader in a fashion company.
Fashion illustrators
Fashion illustrators convey garments in their design stages, creating detailed sketches and outlining their creative ideas in this way. They work closely with designers to create conceptual sketches and illustrations of fashion products. In addition to this, they may produce advertising copy and images for promotional material for print and online coverage. To succeed in this role, you need to be able to use computer design, as well as drawing by hand and have an eye for fashion.
A graphic design degree tends to be favourable for employers in the recruitment process. To get accepted onto a degree of this kind, you will need GCSEs and potentially A levels, or entry based on passing a foundation course. Alternatively, you can build up a strong portfolio and gain experience in relevant positions to impress prospective employees.
Fashion journalist
A fashion journalist or reporter documents the latest news, trends and events in the fashion industry for a publication, just like a news reporter.
Fashion journalism is no longer confined to the print industry — there’s a range of online magazines out there, providing more opportunities for budding fashion journalists. You could also go freelance, but work isn’t guaranteed here. As part of the job, you’ll likely be required to travel and meet new people to conduct interviews and get the latest on fashion stories.
A fluent and concise writing ability and an evident interest in fashion will further you on your career path in fashion journalism, but you can also make some educational choices that will boost your prospects of securing employment. Choosing A-levels such as English Language will further your creative writing skills, for example. There are specialty degrees out there too, such as the Fashion Communications course which will teach you more about the sector and increase your employability.
Get a head start and compile your existing written pieces, as this shows initiative towards employers in the sector who want to see exactly what you can produce. Start your own fashion blog to write about the latest news in the sector and approach editors for freelance opportunities. Networking is also a great way to get to know about future vacancies. Try to secure unpaid work in relevant positions to build your experience too.
Fashion accountant
Fashion and finance can be combined for a fruitful career in accountancy.
There is an abundance of finance roles available in the industry — including retail accountants to accountants in textiles who ensure that a budget is adhered to when buying materials. Roles like this allow you to be involved with designers and the garment-making process, whilst keeping finances under control.
A background in maths is an essential to get started in the sector. Start by taking Maths at A-level and progress to studying a financial role at university. This might be Economics, Accounting or another form of Financial Studies. As part of your degree, take up the opportunity to undergo a year in industry — this can give you an insight into the field that you’re going into and give you some invaluable experience to put on your CV.
Broaden your hunt for a career in fashion with these brilliant suggestions — It’s all about being proactive and showing potential employers what you’re capable of. Good luck!