Job Description

Freelance Technical Designer (Women’s Performance/Athletic Apparel) - Fit & Fabric Specialist

Categories: Athleisure Apparel - Tank tops, tee shirts, tennis skirts, full-zip light jackets, leggings, shorts, sweatshirts, accessories (socks, hats)

Location: Orange County, CA (South) and must be able to meet in-person as needed

Type: Freelance/contract, as-needed (project-based)

Start: ASAP

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Women’s Athletic Apparel Technical Designer with deep expertise in fit, fabric, construction, and design specifications to help correct ongoing sample fit issues coming from our manufacturing partners. The right person can quickly diagnose issues (fit, pattern assumptions, fabric behavior, spec interpretation, construction, etc.), and translate corrections into clear, factory-executable directions so we can reach production-ready fit with fewer sample rounds.

This is a freelance, on-call role with hours that flex around development and fitting cycles. In-person meetings and fit sessions in Orange County are required.

What You’ll Do

• Review proto/fit/PP (Pre-Production) samples and identify root-cause fit issues across our categories
• Lead/support in-person fit sessions, then document results thoroughly (photos, callouts, measurements)
• Create and refine tech packs and specs: POMs (Points of Measure), graded specs, tolerances, construction details, BOMs (Bill of Materials), trims/labels, artwork placement
• Produce concise, visual fit comments and correction packets that factories can implement accurately
• Advise on fabric behavior and performance affecting fit (stretch/recovery, compression, growth, drape, opacity, shrinkage, torque, hand feel)
• Evaluate and recommend construction/stitch choices appropriate for comfort first (with athletic performance)
• Communicate directly with our manufacturers to clarify specs, align measurement methods, and confirm corrections are executed
• Help tighten our development process to reduce repeat issues (spec clarity, tolerance strategy, measurement standards, category fit benchmarks)

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Technical Designer in women’s performance/athletic apparel
• Understanding of athletic details like waistbands, skirt/short integration, pocket placement, zippers, reinforcement points, and stretch-seam best practices
• Strong command of fit analysis, POMs (Points of Measure), tolerances, grading logic, and factory-ready technical communication
• Deep working knowledge of performance fabrics and how material behavior impacts pattern/specs (compression knits, interlock, rib, brushed knits, French terry/fleece, etc.)
• Ability to translate feedback into precise written direction and collaborate across time zones
• Tools: Excel/Sheets for specs required; Illustrator preferred; PLM (Product Lifecycle Monitoring system) experience a plus
• Local to OC for in-person fittings/meetings

Nice to Have

• Fabric and materials sourcing
• Pattern-making knowledge (even if you’re not drafting patterns daily)
• Experience troubleshooting overseas sample issues and reducing sampling iterations

Details

• Freelance/as-needed (project-based support during sampling + fittings)
• Mix of remote work and in-person sessions in South Orange County area
• Compensation: Competitive hourly/project rate based on experience

To Apply

Please Send:

• Resume/LinkedIn + a brief intro
• Your location (city) + availability for OC-area in-person fittings
• Relevant category experience (tanks/tees/skirts/jackets/leggings/shorts/sweats)
• 1–2 tech pack examples (redacted is fine) or a short overview of similar work
• Hourly rate and typical turnaround/availability

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