Overview of Apparel and Textiles

Apparel and textiles is a broad field encompassing various aspects of the textile manufacture and garment production industries. It involves the study of fabrics, fibers, yarns, sewing techniques, dyeing, printing, and finishing of fabrics, garment design and construction, and the marketing of apparel and textiles. It includes the history of textiles, fashion design, clothing construction, and other related subjects.

Career Opportunities in Apparel and Textiles

Graduates of Apparel and Textiles typically begin their careers in the garment industry, often as product development or design staff. Other opportunities exist in the textile industry, including roles related to fabric manufacturing, dyeing and printing, textile testing and analysis, product engineering, and technical sales. Students may also pursue careers related to the management of inventory, distribution, and retailing, or explore roles in the fashion and styling industry.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities in Apparel and Textiles

Students may participate in a range of internships and co-op opportunities that are available to support their professional development. Internships allow students to explore their interests in Apparel and Textiles in meaningful ways while gaining practical experience. Co-op experiences are collaborative projects with industry and give students the opportunity to take their learning off the page and into the real world. These experiences are typically paid and allow students to build their resume and network with industry.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Apparel and Textiles

Most Apparel and Textiles programs offer a variety of specialized tracks or concentrations, which are designed to focus on topics that are most relevant to the individual’s career goals. For instance, Fashion Design is focused on the design and construction of fashionable clothing, while Textile Manufacturing concentrates on topics related to the production of fabrics and yarns. Other concentrations frequently offered include Clothing Technology, Textile Management, and Fashion Merchandising.

How Apparel and Textiles Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

An Apparel and Textiles degree prepares students for a wide range of careers, both inside and outside of the apparel industry. Courses within the degree provide skills in clothing design, production planning, patternmaking, draping, manufacturing management, product development, finance and marketing of apparel. In addition, Apparel and Textiles provides a strong foundation of technical knowledge that can be used in further study and research. Apparel and Textiles graduates are well-suited for graduate school and many choose to go on to study business, fashion, marketing, or engineering.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Apparel and Textiles

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize the apparel and textile industries. AI-driven advances such as machine learning and robotics are increasingly being used in product design, with computers creating digital designs for new items from fabrics that can be mass-produced more quickly and efficiently than previously possible. AI can also improve product testing, streamlining the process of determining fit, comfort, and performance of garments, and automating the production of apparel and textiles, greatly reducing the cost of producing products.

The Career Outlook for Apparel and Textiles

The career outlook for Apparel and Textiles is a secure and promising one. With industries such as fashion and apparel constantly evolving, demand for qualified professionals is high. Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who are experienced in apparel and textile design, production, marketing, and retailing. Those equipped with the knowledge and skills to create innovative products in the current competitive marketplace stand to have long and prosperous careers in this field.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Apparel and Textiles:

Cornell University, Salary: $55,049

Indiana University-Bloomington, Salary: $46,519

University of Delaware, Salary: $44,866

Ohio University-Main Campus, Salary: $42,157

Ohio University-Southern Campus, Salary: $42,157

Ohio University-Zanesville Campus, Salary: $42,157

Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, Salary: $42,157

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, Salary: $42,157

Ohio University-Eastern Campus, Salary: $42,157

Fashion Institute of Technology, Salary: $42,008

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Apparel and Textiles.