Design Assistant Job at TAILORBYRD in New York

Tailorbyrd is seeking a Design Assistant to support the exciting growth of our Men’s and Women’s apparel collections, along with our expanding licensed categories.

We’re looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is highly organized, a strong team player, and able to juggle multiple projects with ease—while still having fun along the way.

MUST HAVE DESIGN EXPERIENCE & have worked in a design capacity for a minimum of 2 years.

Experience in men’s and women’s sportswear is required; familiarity with accessories is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptual development of all product lines, including CAD design and technical design information for both menswear and womenswear.
• Prepare and update tech packs with specs, sketches, detailed construction notes, fabric & trim information, and swatch cards.
• Communicate daily with overseas factories on sample corrections, approvals (color, fabric, trims), and production updates.
• Track the full sample cycle from start to finish, maintaining and updating Excel logs for samples, approvals, and factory communication.
• Organize and maintain the design archives, libraries, fabric swatches, and digital assets.
• Support fittings and sample reviews; record fit comments and communicate revisions clearly to factories.
• Monitor lab dips, knit-downs, strike-offs, and handloom approvals.
• Assist with Style # creation, line sheets, sales catalogs, and presentations.
• Contribute to trend research and seasonal inspiration boards, including competitor market analysis.
• Maintain showroom and sample closet, ensuring all samples are organized and presentation-ready.
• Provide support during photo shoots, including styling looks, managing product, and tracking samples.
• Attend tradeshows and shop market for innovation, trends, and new product ideas in both men’s and women’s apparel.
• Assist with other projects and duties as needed to support the overall business.
• Must be able to work 4 days per week in our NYC office and remotely on Fridays.
• Must be a strong multi-tasker with excellent time management.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design (or related field) 2 years of experience in design.
• Technical sketching in Adobe Illustrator.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel and Microsoft Office (formulas/pivot tables a plus).
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new design software and tools.
• Knowledge of menswear and womenswear product, fabrics, garment construction, and color theory.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working with overseas vendors.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, small-office environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and flexible, with a sense of urgency and a positive attitude.