Who We Are
At Tillys , we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.
Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC ) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.
Position Summary
Tillys is seeking a candidate with experience ranging from Associate Apparel Designer to Apparel Designer. Below is a brief overview of the responsibilities for this role. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Key Responsibilities
A typical day may include:
- Research big ideas/ volume-driving trends in women’s: silhouette, color, and details.
- Create and deliver seasonal trend reports in a fast-paced environment.
- Create and distribute seasonal color palettes for each of Women’s private labels.
- Work with the Design Director to identify and build seasonal direction/ vision/ outfitting for each private label.
- Create new brand art for hangtags, woven labels and other components as needed.
- Prepare inspiration and trend boards, concept sketches, technical line drawings.
- Contribute to presentations for major milestones.
- Partner with Tech team for tech packages as needed
- Establish strong working relationship with outside suppliers and internal merchant team to achieve margin goals, cost targets through use of appropriate style details, fabrications and construction.
- Oversee and provide guidance to Textile Print & Graphic Designer in the development of all over and placement prints.
- Provide guidance and direction to external partners for silhouette design, repeat and placement print graphics
- Manage external vendor timelines and vendor deliverables
- Create, manipulate and re-color textile designs/graphics/ prints and embroidery when needed.
- Participate in fittings and partner with the Technical Design team to achieve consistent brand right, trend-right fits.
- Attend relevant trade shows, travel to vendors and suppliers as requested
- Conduct regular competitive audits to ensure Tillys is on-trend
- Partner with marketing to provide seasonal in-house brand direction and ideation.
- Partner with stylist to provide trend-right styling.
Qualifications
Your experience brings:
- Experience and passion for Tillys customer, designing to their lifestyle and price point; helping evolve the brand to become a leader in today’s dynamic retail environment
- Travel for competitive and trend shopping
- Expert in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Expert at repeat pattern production for collection merchandising
- Comprehensive understanding of woven and knit garment and fabric construction, synthetic, natural, performance and sustainable fibers
- Knowledge of printing, dyeing, and finishing techniques
- Strong creative, conceptual and merchandising skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills required
- Must have polished interpersonal, communication, networking and presentation skills
- Meets deadlines with ease and reports status updates effectively
- Must demonstrate an established sense of creativity
- Resourceful and able to research problems and recommend solutions
- Ability to reprioritize projects frequently
Education & Experience
- 7+ years of combined design experience
- Minimum 2 year AA degree required (preferably in Fashion Design)
- Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred
- Portfolio required
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
- Regularly lift/move up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs
- Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
- Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities
Leadership & Team Development
Non-Management:
While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.
Compensation
Hourly Range: $75k-$95k
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
What to Expect
Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.
Why Join Tillys?
At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.
Perks & Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
- Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
- Employee Discount – In-store and online
- Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
- Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
- Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
- Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats
Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring
Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.
Other Considerations
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.