Fashion/Activewear Apparel Designer
Relay Distribution, Houston, TX, United States
Relay Distribution, in partnership with SOON ProDev, empowers fast-growing, social-first brands through innovation and operational excellence. Since its foundation in 2022, Relay Distribution has supported digital-native brands with streamlined solutions ranging from product development and manufacturing to fulfillment and content creation.
Our tech-driven 3PL and fulfillment center leverages real-time data to optimize the customer experience, while SOON ProDev operates as a product development studio that transforms creative concepts into premium, production-ready products. Together, we simplify the journey from concept to customer, ensuring every product is delivered with precision, speed, and care.
We partner with influencer brands, eCommerce startups, and established digital-first companies to bring high-quality apparel to market.
Role Description Apparel Designer - Activewear/Fashion
Relay Distribution x SOON ProDev
Houston, TX | Full-Time | On-Site
We are seeking a
Fashion / Activewear Apparel Designer
to join our Houston-based product development team. This role is responsible for leading the design and development of apparel for SOON ProDev clients, from initial concept through production readiness.
This is a
highly collaborative and client-facing role . The designer will work directly with brand founders and creative teams on a weekly basis to translate vision into production-ready garments. The ideal candidate is both
creative and technical , capable of designing innovative active wear while also managing timelines, fittings, and communication across development and manufacturing partners.
This position plays a key role in ensuring products are
market-relevant, technically sound, and ready for efficient manufacturing .
Key Responsibilities: Apparel Design & Product Development
Design innovative activewear and lifestyle apparel aligned with client brand identity and market trends
Develop seasonal collections, product concepts, and design directions
Create detailed tech packs and product specifications for manufacturing
Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and construction methods based on performance and cost targets
Collaborate with sourcing teams and factories to ensure accurate product development
Client Collaboration
Lead weekly design and development meetings with clients
Translate client ideas and brand vision into actionable product concepts
Present design concepts, revisions, and development updates
Manage feedback cycles and ensure alignment with client expectations
Fit & Garment Development
Conduct fittings and garment evaluations
Review samples and provide detailed feedback to manufacturers
Ensure proper sizing, fit, functionality, and performance
Oversee sample revisions and development timelines
Project & Development Management
Track development timelines across multiple client projects
Coordinate internally with sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment teams
Ensure products are ready for manufacturing within target launch windows
Maintain organization of design files, tech packs, and sample tracking
Qualifications
Experience in
fashion design or apparel design , preferably in activewear, athleisure, or performance apparel
Strong understanding of
garment construction, textiles, trims, and fit development
Experience creating tech packs and communicating with manufacturers
Knowledge of activewear trends, fabrics, and performance materials
Excellent communication skills and comfort working directly with clients
Strong organizational and project management abilities
Ability to manage multiple product development timelines simultaneously
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design tools
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field preferred
Previous experience in activewear or product development for brands
highly desirable
What We’re Looking For
Someone who thrives in a
fast-moving startup environment
A designer who enjoys working directly with founders and building brands
Strong balance of creative vision and technical execution
Detail-oriented and highly organized
Passionate about bringing great products to market
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Our tech-driven 3PL and fulfillment center leverages real-time data to optimize the customer experience, while SOON ProDev operates as a product development studio that transforms creative concepts into premium, production-ready products. Together, we simplify the journey from concept to customer, ensuring every product is delivered with precision, speed, and care.
We partner with influencer brands, eCommerce startups, and established digital-first companies to bring high-quality apparel to market.
Role Description Apparel Designer - Activewear/Fashion
Relay Distribution x SOON ProDev
Houston, TX | Full-Time | On-Site
We are seeking a
Fashion / Activewear Apparel Designer
to join our Houston-based product development team. This role is responsible for leading the design and development of apparel for SOON ProDev clients, from initial concept through production readiness.
This is a
highly collaborative and client-facing role . The designer will work directly with brand founders and creative teams on a weekly basis to translate vision into production-ready garments. The ideal candidate is both
creative and technical , capable of designing innovative active wear while also managing timelines, fittings, and communication across development and manufacturing partners.
This position plays a key role in ensuring products are
market-relevant, technically sound, and ready for efficient manufacturing .
Key Responsibilities: Apparel Design & Product Development
Design innovative activewear and lifestyle apparel aligned with client brand identity and market trends
Develop seasonal collections, product concepts, and design directions
Create detailed tech packs and product specifications for manufacturing
Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and construction methods based on performance and cost targets
Collaborate with sourcing teams and factories to ensure accurate product development
Client Collaboration
Lead weekly design and development meetings with clients
Translate client ideas and brand vision into actionable product concepts
Present design concepts, revisions, and development updates
Manage feedback cycles and ensure alignment with client expectations
Fit & Garment Development
Conduct fittings and garment evaluations
Review samples and provide detailed feedback to manufacturers
Ensure proper sizing, fit, functionality, and performance
Oversee sample revisions and development timelines
Project & Development Management
Track development timelines across multiple client projects
Coordinate internally with sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment teams
Ensure products are ready for manufacturing within target launch windows
Maintain organization of design files, tech packs, and sample tracking
Qualifications
Experience in
fashion design or apparel design , preferably in activewear, athleisure, or performance apparel
Strong understanding of
garment construction, textiles, trims, and fit development
Experience creating tech packs and communicating with manufacturers
Knowledge of activewear trends, fabrics, and performance materials
Excellent communication skills and comfort working directly with clients
Strong organizational and project management abilities
Ability to manage multiple product development timelines simultaneously
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design tools
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field preferred
Previous experience in activewear or product development for brands
highly desirable
What We’re Looking For
Someone who thrives in a
fast-moving startup environment
A designer who enjoys working directly with founders and building brands
Strong balance of creative vision and technical execution
Detail-oriented and highly organized
Passionate about bringing great products to market
#J-18808-Ljbffr