Apparel Technical Designer
Ripton & Co., Boulder, CO, United States
Location: Boulder, CO Type: Full-time, in-office Compensation: $70,000–$90,000 Reports to: Product Lead
About Ripton Ripton is a fast-growing performance denim brand based in Boulder, Colorado. We build technical, durable denim with outdoor utility, grit, and style – and we do it with a small, resourceful team that values ownership, adaptability, and doing things the right way instead of the easy way.
We are founder-led, fast-moving, and deeply focused on building a brand that feels intentional, authentic, and beautifully executed.
The Role We’re looking for an Apparel Technical Designer to partner with the product team to own fit and technical execution. This role is hands‑on and highly collaborative – working closely with design, development, and our factory partners to ensure every piece fits right, feels right, and meets our quality standards.
This is a great role for someone who loves the details, is highly adaptable, thrives in a scrappy environment, and wants to help shape the foundation of a growing apparel brand.
Responsibilities Fit, Specs & Technical Execution
Own fit and measurement specs across all styles from development through production
Build and maintain detailed tech packs, spec sheets, graded measurements, and fit comments in PLM
Measure and evaluate all incoming samples, identifying issues in fit and construction
Lead fit sessions with the Product and Design teams, capturing clear notes, images, and next steps
Ensure all garments meet fit intent, quality standards, and cost targets
Development Process & Ownership
Own all technical updates in PLM, including specs, fit comments, and sample evaluations
Manage incoming samples and maintain accurate tracking across development stages
Drive weekly sample workflow—ensuring comments and updates are submitted on time to keep development moving
Own TOP review and approval to release production
Maintain organized fit documentation, including notes, images, and fit history across seasons
Partner with product team to execute against the seasonal development calendar and hit key milestones
Denim Fit & Technical Standards
Champion denim fit—understanding how fabric, wash, and construction impact final fit and feel
Establish and maintain core fit blocks, grade rules, and sizing standards
Ensure consistency across styles while supporting intentional differences in silhouette and fit
Track fit evolution across seasons and continuously improve based on learnings
Identify recurring fit or construction issues and proactively recommend solutions
Factory Communication & Collaboration
Partner closely with overseas factories to communicate specs, fit intent, and construction details clearly
Translate fit feedback into actionable, easy-to-follow comments for vendors
Answer factory questions related to specs, fit, and construction, updating documentation as needed
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Design and Product to bring new styles from concept through production
Align on priorities, flag risks early, and help keep development on track
Support internal teams with accurate product information related to fit and construction
Contribute to improving product development processes as the brand grows
Experience & Skills
3-7+ years of experience in technical design, with a strong focus on denim
Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, grading, and pattern-making
Experience working with pants and bottoms
Experience working with denim washes, shrinkage, and how they impact fit
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and comfortable working in PLM systems
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple styles across multiple seasons
Clear communicator, especially when working with overseas factory partners
Scrappy, proactive, and excited to build—comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment
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About Ripton Ripton is a fast-growing performance denim brand based in Boulder, Colorado. We build technical, durable denim with outdoor utility, grit, and style – and we do it with a small, resourceful team that values ownership, adaptability, and doing things the right way instead of the easy way.
We are founder-led, fast-moving, and deeply focused on building a brand that feels intentional, authentic, and beautifully executed.
The Role We’re looking for an Apparel Technical Designer to partner with the product team to own fit and technical execution. This role is hands‑on and highly collaborative – working closely with design, development, and our factory partners to ensure every piece fits right, feels right, and meets our quality standards.
This is a great role for someone who loves the details, is highly adaptable, thrives in a scrappy environment, and wants to help shape the foundation of a growing apparel brand.
Responsibilities Fit, Specs & Technical Execution
Own fit and measurement specs across all styles from development through production
Build and maintain detailed tech packs, spec sheets, graded measurements, and fit comments in PLM
Measure and evaluate all incoming samples, identifying issues in fit and construction
Lead fit sessions with the Product and Design teams, capturing clear notes, images, and next steps
Ensure all garments meet fit intent, quality standards, and cost targets
Development Process & Ownership
Own all technical updates in PLM, including specs, fit comments, and sample evaluations
Manage incoming samples and maintain accurate tracking across development stages
Drive weekly sample workflow—ensuring comments and updates are submitted on time to keep development moving
Own TOP review and approval to release production
Maintain organized fit documentation, including notes, images, and fit history across seasons
Partner with product team to execute against the seasonal development calendar and hit key milestones
Denim Fit & Technical Standards
Champion denim fit—understanding how fabric, wash, and construction impact final fit and feel
Establish and maintain core fit blocks, grade rules, and sizing standards
Ensure consistency across styles while supporting intentional differences in silhouette and fit
Track fit evolution across seasons and continuously improve based on learnings
Identify recurring fit or construction issues and proactively recommend solutions
Factory Communication & Collaboration
Partner closely with overseas factories to communicate specs, fit intent, and construction details clearly
Translate fit feedback into actionable, easy-to-follow comments for vendors
Answer factory questions related to specs, fit, and construction, updating documentation as needed
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Design and Product to bring new styles from concept through production
Align on priorities, flag risks early, and help keep development on track
Support internal teams with accurate product information related to fit and construction
Contribute to improving product development processes as the brand grows
Experience & Skills
3-7+ years of experience in technical design, with a strong focus on denim
Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, grading, and pattern-making
Experience working with pants and bottoms
Experience working with denim washes, shrinkage, and how they impact fit
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and comfortable working in PLM systems
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple styles across multiple seasons
Clear communicator, especially when working with overseas factory partners
Scrappy, proactive, and excited to build—comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment
#J-18808-Ljbffr