Freelance Menswear Designer

Job Title:

Freelance Senior Designer, Men's

Start Date:

ASAP

End Date:

9/25/26

Location:

NYC (Hybrid -3x week onsite)

FT Hours

Job Description:

The Senior Designer is responsible for leading the end-to-end creative direction and execution of men’s cut & sew knits for all channels (Wholesale, Specialty, and Value), from initial concept through final production.

This role drives the design vision, ensuring all product reflects an authentic, heritage-driven aesthetic, exceptional fit, and high standards of craftsmanship aligned with the brand identity.

Partnering cross-functionally with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production, the Senior Designer translates creative concepts into commercially compelling products that meet business objectives, seasonal timelines, and quality expectations.

This position plays a key role in shaping the overall aesthetic direction, advancing innovation across categories, and elevating design execution to deliver cohesive, market-relevant collections rooted in heritage inspiration.

The Senior Designer actively contributes to trend interpretation, concept development, and category expansion while maintaining a strong focus on brand consistency and consumer relevance.

This role also supports the development process by guiding design detail, fabric selection, and fit refinement —particularly within heritage fabrics and wash treatments— to ensure a premium final product.

Key Responsibilities Design & Creative Development

Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction and customer needs

Create original design sketches and detailed technical flats using Adobe Illustrator

Select fabrics, trims, washes, and colors in partnership with cross-functional teams

Build and present mood boards, concept decks, and line presentations for seasonal reviews

Conduct trend, market, and competitive research using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN) to inform design direction

Product Development & Execution

Create, update, and manage accurate tech packs, including measurements, construction details, BOMs, and design intent

Participate in and lead fit sessions; provide clear feedback and track revisions through final approval

Review and manage samples throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring quality, fit, and consistency

Track product updates and maintain accurate records to support on-time development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Merchandising to align design with line plans, SKU counts, and financial targets

Collaborate closely with Technical Design and Production to ensure feasibility, cost targets, and quality standards are met

Communicate design intent and feedback to overseas vendors and factories

Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are met on schedule

Operational & Team Support

Provide mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback to Designer and Associate Designers to support their growth and ensure consistency across the department.

Maintain organized design files, reference libraries, and seasonal documentation

Update PLM systems, line plans, and internal tracking tools

Support market preparation, line adoptions, and collaboration launches as needed

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred

7+ years of apparel design experience

Experience within a fast-paced, high-volume apparel environment preferred

Men’s design experience required; preference for a strong vintage and heritage-inspired point of view, with deep expertise in fabric development and wash techniques.

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience required or strongly preferred

Proficiency in Miro for collaboration with design and cross-functional teams

Demonstrated understanding and hands‑on experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation, concept development, and design visualization

Strong sketching and design execution skills with attention to detail

Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit

Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong design point of view balanced with commercial sensibility

Proactive, organized, and solution-oriented

Collaborative team player with a positive, adaptable mindset

Ability to lift and transport garment samples and sample boxes

Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings

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