Fashion Design
Create clothing and accessories from concept to runway
What You'll Study
Fashion Design is the art of applying design, aesthetics, and structural utility to clothing. It involves sketching, fabric selection, pattern making, and garment construction. It is a mix of art and engineering.
- Garment Construction
- Textiles & Fabrics
- Fashion Illustration
- Pattern Making (Draping/Flat)
- Fashion History
- Trend Forecasting
- Merchandising
- CAD for Fashion
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You are obsessed with fabrics, textures, and style
- ✓You are good with your hands (sewing/drawing)
- ✓You have a unique point of view
- ✓You are resilient (very critical industry)
- ✓You can work very fast (fashion cycles are fast)
- ✓You understand branding
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You just like shopping (design is making, not buying)
- ✕You can't sew a button (you need construction skills)
- ✕You dislike tight deadlines
- ✕You prefer function over form (though fashion needs both)
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you touch fabrics in stores to feel quality?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
UX/UI Designer
Design intuitive and beautiful digital experiences that solve user problems and delight customers.
Marketing Manager
Develop and execute marketing strategies to build brand awareness and drive customer acquisition.
Product Manager
Lead product development from conception to launch, bridging business strategy with user needs and technical capabilities.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Fashion Designer
- •Textile Designer
- •Pattern Maker
- •Stylist
- •Fashion Buyer
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Upcycle an old t-shirt into something new (cut, sew, dye).
Learn to deduce a basic pattern from an existing shirt.
Design and sew a complete garment (skirt/shirt) and photograph it.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, communicating ideas visually is key. But CAD is taking over.
Yes, studio classes are long and physically demanding (sewing all night).
Huge hubs: NYC, Paris, Milan, London, LA.
Sustainability is the biggest trend in fashion right now.
No, accessories, shoes, and performance gear (Nike/Adidas) are huge.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Fashion Design is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.