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Garment technologist

Alternative titles for this job include Clothing technician, textiles technician

Garment technologists check the quality of designs, fabrics and products that are sent to manufacturers for production.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could complete a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant. Courses include:

  • fashion and textiles
  • garment technology for fashion retail
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship with a design studio or manufacturing firm, such as:

  • Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Technical Textiles Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the UKFT for technical advice, networking opportunities and professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in the clothing industry through UKFT Futures.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a garment technologist, you could:

  • advise on suitable fabrics for products
  • suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
  • make sure garments can be produced within budget
  • oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
  • make sure the correct garment-making methods are used
  • work with suppliers and manufacturers
  • analyse product returns and faults
  • update workbooks with instructions for garments' construction stages
  • produce quality control reports

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.

You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a garment technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Garment Technology for Fashion Retail - Level 4 Diploma (UAL)

  • Provider: Capital City College
  • Start date: 29 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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