We are a premier New York-based apparel manufacturer and licensor with more than 20 years of expertise in the industry. We specialize in developing and producing premium sleepwear, loungewear, and expanding collections in high-growth categories such as newborn/infant playwear and layette as well as ladies swimwear. Through strategic licensing partnerships with established brands, we create comfortable, trend-right, and commercially successful products that emphasize quality, durability, and value. Our collections are distributed nationally through major department stores, specialty retailers, off-price channels, and e-commerce platforms.

We are seeking a talented, versatile, and detail-oriented Apparel Designer to join our creative team in New York City. This unique opportunity combines three exciting design verticals into one impactful role: Newborn/Infant Playwear & Layette, Ladies/Girls' Sleepwear, and Ladies Swimwear. You will report to the Design Director and play a key part in conceptualizing, developing, and executing seasonal collections across these categories. The position is ideal for a flexible designer who excels at blending creativity with commercial viability, comfort-focused innovation, and technical precision in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Whether your background leans toward baby apparel, sleep/loungewear, or swim, this role offers the chance to expand your expertise while driving growth for multiple product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market and trend research, analyzing color stories, fabric innovations, prints, silhouettes, and consumer preferences specific to each category (soft, safe, playful elements for infant layette; ultra-comfortable and durable constructions for sleepwear; performance-driven, body-conscious designs for swimwear).
• Develop original design concepts from ideation through final execution, including hand sketches, digital illustrations, CAD artwork, mood boards, and colorways.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical packages (tech packs), including detailed specifications, construction details, grading rules, bill of materials, and factory comments for both domestic and overseas production.
• Select and source appropriate fabrics, trims, and materials that meet functional requirements—breathable cottons/knits and easy-care finishes for sleep and layette; chlorine-resistant, quick-dry, UV-protective stretch fabrics for swimwear—while balancing quality, cost, and sustainability goals.
• Lead or participate in fit sessions, sample reviews, and prototype approvals to ensure exceptional fit, construction quality, comfort, and brand-appropriate aesthetics.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, sales, licensing partners, production, and technical teams to align designs with line plans, sales projections, and retailer requirements.
• Present seasonal concepts, color stories, and line reviews to internal stakeholders and external brand partners for feedback and approval.
• Manage multiple collections simultaneously from concept to production handoff, meeting aggressive calendar deadlines while maintaining design integrity.
• Monitor competitive landscape, regulatory standards (especially CPSIA and safety requirements for infant apparel), and emerging fabric technologies to keep collections fresh and commercially viable.
• Contribute to assortment planning, SKU rationalization, and product development strategies to maximize sell-through and profitability across all three categories.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of hands-on apparel design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating work in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: infant/baby layette/playwear, ladies or girls' sleepwear/loungewear, or swimwear.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM or similar systems; working knowledge of pattern-making software and 3D design tools is a plus.
• Deep technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, grading, fabric properties, and full production cycles (from sketch to finished sample).
• Proven ability to translate trends into wearable, category-appropriate designs that balance creativity, comfort, functionality, and commercial appeal.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to thrive in a collaborative, deadline-driven team environment.
• Experience working with licensed brands, private-label manufacturing, or multi-category collections is highly desirable.
• Must be based in or willing to work from our New York City office (hybrid flexibility may be considered for exceptional candidates).
• A portfolio showcasing full seasonal collections (sketches, CADS, tech packs, and final products) is required at the application stage.

Compensation

****We offer a highly competitive compensation package tailored to experience and expertise. The base salary for this role is $100,000 annually , with potential for performance-based bonuses. In addition, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities and trade show attendance

This is a full-time, salaried position with room for growth as our company expands into new categories and partnerships.

If you are a passionate designer ready to make an immediate impact across multiple exciting product lines, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio (PDF or link) for consideration. We are an equal opportunity employer.