Fashion Careers
Written by Menswear Style
in
Business
on the
24th April 2025
When people think of fashion careers, the usual suspects come to mind—models, designers, stylists, and maybe a few influencers. But the industry is far more layered than what we see on magazine covers or social media. Behind every stunning runway moment is a team of skilled professionals working behind the scenes to bring it all to life. For those who love fashion but don’t see themselves sketching gowns or strutting catwalks, there’s a whole universe of exciting roles that often go unnoticed. From data analysts to sustainability officers, these positions are reshaping what it means to work in fashion. As recruitment specialists for the fashion industry can attest, brands today are looking for a broader mix of talent—people who bring fresh perspectives, tech skills, and real-world problem-solving into the creative fold. This article explores some of the most underrated fashion careers worth considering—and how to break into them even if you’re just starting out.
Trend forecasters are the style prophets of the industry. Their job? Spot what’s coming before it hits the shelves. This isn’t guesswork—it’s a blend of cultural research, data analysis, and a strong instinct for what will resonate with consumers next season, or even next year. You’ll often find trend forecasters working for big brands, independent forecasting agencies, or major retailers. Their insights help decide everything from colour palettes to hemlines and even packaging.
How to break in:
Start by brushing up on consumer psychology, fashion history, and analytics. Platforms like WGSN or TrendUnion are excellent to study, and building your own trend reports—even just on social—can showcase your knack for spotting what’s next.
Every fashion show, photoshoot, and product release runs on a tight schedule—and that’s where production coordinators shine. They manage logistics, communicate between departments, wrangle suppliers, and solve last-minute problems before they snowball. It’s a high-stress but high-reward job. You won’t always get a front-row seat, but you will be the reason the show goes on.
Who it’s great for:
Anyone who thrives on organization, loves juggling tasks, and isn’t afraid to step in and take control. You need to be part logistics manager, part therapist, and part magician.
Getting started:
Experience in event planning, retail operations, or even theatre production can help. Many coordinators work their way up from internships or assistant roles, learning the ropes on real projects.
Think fashion can’t be a numbers game? Think again. As the industry leans more into e-commerce and AI-driven decision-making, fashion brands are desperate for data analysts who can turn raw numbers into actionable insights. These analysts track customer behavior, buying patterns, and market trends to help brands design smarter collections and manage inventory more efficiently. Your spreadsheet might not make the front page of Vogue, but your work could save a company millions.
How to prep:
A background in statistics, computer science, or even economics helps. Combine that with a genuine interest in style, and you’ll be way ahead of the pack.
Garment technologists are the technical minds behind how a garment fits, feels, and functions. They work closely with designers and manufacturers to test fabrics, tweak construction, and ensure that clothes meet quality and safety standards. From high-performance activewear to delicate couture gowns, they make sure things are made well—and made to last.
Ideal for:
People who love details, have a feel for fabrics, and don’t mind doing the less glamorous work behind the seams.
How to break in:
Many universities offer specialized courses in garment technology or textile science. But if you’ve got hands-on experience from tailoring, fashion design, or quality control, you may already have what it takes.
Visual merchandisers are the storytellers of the sales floor. They design in-store displays, window setups, and product arrangements that draw in customers and boost conversions. And in the age of Instagram, their work often doubles as brand content.
It’s a mix of design, psychology, and retail know-how. If you’ve ever rearranged your bedroom five times just to “get the vibe right,” you might be a natural.
Landing a role:
Start with retail experience and a sharp eye for aesthetics. Building a mood board portfolio—or even redesigning existing store layouts for fun—can get you noticed.
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword anymore — it’s a business model. More brands are hiring dedicated sourcing specialists to audit supply chains, vet ethical suppliers, and reduce environmental impact across production. This is a great fit for people who care about climate justice, fair trade, and fashion’s long-term impact on the planet.
Skill set needed:
Knowledge of supply chain management, global trade regulations, and sustainability certifications (like GOTS or OEKO-TEX) is key. Experience in fashion buying or logistics is also valuable.
Love fashion and words? This one’s for you. Fashion copywriters craft product descriptions, brand campaigns, lookbook narratives, and digital content for websites and social platforms. A great copywriter doesn’t just describe a coat—they sell the feeling you get when you wear it.
How to start:
Build writing samples around fashion topics you love. Blogging, freelance gigs, or even rewriting brand copy for practice can go a long way. Bonus points for knowing your SEO basics.
Showroom assistants play a critical role in how collections are presented to buyers, stylists, and editors. They prep samples, coordinate appointments, and ensure the brand is perfectly showcased—often during fashion weeks and sales seasons. This role is all about first impressions, relationship-building, and attention to detail.
Career path:
Many fashion buyers and wholesale managers started here. It’s often a stepping stone to bigger roles in brand development and retail partnerships.
How to Get Your Foot in the (Very Stylish) Door
Even though these roles don’t always get the spotlight, they’re essential to the fashion ecosystem. And while fashion is notoriously competitive, the industry is also evolving – fast. Whether you’re changing careers or just getting started, here’s what helps:
Internships matter – even the short ones.
Follow the right people – trend analysts, stylists, recruiters—watch what they’re sharing.
Make your portfolio digital – whether you’re applying for merch or marketing, a curated online presence can help.
Talk to people who are already doing it – a 15-minute chat can change your entire approach.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, this is exactly where a team of recruitment specialists comes in handy. They can help you spot where your skills align with open roles you might not have considered otherwise.
You don’t have to sew, sketch, or strut to belong in fashion. Maybe you love crunching numbers. Maybe you’re obsessed with storytelling. Or maybe your superpower is organizing chaos before it becomes a crisis. Wherever you fit, there’s a corner of the fashion industry that needs what you’ve got. And chances are, it’s beyond the runway.
