What it’s about:

The apparel and textiles major includes the design, production, marketing, and use of garments, fabrics, and fibers. You learn about technology applications, manufacturing systems, product development, buying, promotional techniques, clothing and material design and customization, and quality control in the apparel and textiles industries.

What the study of this major is like:

This major is typically taught in laboratory, studio, and lecture settings. In most classes you apply what you learn by completing projects or papers. You will probably be expected to make presentations to the class, so good oral communication are an asset. Your work may occasionally be evaluated by industry professionals. Especially in senior-level courses, you will apply critical-thinking skills in analytical and persuasive writing. Many classes invite guest speakers to discuss up-to-date trends and requirements of the industry.

Understanding consumer behaviour, likes, and wants will contribute to your potential success in this field. Therefore, many colleges require internships in which you earn credit while getting first-hand experience in the industry. You can also participate in field trips or off-campus study programs in manufacturing and fashion centers, including retail stores, design houses, textiles factories, museums, and historic sites in areas such as New York, Dallas, and Europe.

This major may be offered in a college of arts and sciences or in a college of family and consumer sciences (formerly home economics), and may lead either to a Bachelor of Science degree (with an emphasis on physical science) or a Bachelor of Arts (humanities). In some Bachelor of Science programs, you take chemistry to fulfil the science requirement. Bachelor of Arts programs usually require fewer core courses and more general education courses. Colleges that focus on retailing do not offer creative course as part of the major. Programs in other colleges may focus on design, product development, or textiles. Many colleges require you to take two semester of foreign language and at least one semester of economics, and to be proficient in computer systems.

Apparel and textiles majors tend to be outgoing and self-motivated. Most colleges host an industry-related organization like Fashion Group International. Depending on the campus, you might participate in the Student Marketing Association, Student Retails Federation, or the Advertising and Public Relations Club. Majors who are active in the community or have a part-time job may conduct fashion shows for fund-raisers, organize clothing drives, or set up programs to recycle textiles, apparel, and shoes.

Career options and trends:

Buyer; product developer; product manager; market researcher; fashion coordinator, fashion reporter, fashion or textile designer; pattern maker, visual merchandising manager.

The apparel and textiles major can prepare you to work as a merchandise coordinator with a national-brand wholesale firm; an in-store sales associate or manager with a major retailer; a production assistant with a manufacturing firm; an educational representative for a fabric, pattern, sewing machine, or notions firm; a textile and apparel advertiser and promoter; or a quality control analyst. With specialized training, you may work as a textile chemist, textile engineer, or museum costume curator.

The apparel and textiles industries are strongly affected by the national economy and consumer spending. In good times, the industry expands so rapidly that firms have a difficult time hiring enough people; but when the economy suffers, the industry may not hire entry-level employees and may even close stores. Be aware that most of the labour-intensive activities (especially apparel manufacturing) have moved to developing countries, where wages are significantly lower.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors