Apparel Worker
An Apparel Worker is a professional who specializes in the creation and assembly of clothing from raw and synthetic fabric materials. Historically, this role involved handcrafting garments, but modern apparel workers often operate advanced machinery and technology to streamline the production process. Their responsibilities typically include quality control, troubleshooting, and managing various stages of fabric processing, such as inspection, dyeing, and assembly. Apparel workers can be employed in large industrial facilities that may be noisy and busy, with numerous machines running simultaneously.
Most positions in this field do not require extensive prior experience or education, as on-the-job training is common. Workers are often employed in diverse roles, including sewing-machine operators, pattern makers, and trimmers, each contributing to different aspects of garment production. The industry is characterized by a collaborative environment, where teamwork is encouraged to enhance productivity and worker satisfaction. The average earnings for apparel workers are approximately $39,720 annually, reflecting the varied nature of the work and its importance in the manufacturing sector.
Apparel Worker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Operating machinery, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Average): $39,720 per year, $19.10 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: -6 percent (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work.Apparel workers create and assemble raw and synthetic fabric materials into clothing. Historically, apparel workers fabricated garments primarily by hand, using crude tools. However, contemporary apparel workers work in concert with highly complex mechanical systems, depending on the type of apparel they manufacture. Much of their work consists of maintaining quality control, troubleshooting problems, and feeding reams of fabric in and out of machinery. Many couture, limited-run, and specialty apparel designs are still largely handcrafted.
Work Environment. Apparel workers work predominantly in industrial and manufacturing facilities. Apparel-manufacturing facilities are traditionally large buildings with high ceilings, outfitted with numerous textile-production machines. Depending on the size and scope of the facility, apparel-manufacturing plants tend to be noisy and somewhat chaotic spaces, with many people working on various tasks for multiple projects at the same time. Large apparel facilities operate anywhere from hundreds to thousands of looms simultaneously.
Occupation Interest. Production jobs in the apparel industry traditionally attract unskilled laborers eager to secure steady, long-term employment with the opportunity for advancement. Since many of the basic skills of the job can be learned through on-the-job training, extensive education and previous professional experience are not traditional requirements for the role. Apparel workers and textile technicians often rise to managerial and supervisory roles after accumulating several years of experience.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Apparel workers typically work five-day, forty-hour weeks. Overtime work may be required to meet deadlines. Apparel workers are each responsible for certain parts of the production process. Workers at the forefront of this process inspect raw fabric materials for consistency and quality before loading them into machinery that alters them through tufting, weaving, or knitting. The initial processes of apparel production prepare raw materials for construction into garments. Many natural textiles are then dyed different colors. Apparel workers are responsible for operating the machinery that applies a specific amount of dye to each fabric ream to ensure the desired color is achieved. After initial processing and dyeing, materials are then brought to workers who perform specialized jobs along the production cycle.
Pattern makers transform a designer’s vision for an article of clothing by converting it into a pattern of separate pieces of fabric to be laid out and assembled. They often use computers to help configure the pattern and add details such as buttons and zippers. Trimmers and cutters then cut out the material according to the pattern. They often use an electric knife or other cutting tools in this job. Delicate fabric is often cut by hand to ensure accuracy. Sewing-machine operators join the pieces together and often operate knitting machines to add custom design specifications to garments, such as pockets, seams, liners, and zipper mechanisms.
The final processes of apparel production usually involve the application of finishing treatments such as waterproofing or stain-resistant elements. Any additional labeling or external styling is also applied in the final processes, frequently by apparel workers using embroidery or sewing machines. Clothing is then inspected. Any loose threads or lint are removed before packaging and shipping.
Assemblers (781.687-010). Assemblers select parts required to make a complete article of clothing according to size, style and color, following style guides. They then assemble, by hand, a specified number of selected garment, glove or mitten parts into bundles for distribution to production workers.
Markers (781.687-042). Markers mark sewing guides on garments or material, using chalk, crayon or pencil, to add further instructions and production guidelines.
Sewing Machine Operators (786.685-030). Sewing Machine Operators tend semi-automatic sewing machines that stitch or decorate garments, and they also thread the machine, position the fabric and start the machine.
Machine Trimmers (781.682-010). Machine Trimmers operate sewing machines with cutting blade attachments to trim excess fabric from articles. They start machines, operate controls and guide articles under the blade.
Tailors, Dressmakers & Sewers (781.265-014). Tailors, Dressmakers & Sewers design and make tailored items. They confer with customers to develop designs, draw patterns and assemble, fit, alter, finish and press garments.
Machine Pressers (363.682-018). Machine Pressers operate pressing machines to smooth surfaces, flatten seams or shape articles.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Apparel workers are employed by retail brands, wholesalers, textile mills, and other businesses related to the apparel industry. Apparel work often requires sitting for long periods of time. Other positions require workers to stand for the majority of their shift, lean over tables, and operate machinery.
Plant Environment. Manufacturing settings predominate. Apparel manufacturing work requires extensive interaction with collaboratively run machines and automated systems. Work among machines is often noisy. Patternmaking jobs tend to be in quieter environments.
Human Environment. The breadth and scope of human interaction among apparel workers vary from position to position. Previously, apparel work was isolative, with little to no interaction between workers. More recently, companies have begun stressing teamwork and collaboration in an effort to increase employee satisfaction and overall performance.
Technological Environment. Apparel workers use a bevy of machinery, from looms and knitting and embroidery machines to chemical and dye applicators. Many patternmakers now use computers.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career in apparel work with courses in algebra, geometry, chemistry, physics, introductory computer science, and art. Many vocational high schools offer advanced coursework in fashion design and construction. Home economics classes traditionally instruct students on the basics of sewing and fabric construction. Drafting, architecture, and industrial arts classes can also serve as precursors for future work in manufacturing and design.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not traditionally a requirement for entry-level positions in apparel manufacturing. However, a bachelor’s degree is often a requirement for managerial or supervisory positions in the field. Applicants with postsecondary degrees in engineering, business, or design may be given preference over those without.
Related Occupations
− Laundry/Dry Cleaning Machine Operator
− Metal/Plastic Working Machine Operator
Bibliography
"Assemblers and Fabricators." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/production/assemblers-and-fabricators.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516099.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.