At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead garment technology from design to production, ensuring quality and fit.
- Company: The Hippie Shake, a vintage-inspired fashion brand with a creative vibe.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance schedule, remote work, and collaboration with a passionate team.
- Other info: Opportunity for creative input and growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape unique fashion pieces that celebrate vintage style.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a Garment Technologist with strong technical and communication skills.
The Hippie Shake is looking for an experienced freelance Senior Garment Technologist to join us on an ongoing basis, working approximately three days per week. Founded in 2016, The Hippie Shake creates heirloom-worthy pieces inspired by vintage fashion, music and festival style. This is a key role within our product development process. You’ll work closely with our founder and Creative Director, Naomi, taking ownership of garment technology from initial design ideas through sampling, fitting, production approval and shipment sign-off.
We’re looking for someone highly experienced, organised and confident working autonomously, who can manage multiple styles and suppliers while maintaining the fit, quality and consistency our customers expect.
About the role
At the beginning of each collection, you’ll work closely with Naomi to translate her designs and ideas into detailed technical packs, using our existing blocks, components and grading standards where appropriate. From there, you’ll own the technical development process, managing samples, fittings, supplier communication and approvals through to bulk production and final shipment samples. We currently develop approximately 15 new styles per quarter across categories including dresses, tailoring, knitwear, denim and outerwear.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with Naomi at the start of each collection to understand the design, fit and construction requirements for each style.
- Create detailed technical packs, including construction details, measurement specifications and manufacturing requirements.
- Maintain and update tech packs throughout the sampling and development process.
- Create initial measurement specifications and graded size specifications using our established grading rules.
- Maintain consistency across our existing blocks, sizing standards and fit.
- Request development samples from suppliers and manage the sampling process from first sample through to production approval.
- Track samples and proactively chase suppliers to ensure development remains on schedule.
- Measure samples against specifications and identify fit, construction and quality issues.
- Organise and attend fittings in New Eltham, South East London, approximately every two weeks or as required.
- Book our fit model for fittings, using our existing agency relationship.
- Lead fittings and provide clear, detailed technical feedback.
- Produce and send comprehensive fit and sample comments to suppliers, including measurements, annotated imagery and construction amendments.
- Advise on garment construction, fabrics, trims and finishes throughout development.
- Work collaboratively with Naomi on areas such as trims, print placement, embroidery and embellishment execution.
- Communicate directly with our overseas suppliers on all technical and product development matters.
- Consider supplier MOQs during development and ensure proposed fabrics and materials are commercially viable for our order quantities.
- Maintain the development and production critical path, proactively highlighting delays, risks or issues to the wider team.
- Manage technical approvals required before bulk production, including pre-production and size-set samples where applicable.
- Review and approve shipment samples for every style before bulk orders are authorised to ship.
- Check shipment samples for measurements, fit, construction, colour, trims, labelling, packaging and overall quality.
- Review garment and fabric testing reports and advise on appropriate wash-care instructions.
- Work with Naomi to ensure garment labelling, fibre composition and relevant compliance requirements are correct.
- Advise on technical solutions when issues arise during production, working with the wider team to determine the best course of action.
- Review monthly customer return and product-quality feedback with Naomi and the wider team, using insights to inform future development and fit.
About you
We’d love to hear from someone who:
- Has significant experience working as a Garment Technologist or Senior Garment Technologist, ideally with at least 5 years in a similar role.
- Is highly confident owning the technical development process from initial concept through to bulk production.
- Has extensive experience conducting fittings and providing clear, commercially minded fit and construction feedback.
- Has excellent knowledge of garment construction, grading, sizing and manufacturing.
- Has strong knowledge of pattern cutting and can use this expertise to diagnose and resolve fit and construction issues.
- Is experienced creating detailed tech packs, measurement specifications and grading rules.
- Has worked across a broad range of womenswear categories.
- Is comfortable working directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
- Has a strong understanding of fabrics, trims, garment testing, wash care and product compliance.
- Has excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of garment quality.
- Is highly organised and confident managing sampling and production timelines across multiple styles.
- Is proactive and comfortable flagging issues early rather than waiting for them to become problems.
- Can work autonomously and take ownership of their area while collaborating closely with a small team.
- Is confident working predominantly in Excel and email.
- Experience working with factories in India, Turkey and China would be useful, but isn’t essential.
- An interest in responsible fabric and production choices is also important to us.
Working with us
Role: Freelance Senior Garment Technologist
Commitment: Approximately 3 days per week, ongoing
Working pattern: Flexible freelance days
Location: Predominantly remote, with in-person fittings in New Eltham, SE9, approximately every two weeks or as required
Start date: Ideally within the next 6 weeks.
Rate: Freelance day rate to be agreed based on experience.
You’ll work most closely with Naomi on product development and technical decisions, with support from the wider team on operational and production matters. The role requires a high level of autonomy, although final product and commercial decisions will sit with Naomi and the founders.
How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV, a brief introduction outlining your relevant experience, your availability and your usual freelance day rate.
Freelance Senior Garment Technologist in Stockport employer: The Hippie Shake
The Hippie Shake is an exceptional employer, offering a part-time Social Media Manager role that combines creative freedom with the opportunity to grow alongside a dynamic fashion brand. With a supportive and collaborative team culture, employees can enjoy flexible remote working while being closely involved with the founders and creatives, making a meaningful impact on the brand's online presence. This role not only allows for personal growth but also provides a unique chance to shape the brand's narrative in the vibrant world of vintage fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Senior Garment Technologist in Stockport
✨Put Your Work on Display
As a freelancer in the fashion-apparel sector, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure to create an eye-catching online presence—think stylish website or Instagram page showcasing your designs. This is where your creativity can shine and attract potential clients like The Hippie Shake!
✨Join Fashion Communities
Get involved in fashion communities, both online and offline. Websites like Behance or DeviantArt are great for showcasing your work, while attending local fashion events or trade shows can help you network with brands and potential clients, opening doors for freelance gigs.
✨Leverage Social Media Marketing
As a freelancer, social media is your marketing engine. Start sharing your creations on platforms like Instagram and TikTok with relevant hashtags to build visibility in the fashion scene. Engage with other creators and brands to boost your discoverability—who knows, The Hippie Shake might just stumble upon your work!
✨Pitch Directly to Brands
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; be proactive! Research brands you love, like The Hippie Shake, and reach out with tailored pitches and links to your portfolio. Show them how your unique style can add value to their brand, and you could land some exciting freelance opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Senior Garment Technologist in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style with a Portfolio:As a freelance fashion-apparel professional, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure to include a diverse range of your work that reflects your unique style and versatility. Whether it's sketches, completed outfits, or even photoshoots you've styled, these visuals speak volumes about your capabilities.
Tailor Your CV to Fashion Trends:When crafting your CV, highlight any relevant experience in the fashion industry. List your design skills, any fashion shows you’ve participated in, and collaborations with other creatives. Don’t forget to mention current trends you’re familiar with – this shows you’re in tune with what’s happening in the industry!
Specify Your Rates and Availability:Since this is a freelance gig, be upfront about your rates and availability in your application. It helps The Hippie Shake to understand if you’re a good fit for their budget and timeline. A clear mention not only shows professionalism but also sets the right expectations from the get-go.
Express Your Passion for Fashion:In your cover letter, let your passion for fashion shine through! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity with The Hippie Shake and how your freelance work can bring something fresh and innovative. This personal touch can make a big difference and help you stand out among other applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Hippie Shake
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As a freelancer in fashion-apparel, your portfolio is your best friend. Bring along a well-curated selection of your best designs, sketches, and final products. Be prepared to explain your creative process and the inspiration behind your work—this is where you can really shine!
✨Know Your Fabrics and Trends
Brush up on the latest trends and fabric technologies relevant to your niche in fashion-apparel. Be ready to discuss how you select materials and create pieces that not only look good but also fit current market trends. It shows you’re passionate and informed, which clients love!
✨Pitch Your Unique Style
Freelancing means you’re essentially pitching yourself and your unique style. Prepare a concise elevator pitch about what makes you different as a designer. Highlight your skills, style influences, and how you can address the specific needs of The Hippie Shake. The more genuine and enthusiastic you are, the better!
✨Be Ready for Collaboration Questions
Freelancers often need to work closely with clients and other creatives. Expect questions about how you handle feedback, work with teams, or adapt your designs based on client requests. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated or adapted to feedback!
