Apparel and Textile Manufacture
Total graduates
162
2025 · 9 schools
International share
11.7%
19 international students
Bachelor's degrees
89
13.5% international
Master's degrees
4
25.0% international
Overview
Apparel and Textile Manufacture is a dynamic and multifaceted field that focuses on the design, production, and marketing of clothing and textile products. This discipline encompasses a variety of processes, from the initial stages of fabric selection and garment construction to the final stages of retail and consumer engagement.
Students in this program typically learn about the technical aspects of textile manufacturing, including fiber science, weaving, dyeing, and finishing processes. They also delve into garment construction techniques, pattern making, and sewing methodologies. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding the properties of different materials and how these influence the design and functionality of apparel.
In addition to technical skills, the curriculum often includes coursework in fashion design, marketing, and merchandising, allowing students to gain a holistic understanding of the industry. This combination equips graduates with the ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market driven by trends, sustainability concerns, and consumer preferences.
Career opportunities in Apparel and Textile Manufacture are diverse, ranging from product development and quality control to supply chain management and fashion marketing. Graduates may find roles in manufacturing companies, fashion houses, or retail organizations, as well as opportunities in entrepreneurship within the fashion industry.
Overall, this program prepares students to contribute creatively and strategically to the fashion and textile sectors, addressing challenges such as sustainability and ethical production while meeting the demands of a global marketplace.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 43% and the international share went from 8.8% to 11.7%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 9 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York | 81 | 12 |
| — | SUNY Buffalo State University | New York | 30 | 0 |
| — | Academy of Art University | California | 17 | 6 |
| — | Dallas College | Texas | 9 | 0 |
| — | Orange Coast College | California | 8 | 0 |
| — | Honolulu Community College | Hawaii | 6 | 1 |
| — | Sacramento City College | California | 5 | 0 |
| — | University of Hawaii Maui College | Hawaii | 3 | 0 |
| — | Wayne County Community College District | Michigan | 3 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designers | 21,450 | $43.86 | $91,230 |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 2,950 | $34.34 | $71,420 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 2,770 | — | $81,940 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.