Fashion and Fabric Consultant
Total graduates
26
2025 · 3 schools
International share
19.2%
5 international students
Bachelor's degrees
9
55.6% international
Overview
The profession of a Fashion and Fabric Consultant revolves around the intricate relationship between fashion design and textile selection. These consultants play a pivotal role in the fashion industry by advising designers, brands, and retailers on the best fabrics to use for their collections, ensuring that the materials align with the overall aesthetic, functionality, and target market of the designs.
A Fashion and Fabric Consultant must possess a deep understanding of various textiles, including their properties, sustainability, and performance. They analyze fabric characteristics such as texture, weight, drape, and durability, which are crucial in determining how a garment will look and feel. This expertise also extends to staying updated on industry trends, technological advancements in fabric production, and the evolving consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethically sourced materials.
In addition to technical knowledge, effective communication and collaboration skills are vital for consultants, as they often work closely with designers, production teams, and marketing departments. They help bridge the gap between creative vision and practical implementation, ensuring that the final product not only meets aesthetic standards but also adheres to budgetary constraints and production timelines.
Fashion and Fabric Consultants may work in various settings, including fashion houses, textile companies, or as independent advisors. Their role is essential in fostering innovation within the fashion industry by helping to create garments that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable and functional, ultimately contributing to the overall success of fashion brands in a competitive market.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 16% and the international share went from 12.9% to 19.2%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Academy of Art University | California | 14 | 5 |
| — | William Rainey Harper College | Illinois | 7 | 0 |
| — | College of DuPage | Illinois | 5 | 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 |
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.