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CIP 19.0906 Family and Consumer Sciences

Fashion and Fabric Consultant

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

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

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 16% and the international share went from 12.9% to 19.2%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
30.8%
Asian
7.7%
Hispanic
34.6%
Black
7.7%
Other
0.0%
Intl.
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.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— 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

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean 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.