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Costume Designer, Couturier, Designer, Haute Couture Designer, Seamstress
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In creating new designs, fashion designers follow a fairly standard process to plan, design, and construct a garment or costume. In general, they:
A designer may need to make several samples before a design is finalized. If the garment is being produced for wholesale or retail, the designer:
Designers oversee all phases and details of pattern preparation: cutting, fitting, and garment production. They also choose fabric and trim.
Marketing their goods is a big part of a designer’s business. This often includes:
Designers often develop a full line of co-ordinating garments and accessories. Such “lifestyle brands” have a common colour scheme, fabric, and similar styling with different looks. Many recognized designers market their goods in their own boutiques, online, or through mail-order catalogues.
Fashion designers must keep up with fashion trends so their clothes are fashion forward. Designers may also produce classic fashion lines for any time or season. Designers must also keep up on other trends that influence design. For example, environmental trends may encourage the use of sustainable fabrics. These fabrics may be made from recycled materials or organically grown plants. The production process may reduce environmental impact or produce zero waste.
Independent designers prefer to create original goods rather than imitations of someone else’s look. Designers and product developers who work for manufacturers may do less original work. They may adapt other designers’ ideas for mass markets.
Haute couture is a specialized area of fashion design that caters to individual clients. These are original designs, usually one-of-a-kind. They represent the top end of the fashion industry in both style and price. Couturiers produce a much smaller volume of clothing, with usually only one sample of each design.
Most fashion designers work long, irregular hours. They often work overtime before big shows and during season rushes. Work rooms may be crowded. Designers must meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and paying careful attention to detail.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to create designs for clothing, textiles and accessories
Interest in precision working with equipment to prepare patterns for manufacture of garments and accessories; and in recording garment specifications on sketches, fitting partially completed garments on customers and models, and marking alterations necessary to achieve correct fit
Interest in speaking with customers to advise them on fabrics, styles, colours, current fashion trends and suitability of designs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Fashion designers need:
Many fashion designers must have the skills to manage their own business or client base.
Designers should enjoy synthesizing information and developing innovative designs. They should also enjoy doing methodical, precise work when preparing patterns and fitting garments. They should be comfortable advising customers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 57 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Apr 20, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 24 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 22 |
| Tasks: Exhibit designers plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions | 21 |
| Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 19 |
| Tasks: Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 16 |
| Tasks: Prepare reports on sales volumes, merchandising and personnel matters | 15 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 15 |
Fashion designers require an in-depth, working knowledge of textiles, technical clothing construction, the history of fashion design, sketching, draping, pattern-making, sewing and seaming, finishes, and fitting. They need to keep up with advances in industrial sewing equipment and computerized drafting.
They must also be willing to do the research and reading required to stay informed about new materials, trims, and manufacturing practices. Computer skills and experience in dealing with retail consumers are definite assets.
Independent designers need to know how to develop and sell a business plan to financial backers. They also need small-business skills, such as organization, accounting, and marketing.
Training programs vary in content, length, entrance requirements, cost, and reputation in the clothing industry. Prospective students should discuss training options with practising fashion designers before enrolling in a training program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
The fashion industry is centred primarily in major urban centres. It is very competitive.
New designers must develop their own lines and promote their services by entering shows or organizing their own shows. Some designers cater to small specialty stores. Others produce specific clothing lines such as uniforms, safety and protective apparel, or leisure wear. Designers may hire an agent at a fashion market who represents several fashion designers together. This often leads to greater exposure.
Designers just starting out with manufacturing companies usually rotate through jobs. For example, they may start as assistant to the pattern maker. They may then move on to draper, sample maker, grader, and dressmaker. With experience they may become design assistants.
Many designers work as in-house designers for specialty stores. Others freelance (produce individual designs for clients). Costume designers may work in the theatre or film industries. For details on this occupation, see the Costume Designer occupational profile.
Self-employed fashion designers may work out of their own home or studio. They handle their own production and distribution, without the help of a manufacturing or distribution facility. Setting up an independent fashion design business requires a large capital investment and extensive promotion activities to reach consumers and establish brand recognition.
Fashion designers may use their skills full time in accessory design, fashion consulting, or designing uniforms for large corporations. They may work part time as fashion illustrators, photographers’ stylists, fashion writers, fashion show commentators, or costume designers.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2016 NOC: 5243
81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Some fashion designers may be paid commission on a per-garment basis rather than an hourly wage.
Apparel Human Resources Council (AHRC) website: www.apparelconnexion.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
