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Wardrobe stylist vs apparel designer

The differences between wardrobe stylists and apparel designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a wardrobe stylist and an apparel designer. Additionally, an apparel designer has an average salary of $65,467, which is higher than the $38,080 average annual salary of a wardrobe stylist.

The top three skills for a wardrobe stylist include photo shoots, on-set and music videos. The most important skills for an apparel designer are adobe illustrator, tech packs, and sketch.

Wardrobe stylist vs apparel designer overview

Wardrobe StylistApparel Designer
Yearly salary$38,080$65,467
Hourly rate$18.31$31.47
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs12,52646,436
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3737
Years of experience66

Wardrobe stylist vs apparel designer salary

Wardrobe stylists and apparel designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Wardrobe StylistApparel Designer
Average salary$38,080$65,467
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $58,000Between $40,000 And $105,000
Highest paying City-Richmond, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Fanatics
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between wardrobe stylist and apparel designer education

There are a few differences between a wardrobe stylist and an apparel designer in terms of educational background:

Wardrobe StylistApparel Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorSpecialized Sales And MerchandisingGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCornell University

Wardrobe stylist vs apparel designer demographics

Here are the differences between wardrobe stylists' and apparel designers' demographics:

Wardrobe StylistApparel Designer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 20.6% Female, 79.4%Male, 32.8% Female, 67.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 11.6% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 11.6% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between wardrobe stylist and apparel designer duties and responsibilities

Wardrobe stylist example responsibilities.

  • Achieve strong product images styling kids, women's, and mens apparel including accessories.
  • Manage cleaning up activities after hair care appointments by ensuring appropriate cleanliness and sterilization of cutting and trimming equipment.
  • Consult with models on make-up application before and during show.
  • Prep merchandise using a variety of tools (e.g., steamers, irons, clamps).
  • Perform operational store functions such as providing merchandise and cosmetology expertise to customers, maintaining a synergistic environment and professionalism.
  • Provide research and materials to Copywriting staff.

Apparel designer example responsibilities.

  • Develop marketing and brand awareness initiatives through social media outlets; create and manage company Facebook and Houzz profiles.
  • Create detailed conceptual and sketch presentations for senior management seasonally.
  • Prepare PowerPoint documents for client presentation that include furniture and material selections.
  • Select NYC print studios to handle outsource design projects and monitor progress to ensure work are completed on deadline.
  • Design Missy sweater line for domestic sweater manufacturer.

Wardrobe stylist vs apparel designer skills

Common wardrobe stylist skills
  • Photo Shoots, 23%
  • On-Set, 20%
  • Music Videos, 10%
  • Fashion Shows, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 7%
  • Product Knowledge, 4%
Common apparel designer skills
  • Adobe Illustrator, 10%
  • Tech Packs, 8%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Apparel Design, 6%
  • Technical Design, 5%
  • PLM, 5%

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