Fit Technician

Fit Technician For Wholesale And D2C

12th Tribe is looking for a Fit Technician to ensure products fit well and adhere to quality standards. This role will ensure products meet the design intent for both wholesale and direct-to-consumer (D2C) distribution channels. The role involves collaborating with design, production, and technical teams to address any fit or quality issues during the development phase and to ensure consistency in fit for consumers across both wholesale accounts and D2C customers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fit Evaluation & Fitting Sessions:
   • Conduct fit sessions with models, fit mannequins, and virtual prototypes to assess the fit, comfort, and construction of garments.
   • Ensure that designs meet sizing and fit standards for both wholesale clients and D2C customers.
   • Collaborate with tech design and production teams to review and evaluate initial prototypes and provide feedback on how to improve fit.
2. Fit Adjustments and Problem Solving:
   • Identify issues with fit, such as tightness, proportions, and overall silhouette, and work with designers and pattern makers to make adjustments.
   • Develop corrective measures, working directly with the technical design team to ensure any changes meet design intent while improving fit.
   • Implement feedback to improve fit for both wholesale and D2C markets, taking into consideration different body types and market expectations.
3. Creation and Maintenance of Tech Packs:
   • Update and maintain tech packs with accurate fit specifications, measurement charts, grading rules, and adjustments needed for each product.
   • Ensure the tech packs are aligned with the brand's size standards and product expectations for both wholesale and D2C channels.
4. Collaboration with Production and Sourcing Teams:
   • Work closely with production teams to ensure that designs can be produced according to the required fit specifications.
   • Provide feedback to manufacturers, ensuring that materials and construction methods support the desired fit and comfort.
   • Assist in testing fabrics and trims to ensure they contribute to the overall fit and feel of the garment.
5. Quality Control and Fit Testing:
   • Oversee the quality control process to ensure that garments meet fit standards throughout production.
   • Conduct checks on prototypes, samples, and bulk production garments to ensure consistency in fit, construction, and overall quality.
   • Address any issues related to fit, such as irregularities or defects, during production to minimize waste and delays.
6. Size Standards & Consistency:
   • Ensure size consistency across product lines by verifying that measurements are accurate and that the product fits well across various sizes.
   • Update and monitor size charts for wholesale clients and D2C sales, ensuring they are accurate and aligned with consumer expectations.
7. Consumer Feedback & Market Insights:
   • Collect and analyze consumer feedback on fit from D2C customers (via reviews, surveys, or returns) and wholesale buyers to identify areas for improvement.
   • Work with merchandising and marketing teams to incorporate consumer preferences and fit-related insights into future product development.
8. Collaboration with Merchandising and Sales Teams:
   • Work with merchandisers and buyers to ensure fit standards meet market demands for both wholesale and D2C channels.
   • Address any fit issues or customer feedback that may arise from retailers or D2C customers to ensure that products perform well in the market.
9. Prototyping & Pre-Production Testing:
   • Assist with sample reviews and pre-production samples to confirm the fit and design before mass production begins.
   • Test different fabrications and garment constructions during the prototyping stage to ensure the product can be manufactured at scale with the right fit.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Technology, Textile Engineering, or a related field.
  • 4-5 years of experience in fit testing, garment development, or technical design, preferably with experience working on both wholesale and D2C channels.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in garment construction, pattern making, grading, and fit adjustments.
  • Strong knowledge of fabric types, garment materials, and how they impact fit and comfort.
  • Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD, and 3D design tools for creating tech packs and documenting fit adjustments.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
  • Ability to identify fit and quality issues and work collaboratively to correct them, ensuring the garment matches the design specifications.
  • Detail-oriented with an eye for accuracy in fit, measurements, and garment construction.
• Communication Skills:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, production, sourcing, and quality control.
  • Ability to provide clear feedback to design and production teams on fit issues and solutions.
• Time Management & Multitasking:
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple fitting sessions, sample reviews, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Consumer Focus:
  • Ability to understand and consider both wholesale and D2C customer expectations regarding fit, comfort, and sizing.
  • Strong understanding of how fit influences consumer satisfaction and sales performance, both for bulk buyers and end consumers.