Fashion Design vs Textile Design
Design is a prominent and popular career option many candidates choose today. The most popular design streams are fashion and textile design. However, candidates often need clarification about which to choose: fashion design or textile design.
Before we discuss which is better, fashion designing or textile designing, let us understand the current market status of both.
According to reports, the global fashion market's revenue will reach USD 770.90 billion in 2024. With an annual growth rate of 8.94% from 2024 to 2029, the revenue is expected to increase to USD 1183 billion by 2029 (Source).
On the other hand, the global textile market was USD 1837.27 billion in 2023. This figure is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030 (Source).
This blog explores fashion design vs textile design, covering the difference between textile designing and fashion designing in detail. Read on to learn more.
What is Fashion design?
- Fashion design is an art. It deals with creating various kinds of garments and related lifestyle accessories.
- Fashion design involves clothing construction and applying aesthetics and design to make the apparel attractive.
- Various factors influence fashion design. Prominent ones include climatic conditions, innovations, trends, cultures, and customs of different places.
What is Textile design?
- Textile design involves working with various kinds of fabrics.
- In textile design, designers apply various aesthetic and design concepts to fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, jute, etc. The home furnishing and apparel design industries use textile design to a large extent.
- Textile design, also known as textile geometry, has three main disciplines: woven, printed, and mixed-media textile design.
Fashion design vs textile design: Know the differences
Many people consider fashion and textile design to be the same. However, there are many differences between the two design fields.
This section will discuss the difference between textile designing and fashion designing in various aspects.
Degree options for fashion design
Aspiring fashion designers can choose from various courses at the undergraduate level. Some of them are as follows:
- B.Des in Fashion Designing
- B.Tech in Fashion Technology
- B.A in Fashion Designing
- Bachelor of Fashion Technology
- Bachelor in Fashion Studies
Candidates looking to pursue advanced education in fashion design can enroll in the postgraduate degree programs like:
- M.Des in Fashion Designing
- Master of Fashion Management
- Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
- M.Sc in Fashion Design and Technology
- MBA Fashion Management
Degree options for textile design
What is textile designing course, what courses are available for textile design at the undergraduate level, etc, are some common questions of aspiring textile design candidates. Undergraduate courses for textile design are as follows:
- Bachelor of Textile
- B.Des in Textile Design
- B.A in Textile Design
- B.Sc in Textile Design
- Diploma in Textile Design
- B.Sc in Dress Designing
Candidates can also pursue higher education in textile design at the postgraduate level. Some courses are:
- M.Sc Textile Design
- M.Des in Textile Design
- MA in Clothing and Textile
- PG Diploma in Textile Design
- MBA in Textile Management
- M.Phil in Textiles and Clothing
- PhD in Textiles and Clothing
Subjects and focus areas of fashion design and textile design
Though fashion and textile design are similar in many aspects, they also have specific differences.
- Fashion design mainly involves ideating and creating various clothes and accessories.
- Textile design involves creating designs and structures for various fabrics.
Below are the subjects and focus areas of both fashion and textile design, including theoretical and practical subjects.
- Fashion Design
- History of Fashion
- Fashion Theory
- Introduction to Fashion Design and Fashion Technology
- Social Science
- Garment Construction
- Freehand Drawing
- Apparel Development
- Fabric Dyeing and Printing
- Knitwear Design for Fashion
- Management
- Textile Design
- Introduction to Textiles
- Introduction to Pattern Making
- Elements of Design
- Textile Design Development Project
- Print Design
- Design Art and Basic Design
- Printing
- Quality Analysis and Assurance
- Field Study
- Marketing and Merchandising
Responsibilities of fashion and textile designers
Fashion design and textile design professionals have different working modes and styles.
Work of a fashion designer
A fashion designer works to develop a distinct appearance of a garment. This includes color, appearance, decorations, and textile material.
A fashion designer has a particular concept, theme, or idea regarding a costume in mind. It is the designer's job to create a unique design from the concept so that it becomes unique and has a distinct appearance and feel.
A fashion designer turns the idea into a wearable piece of clothing.
Work of a textile designer
Textile designers create various kinds of printed textiles, designer fabrics, embroidered fabrics, dyes, and patterned clothes. They use different fibers, threads, and yarns to create patterns and designs.
A textile designer must thoroughly know various textures, patterns, fabrics, yarns, dyes, and other textile materials.
A textile designer handles the complete process of textile design, from arranging the raw materials to creating and launching the final product.
Fashion design or textile design: Career options
The fashion and textile design industries have abundant career options and opportunities for aspiring candidates.
Fashion design career options
Fashion design professionals usually start their careers as interns with leading designers from the industry.
Many candidates also work for fashion corporations, retailers, and magazines. The film industry and media also offer career opportunities to fashion design graduates.
Some prominent job roles include:
Textile design career options
Textile designers work with different kinds of fabrics and their patterns and designs.
Most professionals in this industry get employment opportunities in cloth mills, design studios, retail sectors, etc.
Here are some job roles available in textile design:
Which is better, Fashion designing or Textile designing?
Do you need clarification about fashion design vs textile design? The choice boils down to your career goals, interests, and aptitude.
Candidates can pursue fashion and textile design courses based on their preferences and interests.
Both industries offer ample career opportunities for aspirants.
The job roles in the fashion and textile design industries are interesting, and the pay packages are lucrative. However, the salaries depend upon the specific role, job location, experience, and expertise.
Conclusion
Now that you have a fair idea of the difference between textile designing and fashion designing, you can choose the one that suits your professional goals.
Candidates can pursue design specialization programs to master fashion or textile design at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is crucial to choose the right institute for the courses.
ITM Institute of Design & Media offers a B.Des in Fashion Design course for aspiring candidates. The four-year full-time course prepares candidates for an excellent career in the fashion industry. It includes theoretical and technical courses along with studio projects.
Enrol for the course today and unlock opportunities in the fashion industry!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the scope of textile design?
Textile design involves creating fabrics for fashion, interiors, and products. It blends creativity with technology, offering careers in fashion design, home decor, and industrial applications. Designers work in pattern making, textile technology, and sustainable fabrics, with opportunities in fashion houses, interior design firms, and textile manufacturing companies. It also includes research, development, and teaching roles.
2) What is the eligibility for a fashion design course?
For admission to an undergraduate course in fashion design, the candidate must have passed 10+2 in any specialization with a minimum of 50% marks. For the post-graduate course in fashion design, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream.
3) What is the duration of a textile design course?
Textile design course durations vary depending on the kind of course. Certificate programs last a few months, while diploma programs last 1-2 years. Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree might take 3-5 years.
4) What skills are required for textile and fashion design?
The most important skills required for textile and fashion design include creative and artistic talents, an eye for detail, excellent drawing skills, research skills, technical knowledge, and good communication skills.