Fashion Design Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Vidhi JainContent Writer
Fashion Design career scope is bright and rewarding with being one of the highest-demanding and most creative fields around the globe. Fashion Design is the Art of combining aesthetics, natural beauty and design to make clothing and accessories.
Fashion Design programs are designed to create a learning environment in which innovation and originality are nurtured within the full spectrum of fashion design and marketing practice. Candidates interested in this field can pursue a variety of Fashion Design courses, such as BDes in Fashion Design, MDes in Fashion Design, BFTech, BSc in Fashion Design, MSc in Fashion Design, etc.
Fashion Design students can seek employment opportunities in industries like Fashion houses, Entertainment, Online Brands, Media, Theatre & Dance, Retail, etc. Some popular Fashion Designer jobs include Jewellery Designer, Fashion Consultant, Textile Designer, Stylist, Merchandiser, etc.
The average Fashion Designer salary is INR 4.4 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article to learn more about the Scope in Fashion Designing field.
Links relevant to Fashion Designer Career Scope:
Fashion Design Career Scope: Quick Facts
Students who wish to pursue a career in the Fashion Design field must be updated about Fashion and its allied industries. Here are some interesting yet informative stats around the Fashion Design industry:
- In FY25 (April-June), the Indian exports of readymade garments, including accessories, stood at US$ 2,244 million.
- The Indian textiles and apparel market is expected to grow at a 10% CAGR to reach US$ 350 billion by 2030, with exports projected to reach US$ 100 billion.
- India is the world's 3rd largest exporter of Textiles and Apparel.
- India ranks among the top 5 global exporters in many textile categories, with exports expected to reach US$100 billion.
- The Medical Textiles market of India for drapes and gowns stood at US$ 9.71 million in 2022 and is projected to grow by 15% to reach US$ 22.45 million by 2027.
Links useful for Fashion Designer Scope:
Why is Design Education Important?
Top Career Profiles in Fashion Design
Fashion Designer jobs are expected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Searching for the best career options in Fashion Design unveils an impactful field with numerous ways for innovation. Candidates who have a passion for the fashion industry offer various exciting opportunities for style and design.
Here are some top Fashion Design career profiles along with salary and other details, for candidates' reference:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary | 
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designers | They design clothing, shoes, and accessories that are on-trend and appeal to consumers. Their work involves both creative and technical tasks. | INR 4.4 LPA | 
| Fashion Merchandisers | They maintain the company's designs' affordability and their target market appeal. They collaborate with Designers, Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Retailers for product plans, sources, and distribution. | INR 3.3 LPA | 
| Accessories Designers | Accessory Designers design products such as handbags, suitcases, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, and eyewear. | INR 4.8 LPA | 
| Fashion Advisors | They offer advice and guidance to businesses in clothing selection, accessories and merchandise that reflect their brand personality and align with industry standards. | INR 2.9 LPA | 
| Fashion Stylists | They make a visual identity for a client or project by choosing clothing, accessories, and other aspects to tell a story. | INR 4.1 LPA | 
| Fashion Journalists | They attend events related to the Fashion industry such as award shows, fashion shows, etc. They also interview businessmen, celebrities, Fashion Designers, etc. | INR 4.1 LPA | 
| Fashion Photographers | They collaborate with Designers and Models to capture pictures for advertising campaigns, fashion magazines, and catalogues. They also shoot videos of fashion events and models. | INR 3.7 LPA | 
Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Recommended links for Fashion Design Jobs:
Fashion Design: Types of job profiles
Emerging Trends in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is constantly emerging and adapting to the technological advancements happening in society. This calls for new employment and learning opportunities as well. Here are some latest trends in the Fashion field, that are creating hype in 2025:
- Artificial Intelligence: Stores are using touchscreens and chatbots to enhance the customer experience and provide personalized product recommendations. Algorithms that monitor consumer journeys to match them with appropriate products are part of the technology underlying artificial intelligence.
- Novel Fabrics: Modern materials that have been infused with conductive threads or nanotechnology are commonly used to create smart textiles. They have incredible features like moisture-wicking properties to keep users comfortable and dry during physical activity, temperature control to adjust to changing weather conditions, and even activity monitoring to track performance metrics in the athleisure and sportswear markets.
- Internet of Things (IoT): To better represent the realities of our everyday lives, everyday fashion keeps evolving. The fashion industry has to keep up with the pace of adapting to the demands of modern life, which has included everything from a strong emphasis on comfort to the use of novel and exciting fabrics. Data sharing, inventory control, security, and enhanced productivity and efficiency are all made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR): One of the most intriguing uses of virtual reality has been the integration of online and physical retail environments. This is undoubtedly the case in the fashion sector, where allowing clients to virtually try on clothing is one common application of virtual reality. This uses augmented reality technology in addition to customized measurement functionality to provide increased accuracy. Additionally, it suggests that consumers may be more inclined to purchase goods they feel like trying on.
Popular links regarding Fashion Designing Course Scope:
All you need to know about a Career in Fashion Designing
Top Fashion Designing Recruiters
Fashion Design students can work for a variety of industries like Fashion houses, Entertainment, Online Brands, Media, Theatre & Dance, Retail, etc. Here are some popular fashion companies that hire Fashion Design students for various job roles:
| Top Fashion Recruiters in India | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fabindia | Myntra | Allen Solly | 
| Manyavar | H&M | Ajio | 
| Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail | Sabyasachi Couture | Globus | 
| Raymonds | Tata Cliq | Pantaloons | 
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Links relevant to Fashion Designing course job opportunities:
All About The Career As A Fashion Designer
Best Fashion Design Colleges for Placements (in India)
Along with offering advanced learning opportunities to students, Fashion Design colleges are also popular for their great placement records. Campus placements are indeed a great way to help students kickstart their career journey. Here are some of the top Fashion Design Colleges known for the best placements in India:
| Best Fashion Design Colleges | Average Package Offered | 
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay Placements | INR 19.63 LPA | 
| Delhi University Placements | INR 16 LPA | 
| Vijaybhoomi University Placements | INR 13.3 LPA | 
| Dashmesh Girls College, Mukerian Placements | INR 12 LPA | 
| Manipal School of Architecture and Planning Placements | INR 11.75 LPA | 
| ITM University, Gwalior Placements | INR 10.7 LPA | 
| KSFT Placements | INR 9.5 LPA | 
| BHU Placements | INR 8-9 LPA | 
| Symbiosis Institute of Design Placements | INR 8.9 LPA | 
| Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology Placements | INR 5.65 - 8.65 LPA | 
Note: The information is taken from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Recommended links for Fashion Designer Career Scope:
Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges with Best Placement Record
Top 10 Fashion Design Colleges in India
Fashion Designing Courses Career FAQs
Q. Is Fashion Design a good career option?
A. Yes, Fashion Design is a good career option for those candidates who have the ability to translate their creativity into fabrics using technology. It is considered as one of the best career options in Design field. Also, just like any other creative field it comes with its own benefits and challenges. Pursuing a career in Fashion Design totally depends on the individual’s interests and strengths.
Q. What is the difference between Fashion Designing and Fashion Styling?
A. Fashion Designing and Fashion Styling are prominent parts of the Fashion industry. Fashion Styling involves using of existing materials and products in order to achieve a certain expected look. Whereas a Fashion Designer creates Fashion products from raw materials that can be used for retail. People pursuing both these job profiles work together in many Fashion companies. Some companies may have job roles that require the same person to be a Fashion Designer as well as Fashion Stylist.
Q. What is the difference between a Fashion Designer and a Tailor?
A. A Fashion Designer as well as a Tailor are in fields that require them to work with clothing. However, these two jobs have distinct job roles which is described in the table below:
| Tailor | Fashion Designer | 
|---|---|
| Stitches and makes changes in pieces of clothing. | Creates new samples of clothing | 
| Uses own ways of stitching and can follow any design. | Works for a brand which owns its designs. | 
| Possess expertise in sewing | Possess expertise in Fashion Design | 
| It is easier for clients to get customized pieces. | There is restricted option of customization | 
Q. What is a Fashion Show?
A. A Fashion Show is an event at which Fashion Models present the new designer clothes that are to be introduced. It is usually organized on the onset of every season. It is a great platform for Fashion Designers to showcase their work. New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week are the major global fashion shows. India Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and India International Fashion Festival are some of the top fashion shows conducted in India.
Q. Which is the Fashion Capital of India?
A. Mumbai, is considered as a Fashion Capital by many. The city has many Fashion brands, events and designers. It is the place of residence of Bollywood celebrities who are Brand Ambassadors of many Fashion products and companies. Other cities of India such as Delhi and Bangalore are also known as highly fashionable cities. Delhi is famous for Winter Fashion in India.
Q. What is the difference between Fast Fashion and Luxury brands?
A. It is important for students to understand about different kinds of Fashion brands so that it would help them choose career options based on their preferences. Given below are some differences between Fast Fashion and Luxury brands or High-end Fashion:
| Fast Fashion | High-end Fashion | 
|---|---|
| It produces fashion products in large volume | It produces fashion products in limited volume. | 
| It has faster pace of production. | It has slower production pace. | 
| It uses large-scale production methods and techniques. | It use exceptional artistry. | 
| It produces clothing that is affordable. | It produces clothing that is expensive | 
| Mass productions may trigger environmental issues. | Uses eco-friendly methods of production. | 
Q. What do Fashion Influencers do?
A. Fashion influencers are people who provide tips and information related to Fashion through social media. They usually focus on skin care products, make-up skills, dressing, styling and lifestyle. They may or may not professionals. They may sponsor some brands and share their reviews about various products they have used. They are called influencers as many people tend to follow their tips and advices.
Q. Why should I opt for a career in Fashion Design field?
A career in Fashion Design can be pursued for a variety of reasons as given here -
- Creative Imagination
- Expression of Individuality
- Work with People
- Networking
- Travel
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Popular Fashion Designing Specializations
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- Fashion Design716 Colleges 
- Apparel Design356 Colleges 
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- Jewellery Design159 Colleges 
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.Des. in Fashion CommunicationNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Certificate in Fashion Retail ManagementNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Certificate in Garment Export Merchandising and ManagementNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Accessory DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Leather DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Fashion DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Knitwear DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Master of Fashion Management (MFM)National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- B.Des. in Textile DesignNational Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
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- UG Diploma525 Colleges 
- B.Sc.415 Colleges 
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PG Courses
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News & Updates
Oct 13, 2025
Oct 13, 2025
Student Forum
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, international students do study fashion design at Chandigarh University. The university has a diverse student community with learners coming from more than 50 countries. The fashion department is open to international admissions, and the eligibility is similar to Indian students — completion of
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Of Course, fashion merchandising and retail are strong career paths after B.Design Fashion Design at Chandigarh University. The university not only teaches design but also focuses on business aspects of fashion. With collaboration and tie-ups with fashion houses, students get internships in retail c
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
Fashion design is where skill and imagination go together. When such a student thinks of starting a career, it matters a lot course structure and kind of exposure. The university, Chandigarh, has a programme that focuses on modern training and includes traditional design learning. Here, students can
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
Absolutely, Chandigarh University is well-equipped with top-notch facilities for fashion designing students. The university's fashion design department includes specialised labs like the Garment Construction Lab, Pattern Making Lab, and Textile & Dyeing Lab, all furnished with industry-standard equi
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
After finishing B.Design in Fashion Design from Chandigarh University, you don't just step into a single career path — you actually get multiple options to choose from. Some students become designers working with retail brands or start their own labels, while others get into the business side of fas
U
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
It is possible to publish research papers while pursuing a B.Design in Fashion at Chandigarh University. Research opportunities exist in areas such as sustainable fabrics, textile innovation, fashion technology, traditional crafts, and design processes, despite the fact that fashion is a creative fi
Answered a month ago
Yes, Campus tours at chandigarh University include a complete overview of the Fashion & Design Department as well as general campus amenities. Visitors can see labs such as garment construction, textile and dyeing, design studeios, and computer-aided design labs, all equipped with industry-standard
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, studying Fashion Design at Chandigarh University can open up opportunities to work abroad. The programme is designed with global exposure in mind—students learn international fashion trends, digital design tools, and sustainable practices that are valued worldwide. This university also has coll
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
As a third-year fashion student, I can say that the campus environment at CU is both structured and creative, which helps us grow. There's a lot of infrastructure in place: labs are modern, equipment is industrial-grade, the pattern making and garment construction labs let you try many techniques. W
Answered a month ago
Graduates of Chandigarh University's Fashion and Design programme have access to diverse career paths. Many find opportunities as fashion stylists, costume designers, or draping and pattern-making specialists, where they directly work on garments and collections. Others join apparel companies, texti
g
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
Fashion and Design students at CU do receive good support when it comes to placements. The university organizes placement drives, inviting companies from apparel, retail, and lifestyle sectors. Students also attend workshops on communication and presentation skills, which are important in this creat
V
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a month ago
Studying Fashion Design at Chandigarh University has been an exciting journey for me. The campus is lively and creative, and the labs make learning very hands-on. I have spent hours in the Garment Construction and Pattern Making Labs, where I learned to bring my design ideas to life. The faculty ar
R
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a month ago
Chandigarh University is a solid choice for students interested in fashion designing. The course focuses on creativity, innovation, and real-world application through projects, workshops, and exhibitions. Students get industry exposure through internships with top brands like H&M, Arvind Fashion, an
S
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a month ago
Fashion Design students at Chandigarh University have opportunities to work with top brands during placements and internships. Companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Arvind Fashion, Da Milano, Monte Carlo, and Madame regularly visit the campus for workshops, live projects and recruitment. Students g
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
The Fashion Design Department at Chandigarh University has a team of skilled and experienced faculty. Many teachers have years of experience working in reputed fashion institutes and the fashion industry. They have been involved in design projects, textile research, and collaborations with fashion b
Answered a month ago
Chandigarh University's B.Design in Fashion Design is a four-year undergraduate course. It's spread across eight semesters, where students balance theory and practical learning. The programme gives access to labs like pattern making, garment construction, textile and dyeing, and computer-aided desig
G
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a month ago
Chandigarh University offers a four-year Bachelor of Design in Fashion. The semester fee is ?1,03,000, with ?2,500 as exam fee and a ?2,000 refundable security deposit. The university gives different scholarships to help students pay less. CUCET scholarship is for high scorers in the entrance exam.
Answered a month ago
The Fashion Design programme at Chandigarh University offers a good balance of creativity and practical skills. The labs, such as Garment Construction, Pattern Making, and Textile & Dyeing, provide hands-on experience, which is really helpful for understanding real-world fashion work. Students also
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No, INIFD Panvel - International Institute of Fashion Design is not under CUET. The institute offers merit-based admissions to candidates in the courses. It accepts the merit of Class 10/12/graduation for admission. Candidates must fill out the application form for admission in INIFD Panvel - Intern
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Of course. In fact, you should surely display your work in top fashion shows and exhibitions if given an opportunity as it gives you valuable exposure and visibility within the fashion industry network, helps in strong portfolio building, and boosts your confidence tremendously.
Many top Fashion Desi
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
A Fashion Designing portfolio is of utmost importance for both admission and future job scope because it is nothing but a compilation of your skill set, unique style, and creative potential that can give you an individual identity in the world of fashion. A portfolio acts as tangible proof of your s
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Since most of Fashion Designing courses after 12th have foundational courses to teach you everything about art and design from scratch, it is not a mandatory prerequisite but you often have to submit a solid design portfolio or appear for a creative aptitude test for admission to top Fashion Design
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
If you're a fashion design enthusiast pursuing a course from some top design institute you should be ready to start an exciting journey of learning and growth where you get practical training on various software tools like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, CLO 3D, Adobe InDesign, Canva,
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Fashion Design courses are available at the certificate, diploma, UG, PG, and PhD levels in India. The short-term certificate or Fashion Design Diploma courses can be as short as 3 months and can even stretch up to 2 years, based on the course focus and the institute offering the program. For UG cou
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The fee for M.Des programme offered at NIFT is around INR 8 Lakhs.
| Fee Components | Fee Amount (2 Years) (2025) | 
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 5.86 Lakhs | 
| Hostel Fees* | 2.21 Lakhs | 
| One-time payment* | 27,200 | 
| Total fees | 8.35 Lakhs | 
* Hostel fee is calculated on the basis of 1st year. Actual amount may vary. The fees might include components other than hostel fees. Meal Plan is not included in the mentioned fee.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The fee of the B.Des programme at NIFT is around INR 14 lakhs.
| Semester | NIFT Fees 2024 (INR) | NIFT Fees 2025 (INR) | 
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 1,83,200 | 1,91,700 | 
| Semester 2 | 1,43,000 | 1,50,000 | 
| Semester 3 | 1,69,800 | 1,78,700 | 
| Semester 4 | 1,50,000 | 1,58,000 | 
| Semester 5 | 1,78,700 | 1,87,800 | 
| Semester 6 | 1,58,000 | 1,66,000 | 
| Semester 7 | 1,93,700 | 2,03,200 | 
| Semester 8 | 1,66,000 | 1,74,000 | 
| Total (4 Years) | 13,42,400 | 14,09,400 | 
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, is the best based on the India Today ranking (2025).
NIFT Delhi is considered the best NIFT campus in India because of the following:
- It consistently ranks No. 1 among all NIFTs (India Today Ranking: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021) 
- It has 
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The NIFT entrance exam is considered moderately difficult. The level of difficulty of the exam depends on a student's strengths and preparation. Since seats are limited and competition is high, even average questions feel tougher due to the pressure.
- B.Des exam tests creativity, design aptitude, obse 
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The educational qualification for NIFT admissions varies from course to course:
| Programme | Educational Qualification Required | 
|---|---|
| B.Des (Bachelor of Design) | Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities) from a recognised board | 
| B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) | Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream, but Mathematics as a subject in 10+2 is compulsory | 
| M.Des (Master of Design) | Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university | 
| M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology) | B.FTech from NIFT or B.E./B.Tech from a recognised university | 
| MFM (Master of Fashion Management) | Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university | 
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Here are a few tips for all Fashion Design aspirants who are preparing for various design entrances:
- You should practice sketching daily to improve your observation and creative interpretation abilities and keep up with the evolving fashion trends and all the buzz in the fashion world.
- Have a look at
V
Contributor-Level 10
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Do international students also study fashion design at Chandigarh University?