Fashion and Fabric Consulting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop specialized expertise in guiding individuals and organizations through strategic fashion and fabric decisions. The curriculum emphasizes practical application in style advisory, wardrobe planning, and sourcing high-quality textiles, preparing graduates for roles that blend creative insight with business acumen.
- Fashion and Style Coordination: Learn to assess personal or brand aesthetics, aligning clothing choices with identity, occasion, and current trends to create cohesive, impactful looks.
- Fabric Selection and Evaluation: Gain proficiency in identifying textile properties, performance characteristics, and sustainability metrics to make informed material choices for diverse applications.
- Apparel Specification and Sourcing: Master the development of detailed garment requirements, including measurements, construction notes, and material standards for production or procurement.
- Customer Consultation and Sales Strategy: Develop skills in client engagement, needs analysis, and persuasive presentation techniques to support purchasing decisions and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Contract Buying and Vendor Management: Understand the logistics of bulk purchasing, negotiation protocols, delivery timelines, and supplier relationships in professional fashion environments.
- Event-Based Fashion Consulting: Apply specialized knowledge to plan and execute wardrobe solutions for significant occasions, such as weddings, red carpet events, and corporate galas.
Fashion and Fabric Consulting Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Fashion and Fabric Consulting Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Fashion and Fabric Consulting degrees, including Fashion Designers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,910 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designers 27-1022 | $80,690 | $35,970 - $169,620 | 20,910 | $38.79 |
Fashion and Fabric Consulting Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $37,790 in Wisconsin to $142,500 in Tennessee—a 277% difference. The highest-paying states include Tennessee, Oregon, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,910 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Fashion and Fabric Consulting by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Fashion and Fabric Consulting programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Fashion and Fabric Consulting is found at Academy of Art University (19 graduates), College of DuPage (COD) (12 graduates), and William Rainey Harper College (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 41 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
19 | San Francisco, California | Private | academyart.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Fashion and Fabric Consulting programs
How much can I earn with a Fashion and Fabric Consulting degree?
Salaries for Fashion and Fabric Consulting graduates vary by role and location. Fashion Designers earn a median of $80,690 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Tennessee average $142,500 compared to $37,790 in Wisconsin. Approximately 20,910 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Fashion and Fabric Consulting programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Fashion and Fabric Consulting degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Academy of Art University (19 graduates), College of DuPage (COD) (12 graduates), and William Rainey Harper College (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Fashion and Fabric Consulting growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 30 in 2010 to a peak of 47 in 2020, before declining slightly to 41 in 2023-24. This represents a 37% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Fashion and Fabric Consulting degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Fashion Designers. Related occupations employ approximately 20,910 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Human Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Human Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Human Development and Family Studies
A general program that focuses on basic human developmental and behavioral characteristics of the individual within the context of the family. Includes instruction...
Adult Development and Aging
A program that focuses on the characteristics of aging populations and the needs of older individuals in family and institutional settings. Includes instruction...
Family Systems
A program that focuses on the family as a social unit in its developmental, dynamic, comparative, and structural aspects, and the significance of...
Child Development
A program that focuses on the intellectual, social, emotional, and biological development of children and the planning and design of related human services....
Family and Community Services
A program that focuses on the development and implementation of public, private, and voluntary support services for individuals, families, and localities and that...
Child Care Management
A program that focuses on the provision and management of child care services and that prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage child...