Textile management is a profession that deals with the design, production, and management of clothing and apparel. Textiles are frequently combined with fashion merchandising and design, and universities that prepare students for careers in textile management typically have one department dedicated to textiles, fashion, and design. The goal of these programs is to develop professionals who will enter the industry capable of creating and interpreting knowledge of clothing materials in order to better serve the industry.
Many textile students aspire to be textile manufacturers or other business owners who specialize in textile production, so a degree in textile management may be granted as a business administration degree. Because these jobs require some business knowledge, students studying textile management will typically take at least a few business courses. Textile marketing is another popular field in the textile industry, with responsibilities that include researching the clothing market, participating in hands-on research projects, developing products, and coordinating sales efforts with clothing stores. Students who are interested in this aspect of the textile industry will concentrate on marketing courses, and they will quickly learn how to apply public relations and sales principles to the clothing industry.
Textile fabric production is another aspect of textile management. Students who are interested in this field should be hands-on learners who enjoy making tangible items. Textile technology is always evolving, so students interested in this field should be willing to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Producing yarn and a variety of fibers are all part of the process of making textile fabric. Knitting and crocheting enthusiasts may find this aspect of textile management to be of interest and talent.
Merchandising, inventory control, sales promotion, public relations, and human resources are some of the other areas of the textile industry where professionals with this education and training may work. For students interested in working with textiles, there are numerous career options available, and because of the broad nature of the field, there is room for advancement throughout one’s career. It’s a fast-paced, diverse, and exciting career field, but depending on which side of the industry you’re interested in, it can also be competitive. Retailers, manufacturers, market research firms, and product information venues are all good places to look for textile management jobs. Studying fashion changes and their impact on the market, developing new apparel lines, studying customer behavior and purchase cycles, analyzing statistics, and operating and organizing retail stores are all common tasks for textile professionals.