Lingerie Designer

You know that recurring dream where you show up to work in your underwear? For most people, it’s a nightmare. For Lingerie Designers, however, it’s just another day at the office. Take that creepy guy, Herb, in accounting, for instance. When he talks about undergarments at the water cooler, it’s inappropriate; when you do, it’s business.

Don’t get the wrong idea: Designing underwear is hard work. Your job as a Lingerie Designer isn’t ogling, giggling or undressing with your eyes; it’s designing people’s most intimate apparel. You’ve got to be confident to be a great Lingerie Designer, therefore — not bashful — and sensitive, but not overly serious.

Because lingerie is more than tighty-whities and granny panties, you’ll design a variety of garments, from panties, thongs and pajamas to bras, corsets and nighties — both naughty and nice. Like all Fashion Designers, you’ll spend your days researching trends, sketching designs, designing prints, sourcing fabrics, fitting models and sewing prototypes, all while making careful decisions about style, color, fit and fabric. Because your job is to make people look and feel good (almost) naked — to balance “comfortable” and “practical” with “flattering” and “sexy” — you’ve got your work cut out for you!

In addition to Lingerie Designer, you’ll likely have to be Lingerie Salesperson, especially if you’re an independent designer. That means peddling your wares at lingerie trade shows and courting Buyers nationwide at department stores and boutiques.

Although it’s a lot of work, it’s also a lot of fun, so don’t get your knickers in a bunch. Actually, do; it’s in your job description!