Mission:
To develop the next generation of apparel and first layer products that feel as good as they perform – engineered with purpose, designed with emotion, and made responsibly for the planet.
At FutureStitch, we merge craft and technology to create beautiful, functional products that empower movement, self-expression, and connection. From socks to base layers, every stitch tells a story of innovation, collaboration, and impact.
Our product developers are builders, storytellers, and problem solvers- people who thrive at the intersection of design, performance, and sustainability. They push boundaries, move fast, and turn creative chaos into purposeful progress.
Key Characteristics:
- Detail Oriented
- Entrepreneurial
- Collaborative
- Creative Problem Solver
- Analytical
- Organized
- Direct
- Driven
Roles:
- Partner with Design and Merchandising to ideate, develop, and commercialize apparel and first layer products that meet aesthetic, functional, and performance goals.
- Research and evaluate new materials, yarns, and manufacturing processes to push boundaries in comfort, performance, and sustainability for apparel and first layer products.
- Conduct detailed reviews of samples and prototypes to ensure fit, quality, construction, and performance standards are met.
- Ensure development milestones are met on schedule
- Develop comprehensive tech packs and maintain detailed product documentation for both innovation and inline apparel development.
- Collaborate with mills, factories, and suppliers to drive innovation and maintain excellence in materials, construction, and finishing.
- Research competition, and marketplace strategies to identify trends, category performance, competitive threats, and opportunities to support business decisions.
- Support the development of testing protocols specific to apparel and first layer performance
- Develop and execute testing protocols for product samples ensuring they have at least 3 points of excellence.
- Responsible for cost analysis and maintaining project budgets
- Support ad hoc projects and tasks as needed across departments
Performance Measurements:
- Number of new apparel and first layer concepts developed
- Prototype approval rate and turnaround efficiency
- Fit & quality consistency across categories
- Patent applications filed
- On-time project completion rate
- Commercial adoption rate of new innovations
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in apparel or first layer product creation (underwear, bralettes, base layers, or related)
- Deep understanding of materials, construction methods and performance attributes for apparel and first layer garments
- Familiarity with fit standards, technical patterning, and garment testing protocols
- Degree in apparel, textiles, or product development (or equivalent experience)
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
- Proven track record of bringing innovative, high quality apparel products to market
Nice to Have:
- Experience in the seamless, or performance apparel industries
Quarterly Objectives:
Q4 2025:
- Align with cross functional teams on current apparel and first layer pipelines
- Develop and deliver at least 3 new innovation based apparel or first layer product concepts
- Launch formal testing protocol with defined 3 points of excellence benchmarks; apply to all new prototypes
- Audit and organize material library; identify at least 3 new fabrics, yarns, or technologies for testing
- Contribute to product development for new FutureStitch brand launch
Q1 2026:
- Lead at least 2 material or process tests using new yarns or techniques
- Improve prototyping turnaround time by 15% through better vendor coordination
- File at least 1 provisional patent or submit for IP review
- Support launch of new apparel and first layer product categories
Q2 2026
- Partner with sales and product teams to position at least 2 apparel or first layer innovations for commercial rollout
- Develop and deliver at least 3 new product concepts with defined testing validation
- Research and propose future category expansion opportunities based on market insights and partner needs