Some specialise in particular types of garment, such as menswear, childrenswear, sportswear or bridalwear.

Many fashion designers are commissioned to design garments by fashion brands or niche retailers and boutiques and follow design briefs provided by their clients. Other fashion designers work independently, designing their own ranges or individual pieces to supply to fashion brands and boutiques.

Experienced designers who are contracted by major fashion brands and retail buyers usually concentrate solely on design, but freelance designers working for themselves or smaller boutiques may also cut patterns and sew sample garments.

This profile provides information about starting up and trading as a fashion designer. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.

Some fashion designers also make their own designer garments and sell them directly to consumers, often in a small designer boutique or via an e-commerce website. However, this is covered separately in our guide, Dressmaker, and Designer Fashion Boutique.