Texas has become a major hub for aspiring fashion designers, with programs that blend creative innovation with real-world industry experience. From the fashion-forward streets of Dallas to Houston’s diverse design scene and Austin’s independent creative culture, the state offers exceptional opportunities for students who want to turn sketches into wearable art. This guide covers the best fashion design programs in Texas, including what makes each school unique, what you’ll learn, and how to choose the right fit for your design journey. Whether you dream of launching your own label, working for a major brand, or specializing in costume or technical design, Texas has programs that can help you develop your creative voice and technical skills.
Quick Summary Snapshot
- Total Fashion Design Programs in Texas: 12+ schools offering dedicated design programs
- Best Overall Design School: University of North Texas – comprehensive design curriculum with strong technical training
- Tuition Range: $3,000–$35,000 per year depending on institution type
- Degree Levels Available: Certificate, Associate’s (AAS), Bachelor’s (BA, BFA)
- Top Design Specializations: Apparel Design, Textile Design, Sustainable Fashion, Costume Design
- Industry Software Taught: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO3D, pattern-making CAD systems
- Portfolio Requirements: Most BFA programs require or strongly recommend portfolio submissions
What Fashion Design Programs Cover
Fashion design programs teach you how to transform ideas into actual garments. You’ll start with the fundamentals: sketching fashion figures, understanding body proportions, and developing your design aesthetic. From there, you’ll move into technical skills like pattern drafting, draping, and sewing construction.
The creative process is central to design programs. You’ll learn how to research trends, create mood boards, develop color palettes, and build cohesive collections. Technical drawing classes teach you how to create flat sketches and specification sheets that communicate your designs to manufacturers.
Hands-on work happens in design studios and sewing labs. You’ll work with industrial equipment, experiment with different fabrics and techniques, and learn garment fitting and alterations. Most programs culminate in a senior collection or capstone project where you design, create, and present a full fashion collection at a student runway show.
List of Fashion Design Schools in Texas
Tier 1 – Best Overall Design Programs
University of North Texas (Denton)
Degrees: BA in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Comprehensive technical training, strong faculty mentorship, well-equipped labs, annual fashion show
Why Choose It: UNT’s design program balances creativity with technical precision. Students get extensive hands-on time in labs and access to professional-grade equipment. The program emphasizes both conceptual development and industry-ready skills.
University of Houston (Houston)
Degrees: BFA in Fibers/Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Fine arts approach, experimental design encouraged, strong critique culture, access to Houston’s art scene
Why Choose It: UH takes a more artistic approach to fashion design, encouraging students to push boundaries and explore fashion as an art form. The program is ideal for designers who want to develop a unique, conceptual aesthetic.
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
Degrees: BFA in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Small program size, individualized attention, strong alumni connections, entrepreneurship focus
Why Choose It: TCU offers an intimate learning environment where professors know each student personally. The program emphasizes building your own brand and developing business skills alongside design capabilities.
Texas State University (San Marcos)
Degrees: BS in Fashion Design with Apparel Design concentration
Key Strengths: Technical skill emphasis, industry partnerships, career preparation, sustainable design options
Why Choose It: Texas State focuses on preparing industry-ready designers with strong technical foundations. The program connects students with internships and job opportunities throughout Texas.
Tier 2 – Specialized & Regional Programs
Wade College (Dallas)
Degrees: AAS in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Dallas Market Center proximity, industry professional instructors, fast-paced program, portfolio focus
Why Choose It: Wade gets you into the design field quickly with a concentrated two-year program. Being in Dallas means direct access to showrooms, buyers, and fashion businesses.
Texas Woman’s University (Denton)
Degrees: BS in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Sustainable fashion emphasis, textile science integration, supportive community, research opportunities
Why Choose It: TWU stands out for its focus on sustainable and ethical design practices. Students explore eco-friendly materials, zero-waste pattern cutting, and socially responsible fashion.
The Art Institute of Houston (Houston)
Degrees: AA and BA in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Portfolio-building focus, contemporary design trends, diverse student projects, fashion show production
Why Choose It: The Art Institute emphasizes building a strong portfolio through intensive project work. Students create multiple collections and learn presentation skills crucial for job interviews.
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Degrees: BS with Design concentration
Key Strengths: Affordable tuition, solid technical foundations, research integration, CAD technology training
Why Choose It: Texas Tech provides quality design education at lower cost than private schools. The program balances creative development with practical technical skills.
Tier 3 – Affordable Starting Points
El Centro College (Dallas)
Degrees: Certificate and AAS in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Very affordable, flexible class schedules, foundational skills focus, transfer pathways
Why Choose It: El Centro is perfect for students who want to explore design without the commitment of a four-year program. Many students complete their AAS here then transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Houston Community College (Houston)
Degrees: Certificate in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Low tuition, multiple campus locations, basic skills training, evening and weekend classes
Why Choose It: HCC offers affordable introduction to fashion design fundamentals. It’s ideal for career changers or students testing whether design is the right path.
Austin Community College (Austin)
Degrees: Certificate in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Austin’s creative community, small class sizes, beginner-friendly, local designer connections
Why Choose It: ACC connects students with Austin’s independent design scene. The program introduces design basics while providing networking opportunities with local boutiques and designers.
Comparison Table
| School Name | Programs | Degree Levels | Tuition (Annual) | City | Best For |
| University of North Texas | Fashion Design | BA | $11,000–$24,000 | Denton | Technical excellence |
| University of Houston | Fibers/Fashion Design | BFA | $11,000–$28,000 | Houston | Artistic/conceptual design |
| Texas Christian University | Fashion Design | BFA | $32,000–$35,000 | Fort Worth | Entrepreneurial designers |
| Texas State University | Fashion Design | BS | $10,000–$23,000 | San Marcos | Industry preparation |
| Wade College | Fashion Design | AAS | $18,000–$22,000 | Dallas | Fast-track to industry |
| Texas Woman’s University | Fashion Design | BS | $9,000–$22,000 | Denton | Sustainable design |
| Art Institute of Houston | Fashion Design | AA, BA | $17,000–$25,000 | Houston | Portfolio development |
| Texas Tech University | Design concentration | BS | $9,000–$22,000 | Lubbock | Affordable quality |
| El Centro College | Fashion Design | Certificate, AAS | $3,000–$6,000 | Dallas | Foundational training |
| Houston Community College | Fashion Design | Certificate | $3,000–$5,000 | Houston | Introduction to design |
| Austin Community College | Fashion Design | Certificate | $3,500–$6,500 | Austin | Creative community |
What You Will Learn in Fashion Design Programs
- Fashion Illustration & Sketching: Drawing fashion figures with accurate proportions, developing your illustration style, rendering fabrics and textures, creating design presentations
- Pattern Making: Drafting flat patterns from measurements, grading patterns for different sizes, understanding fit and alteration, using pattern-making software
- Draping Techniques: Manipulating fabric on dress forms to create three-dimensional designs, developing sculptural silhouettes, understanding how different fabrics behave
- Sewing & Garment Construction: Operating industrial sewing machines and sergers, finishing techniques, quality construction methods, couture hand-sewing skills
- Textile Science: Understanding fiber content, fabric properties and performance, weave structures, dyeing and printing processes, sourcing materials
- Fashion History & Theory: Studying historical fashion movements, analyzing influential designers, understanding cultural context, recognizing design references
- Digital Design Tools: Adobe Illustrator for technical flats, Photoshop for print design and presentations, CLO3D for 3D garment visualization
- Collection Development: Creating cohesive collections with unified themes, color stories, and silhouettes, developing seasonal lines, presenting professional lookbooks
- Technical Specifications: Creating tech packs with measurements and construction details, communicating with manufacturers, understanding production processes
- Sustainable Design Practices: Zero-waste pattern cutting, upcycling and redesign, ethical sourcing, circular fashion principles
Explore More in Texas
Looking for information about other fashion specializations in Texas? Check out these related guides:
- Fashion Schools in Texas – Overview of all fashion programs including design, merchandising, and marketing
- Fashion Merchandising in Texas – Business side of fashion, buying, and retail management programs
- Fashion Marketing in Texas – Brand strategy, digital marketing, and promotional career paths
Each guide provides detailed information tailored to that specific career path.
Nearby States for Fashion Design
Considering design programs outside Texas? Explore these neighboring states with strong fashion design schools:
- Fashion Design in Oklahoma – Affordable programs with personalized attention and regional design focus
- Fashion Design in Louisiana – New Orleans costume design heritage and theatrical fashion programs
- Fashion Design in Arkansas – Smaller programs with strong technical training foundations
- Fashion Design in New Mexico – Southwestern aesthetics, textile traditions, and Native American design influences
- Fashion Design in Colorado – Denver design scene with outdoor apparel and activewear specializations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to sew before starting a fashion design program?
No, most programs teach sewing from the beginning. However, having basic sewing skills gives you a head start and more time to refine advanced techniques. If you’ve never sewn before, consider taking a beginner class at a community center or watching online tutorials to familiarize yourself with the basics before starting school.
What should I include in a portfolio for fashion design school applications?
A strong portfolio shows your creativity, technical skills, and design thinking. Include 10-20 pieces featuring fashion sketches, finished garments you’ve created, mood boards, fabric swatches, and any other creative work like paintings or photography. Quality matters more than quantity—only include your best work. Many schools provide specific portfolio guidelines on their admissions pages.
How much does it cost to buy materials and supplies for fashion design school?
Expect to spend $500-$1,500 per semester on fabrics, notions, sketchbooks, and supplies. The first semester is usually more expensive because you’ll need to purchase basic tools like scissors, measuring tape, rulers, and a sewing kit. Many schools have supply stores or partner with local fabric shops for student discounts.
Can I specialize in a specific type of fashion design?
Yes, many programs let you focus on areas like menswear, childrenswear, eveningwear, costume design, or sustainable fashion through elective courses or concentration tracks. Some schools also offer specializations in knitwear, lingerie, or accessory design. You typically choose a specialization in your junior or senior year after building foundational skills.
What software do fashion designers need to know?
Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for creating technical flat sketches and specification sheets. Photoshop is used for print design and presentation boards. Many designers are now learning CLO3D or Browzwear for 3D garment visualization. Some companies also use pattern-making software like Gerber or Optitex. Most design programs teach these during your coursework.
Do fashion design programs include internships?
Most four-year programs either require or strongly encourage internships, typically during summer breaks or senior year. Schools often have career services offices that help connect students with design houses, apparel brands, costume shops, or boutiques. Internships are crucial for building your resume, making industry connections, and understanding workplace expectations.
What’s the difference between a BA, BFA, and BS in fashion design?
A BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) emphasizes creative and artistic development with more studio time. A BA (Bachelor of Arts) includes more general education courses alongside design training. A BS (Bachelor of Science) typically has a more technical focus with business or science coursework. All three can lead to design careers—choose based on your learning style and career goals.
Final Advice for Aspiring Fashion Designers
Choosing a fashion design program is about finding the right environment for your creative growth and learning style. Texas offers diverse options, each with unique strengths, so take time to explore what matters most to you.
Visit campuses and ask to see student work—this tells you more about a program than any brochure. Look at senior collections from recent graduates. Do their designs excite you? Can you imagine your work fitting into that environment? Talk to current students about their experiences. Are they happy? Do they feel supported? Do they have access to the resources they need?
Consider the program’s approach carefully. Some schools emphasize technical precision and industry standards, preparing you to step into existing fashion companies. Others encourage experimental, conceptual work and help you develop a unique artistic voice. Neither approach is better—it depends on your career aspirations and creative personality.
Location matters more in fashion design than many other fields. Being in Dallas or Houston means access to fashion markets, showrooms, potential employers, and networking events. But smaller cities offer advantages too: lower living costs, closer professor relationships, and sometimes more studio space and equipment access per student.
Don’t underestimate the importance of building a strong portfolio throughout your education. Treat every project like it could go in your portfolio. Document your work professionally with good photographs. Keep everything organized. Your portfolio is what gets you jobs and opportunities after graduation.
Finally, remember that fashion design is both an art and a craft. You need creativity and vision, but you also need technical skills and discipline. The most successful design students are those who show up consistently, accept critique gracefully, experiment fearlessly, and never stop learning.
Your design journey is uniquely yours. Trust your creative instincts, work hard, and choose a program that will challenge and support you in equal measure.