How to Do Fashion Designing Course: Step-by-Step Career Guide for Aspiring Designers
Introduction: How to Do Fashion Designing Course
Many students who admire fashion from the outside often ask a simple but important question: how to do fashion designing course in a structured and professional way. Fashion design is not only about sketching clothes or following trends-it is a formal career path that combines creativity, technical skills, business understanding, and industry exposure.
A fashion designing course trains students to think like designers, understand fabrics and construction, interpret trends, and transform ideas into wearable products. Today, fashion designing courses after 12th are available in multiple formats, including diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and specialized certifications. Choosing the right path early can shape your long-term success in the fashion industry.
Doing a fashion designing course means committing to both education and career preparation. It prepares you for real-world roles in apparel design, styling, merchandising, fashion communication, or even entrepreneurship. This guide explains every step-right from choosing the right course to applying, studying, and planning a career, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Research Different Types of Fashion Designing Courses
Before deciding how to do a fashion designing course, it is important to understand the types of fashion design programs available and what each one offers.
Diploma vs Degree vs Certificate Courses
Diploma Courses
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Focus: Practical skills and hands-on training
- Ideal for: Students who want a quick industry entry
- Limitation: Limited academic depth and global recognition
Degree Courses (B.Des / B.Sc in Fashion Design)
- Duration: 3-4 years
- Focus: Design, technology, research, business, internships
- Ideal for: Long-term careers and leadership roles
- Advantage: Strong academic credibility and placement support
Certificate Courses
- Duration: 3-12 months
- Focus: Skill-specific learning
- Ideal for: Beginners or working professionals
- Limitation: Not sufficient for full-scale design careers
When students ask which fashion designing course is best, the answer depends on career goals. For comprehensive training and better career mobility, a full-time degree course is usually the strongest option.
Popular Fashion Design Specializations
- Apparel Design
- Textile Design
- Accessory & Footwear Design
- Sustainable Fashion
- Fashion Styling & Communication
Each specialization caters to different creative strengths. Researching these options early helps you choose a course aligned with your interests.
Step 2: Check Fashion Designing Course Eligibility Criteria
Understanding eligibility is a crucial part of learning how to do fashion designing course without confusion or delays.
Fashion Designing Courses After 12th (UG Level)
Common eligibility requirements include:
- Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board
- Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science accepted by most institutes)
- Minimum percentage criteria (varies by institution)
Some colleges also require:
- Entrance exams
- Portfolio submissions
- Personal interviews or aptitude tests
Postgraduate Fashion Designing Courses (M.Des)
- Bachelor’s degree in design or related fields
- Portfolio review
- Entrance exam and interview
Age limits may apply in some institutions, especially for government colleges. Always check official admission guidelines before applying.
Step 3: Choose the Best Fashion Designing Course for You
Choosing the right institute and program is central to deciding which fashion designing course is best for your future.
Key Factors to Consider
Institute Reputation
- Accreditation and recognition
- Alumni success stories
- Industry credibility
Curriculum & Faculty
- Balance between theory and practical learning
- Experienced faculty with industry exposure
Fees & Financial Planning
- Degree programs cost more but offer long-term returns
- Diplomas are budget-friendly but limited in scope
Location & Industry Exposure
- Institutes in fashion hubs offer better internships
- Strong placement cells and industry tie-ups matter
A good fashion designing course should not only teach design but also prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.
Step 4: Prepare a Portfolio / Entrance Exam
One of the most important steps in how to apply for fashion designing course is portfolio and entrance exam preparation.
What to Include in a Fashion Design Portfolio
- Hand-drawn sketches
- Concept development and mood boards
- Fabric experiments and color studies
- Any creative work (art, craft, DIY, photography)
Your portfolio does not need to be perfect-it needs to reflect original thinking and creative potential.
Common Entrance Exams
- Creative Aptitude Tests (CAT)
- General Ability Tests (GAT)
- Situation Tests or Studio Tests
Preparation Tips
- Practice drawing daily
- Study design fundamentals
- Take mock tests and seek feedback
- Enroll in coaching if required
Step 5: Application Process for Fashion Designing Courses
Understanding how to apply for fashion designing course ensures you do not miss important deadlines.
Application Steps
- Visit the institute’s official website
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload academic documents and portfolio
- Pay application fees
- Appear for entrance exams or interviews
Many institutes also conduct counselling sessions or portfolio reviews as part of the admission process.
Step 6: Enrollment & Onboarding
Once selected, the next step in how to do fashion designing course is enrollment.
What Happens After Admission?
- Acceptance of offer letter
- Payment of tuition fees
- Orientation and induction programs
- Introduction to faculty, labs, and resources
Students are advised to set clear learning goals from the first semester and start portfolio building immediately.
Step 7: Make the Most of the Course
Doing a fashion designing course successfully means active participation beyond classrooms.
During the Course, You Should:
- Attend workshops and guest lectures
- Work on live industry projects
- Take internships seriously
- Participate in fashion shows and exhibitions
Portfolio Development
Your course portfolio becomes your career passport. Update it every semester with:
- Design collections
- Research projects
- Internship work
Networking with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals significantly enhances career opportunities.
Step 8: Post-Course: Career Planning
After completing the course, students often ask again which fashion designing course is best-this time in hindsight. The real answer lies in how well you utilize your education.
Career Options After Fashion Designing Course
- Fashion Designer (Apparel / Accessories)
- Fashion Stylist
- Visual Merchandiser
- Fashion Entrepreneur
- Freelancer or Consultant
Some students also opt for:
- Postgraduate studies (M.Des, MBA in Fashion Management)
- Launching their own fashion labels
Tips & Best Practices
If you truly want to master how to do fashion designing course, follow these best practices:
- Start preparation early, do not wait for deadlines
- Maintain a portfolio consistently
- Follow global fashion trends and digital tools (CAD, fashion tech)
- Seek mentorship and peer feedback
- Learn business and branding basics alongside design
Why Choose ITM Institute of Design & Media?
- Industry-Oriented Curriculum: ITM Institute of Design & Media Programs are designed to align with current fashion industry standards, combining design fundamentals, technical skills, fashion technology, and business knowledge.
- Recognized Degree Programs: Offers full-time B.Des in Fashion Design, providing strong academic credibility and long-term career value.
- Strong Industry Exposure: Regular workshops, live projects, industry visits, and mandatory internships help students gain real-world experience during the course.
- Experienced Faculty & Mentorship: Students learn from faculty with academic and industry backgrounds, receiving guidance in design development, portfolio building, and career planning.
- Focus on Portfolio Development: Continuous portfolio-building from the first semester ensures students graduate with industry-ready design work.
- Modern Infrastructure & Labs: Well-equipped design studios, garment construction labs, and digital tools support hands-on learning and creative experimentation.
- Career & Placement Support: Dedicated placement assistance, internship opportunities, and alumni connections enhance employability after graduation.
- Holistic Skill Development: Emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and professional discipline prepares students for diverse fashion careers.
- Global & Professional Exposure: Opportunities for professional certifications and international academic pathways broaden students’ career perspectives.
- Ideal for Long-Term Fashion Careers: Suitable for students aiming to work with established brands, pursue higher education, freelance, or launch their own fashion labels.
Conclusion
Understanding how to do a fashion designing course is the first step toward turning creativity into a structured, professional career. From researching the right type of course and checking eligibility to preparing portfolios, applying strategically, and actively engaging during the program, every stage plays a crucial role in shaping your journey as a designer. Fashion designing is not a shortcut career-it demands consistency, learning, experimentation, and real-world exposure.
The key is to choose a fashion designing course and institute that align with your long-term goals, offer strong industry integration, and help you build a compelling portfolio. Whether you aspire to work with established fashion brands, explore freelancing, or launch your own label, a well-planned fashion designing course provides the foundation you need.
Start early, stay informed, and take decisive action. With the right education, mentorship, and mindset, your path in fashion design can be both creatively fulfilling and professionally rewarding.
FAQs on How to Do Fashion Designing Course
How do I start applying for a fashion designing course?
Research institutes, check eligibility, prepare your portfolio, and apply through official admission portals.
Which fashion designing course is best-diploma or degree?
A degree course offers deeper learning and better career prospects, while diplomas are shorter and skill-focused.
Do I need to take an entrance exam?
Many top institutes conduct entrance exams and portfolio reviews as part of admission.
What should I include in my portfolio?
Sketches, design concepts, mood boards, and any creative work that reflects your design thinking.
Can I do fashion designing without completing 12th?
Most degree programs require a 10+2 qualification, though some certificate courses may have flexible criteria.
Is a fashion designing course expensive?
Costs vary by institute and program. Degree courses are usually more expensive but offer greater long-term value.
How important is networking during the course?
Extremely important. Industry exposure, alumni connections, and internships can shape your career outcomes.
