Fashion and Textiles Major

Preparing to start the annual fashion show.

Overview

Whether you want to run your own clothing boutique, be a buyer for a large fashion company, write for a fashion magazine or become a fashion merchandiser, our Fashion and Textiles program will prepare you for success!  You’ll specialize in either merchandising or design and get lots of hands-on experience. Oneonta is one of only two SUNY schools with a bachleor’s degree program in fashion.

Program Type

Major

Area of Study

Business and Industry

Delivery Mode

In Person
Fashion and Textiles student presents during the business pitch competition.

FIT Visiting Student Program

Oneonta is the only SUNY school in the region that offers a one-year visiting student program with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. (Acceptance to FIT is competitive and not guaranteed). Upon completion of three years at SUNY Oneonta and one year at FIT, you will earn a bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Textiles from SUNY Oneonta and an associate’s degree from FIT in a specialized area of study.

Career Opportunities

With the flexibility to specialize in either Design or Merchandising, there are many things you can do with a Fashion and Textiles degree. Here’s a sampling of alumni careers.

  • Advertising Manager
  • Apparel Designer
  • Buyer/Merchandiser
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fashion Journalist
  • Product Developer
  • Stylist
  • Sustainability Reporting Specialist
  • Tailor Ambassador
  • Textile Lab Technician

Requirements

Select the track that interests you – either Design or Merchandising – and see the list of required courses and a sample plan of study for your next four years.

Students gain hands-on experience in the Fashion and Textiles major.

Hands-On Learning

You’ll have lots of opportunities to put your classroom knowledge to the test and get experience in real-world settings. Study abroad in Florence, Paris or London, do an internship in New York City, or get involved in one of our fashion-focused student clubs. Past internship placements have included Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, Dolce and Gabbana, Cosmopolitan, Saks Fifth Avenue and many more. 

Student models and designers participate in the annual fashion show.

Annual Fashion Show

Each spring, the Student Fashion Society (SFS) produces a fashion show featuring original clothing lines designed, constructed and modeled by students, and a panel of judges that selects the top designers. This highly anticipated event has been a campus tradition for more than 25 years. The SFS manages all aspects of the show, from publicity and logistics to sponsorships and event coordination.

Students browse clothing at the Red Dragon Thrift Store on campus.

Campus Thrift Shop

The Revival of Apparel Club (RAC) works closely with the Red Closet Thrift Store on campus, helping students gain hands-on experience in retailing, marketing and merchandising. Thrift Shop proceeds help fund scholarships for students interested in sustainability. RAC also participates in sustainability-related campus and community activities, promoting eco-friendly fashion practices and fostering environmental awareness.

Meet our Students and Faculty

Hear from current students and faculty and get a glimpse of what’s it like to be a Fashion and Textiles major at Oneonta!

Facilities

Fashion and Textiles facilities include:

  • A curated historical collection with more than 1,000 garments, accessories, print media and tools from 1790 through today
  • An apparel construction studio equipped with 20 Juki industrial sewing machines, 24 Bernina sewing machines, five sergers and an embroidery machine
  • A textile science laboratory, capable of testing the physical capabilities of yarn and fabric, such as flammability, colorfastness, shrinkage, tear strength, pilling, abrasion resistance and wrinkle resistance
  • A state-of-the-art 3D body scanner capable of accurately measuring the human body in an instant, allowing for creation of customized garments and increased speed of production
  • A Mimaki digital textile printer for creation of customized surface designs, allowing increased speeds and decreased waste in clothing production
     

Contact Admissions

Address

108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States

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