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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Fashion

Fashion

Overview

The Applied Apparel Studies program is designed to provide a program of study for the student interested in pursuing a career in fashion as a cutter-draper, tailor, pattern drafter, alterationist, or fiber artist in fashion studios or costume work rooms. Selected courses provide students with lifelong learning knowledge and consumer skills. California’s apparel industry is a major success story. It is an important, but often overlooked, contributor to the state’s economy. San Francisco and Los Angeles are the largest centers for apparel manufacturing outside of New York City. One of the largest apparel wholesale markets in the world is the California Mart in Los Angeles. California apparel jobs have steadily grown with the success of the industry. Jobs increased in the 2010’s, a time when the rest of the U.S. lost apparel jobs, and have steadily grown in numbers. This is because the high-end tasks, such as computer aided design and pattern making, size grading, and color setting, are performed in the U.S. as well as the planning and management of off-shore production. Emerging careers in this high growth industry will require state of the art high-tech training.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Applied Apparel Studies
  • Applied Apparel Studies Construction Certificate

Associate Degree

A.A. in Applied Apparel Studies

The Applied Apparel Studies program is designed to provide a program of study for the student interested in pursuing a career in fashion as a cutter-draper, tailor, pattern drafter, alterationist, or fiber artist in fashion studios or costume work rooms. Selected courses provide students with lifelong learning knowledge and consumer skills.

California's apparel industry is a major success story. It is an important, but often overlooked, contributor to the state's economy. San Francisco and Los Angeles are the largest centers for apparel manufacturing outside of New York City. One of the largest apparel wholesale markets in the world is the California Mart in Los Angeles.

California apparel jobs have steadily grown with the success of the industry. Jobs increased in the 2010's, a time when the rest of the U.S. lost apparel jobs, and have steadily grown in numbers. This is because the high-end tasks, such as computer aided design and pattern making, size grading, and color setting, are performed in the U.S. as well as the planning and management of off-shore production.

Emerging careers in this high growth industry will require state of the art high-tech training.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 301 Apparel Construction, Quilting and Fabric Manipulation 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 312 Fashion for Film, Television, Stage and Illustration 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion 3
FASHN 335 Historic Costuming and Embellishments 3
FASHN 351 Applied Apparel Studies / Intermediate Principles of Construction 3
FASHN 352 Couture Construction, Draping and Corsets 3
FASHN 355 Applications in Tailoring and Pants 3
FASHN 364 Flat Pattern Drafting 3
FASHN 368 Stretch Wear 3
FASHN 390 Alteration Shop 3
FASHN 394 Apparel Entrepreneur 3
Total Units: 39

The Applied Apparel Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • draw the clothed figure, rendering the sketch in different styles, poses, and fabrications on developed croquis in different media, emphasizing presentation techniques.
  • assemble apparel products, applying techniques that meet the standards of quality construction for sewn products.
  • integrate proper use, care, and maintenance of sewing machinery, equipment, and notions.
  • apply pattern and fabric selection to appropriate designs that develop required sewing skills.
  • apply layout and cutting techniques, use of industrial machines, professional pressing techniques, quality control and production procedures, and grading, sorting, and labeling of garments.
  • manipulate pattern blocks and develop style changes with the flat pattern method of designing first patterns from a designer's trade sketch for targeted customers.
  • use garment industry terminology and procedures for the process of marker making, multiple layer lay up, and use of industrial cutting equipment.
  • construct devices to apply the evaluation of fit problems and the ability to solve figure differences in the garment through fitting skills.
  • manipulate fabrics on a dress form to create designs without the use of drafted patterns using a variety of fabrics and design concepts.
  • study and apply the elements and principles of design as related to apparel for individuals in contemporary western fashion as compared to the influence of past fashions and other cultures.
  • analyze and identify textile fibers, yarns, fabrications, dyestuffs, and finishes, and how they relate to performance and serviceability of materials.
  • survey the evolution of apparel styles through history and explore the relationship of recurring style trends to contemporary fashions including sociological, technological, economic, and political factors.
  • use microcomputers and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for the apparel design processes used by manufacturers.
  • develop basic patterns and sloper blocks utilizing standard and custom body measurements.
  • demonstrate personal management skills such as planning, time management, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

Career Information

Entry-level jobs in this field can be found in apparel production companies, apparel manufacturing plants, designer workrooms, custom sewing workrooms, and theatrical productions. This program can also prepare a student for self-employment or entrepreneurship. Examples of careers in fashion design and production include: assistant designer, CAD technician, computer digitizer, costing engineer, customer services, designer, design room assistant, fashion illustrator, fashion stylist, first pattern maker, grader, manufacturer's sales representative, marker maker, operation manager, piece goods buyer, product specialist, production manager, production pattern maker, quality controller, quick response manager, sales manager, sample maker, sewing room supervisor, showroom assistant, tailor, textile colorist, textile croquis painter, textile designer, textile researcher, textile tester, and trim buyer.

Certificate of Achievement

Applied Apparel Studies Construction Certificate

This certificate consists of four core Applied Apparel Studies courses. Textiles gives students an overview of appropriate fabrics to use for different applications. Premier Level Construction builds upon basic skills and adds fit, alteration, and construction of apparel. Intermediate Construction continues the understanding of fit, fabric selection, and detailed seaming techniques. Advanced Couture Construction lifts the skill level to an advanced placement. These four courses provides students the tools needed for entry-level jobs in multiple subject areas.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 301 Apparel Construction, Quilting and Fabric Manipulation 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 351 Applied Apparel Studies / Intermediate Principles of Construction 3
FASHN 352 Couture Construction, Draping and Corsets 3
FASHN 355 Applications in Tailoring and Pants 3
FASHN 364 Flat Pattern Drafting 3
FASHN 368 Stretch Wear 3
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify names and characteristics of various fibers and weaves.
  • choose appropriate fabrics for different project applications.
  • layout, cut, fit, and build garments from commercial patterns.
  • analyze, assess, and alter commercial patterns.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry level jobs in the apparel industry and costume studios.

Fashion (FASHN) Courses

FASHN 299 Experimental Offering in Fashion

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

FASHN 301 Apparel Construction, Quilting and Fabric Manipulation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the basic techniques for construction of men's, women's, and children's clothing and home accessories along with fabric manipulation, and quilting. Students will learn about materials and sewing supplies selection, sewing machine operation, and reading pattern instructions. Students will explore theories and concepts of construction of simple garments and interior use projects. Technical construction techniques are included along with the use and understanding of a sew-thru 1/8" grid ruler, tape measure, and yardstick. Students will calculate and recognize measurements for the purpose of purchasing fabric. This course is designed for the student with little or no previous sewing experience. The cost per student to participate is approximately $30-$50. One field trip is required.

FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L3
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is an introduction to the socio-psychological aspects of clothing within the U.S. culture. Clothing behaviors, as viewed through economic and political influences on fashion, fashion terminology, and past and present fashion cycles, are contrasted with other contemporary cultures around the world. Essential theories of color perception and applied problems dealing with color interaction, line, design, and texture will be presented. Analysis of wardrobe planning, buying ready-to-wear, and care and maintenance of family clothing are included.

FASHN 312 Fashion for Film, Television, Stage and Illustration

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course exposes the student to the procedures for research, understanding, and creation of fashions for film, television, stage and illustration of both costume and fashion design. This course is based on theory and practicum. Students will create a sketchbook based on three areas of fashion and costume needs. Students will read a script for a film and research time periods, textiles, and styles to include in sketches of their design concepts. Students will examine budgets, organization, and production breakdowns for a television show. Students will also read a script for a theatre production and research the period and design concepts to include in a character study of the correct costume designs. The cost per student to participate will be approximately $35-$50.

FASHN 320 Textiles

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a consumer-oriented introduction to textiles that includes study of the characteristics of fibers, yarns, and fabric construction, including weaves and fabric finishes. Information will be presented related to consumer satisfaction in selecting and caring for fabrics, apparel, furnishing, and other textile products in daily use. One field trip will be taken.

FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students will study dress in Western civilization from ancient times through the present. An interdisciplinary approach is used to examine how clothing communicates values displayed by the individual and functions as a reflection of trends in technology, political events, social ideals, and cultural developments in art and music. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of apparel design and style through historic development. One field trip is required.

FASHN 335 Historic Costuming and Embellishments

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:FASHN 301 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The impact of social, political, cultural, and economic issues on costume is explored from the cradle of civilization through modern times. Specific periods of fashion are researched to design and construct historically correct garments. Students will learn how to apply the principles of modern pattern making to various historical styles and use this knowledge to design and create historical costumes and embellishments. The unique cut and construction of each historical period is covered, from undergarments to accessories, for each fashion period. Students will learn to create necessary adaptations to these garments for successful stage applications. One field trip is required. The cost for materials is approximately $35-$90.

FASHN 351 Applied Apparel Studies / Intermediate Principles of Construction

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 301 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents intermediate apparel construction techniques, such as working with more complex pattern adjustments, patterns, notions, and fabrics. Comprehensive custom sewing techniques for men, women, and children will be applied to four student-made garments. The course will instruct the students on the care and working knowledge of an industrial sewing machine.

One field trip is required. The cost of materials is $70-$100.

FASHN 352 Couture Construction, Draping and Corsets

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 301, 320, 351, and 364 with grades of "C" or better; or equivalent
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers apparel construction techniques applied to several challenging designs, which will be student-made using unusual and difficult fabrics. Couture construction techniques with applied details and finishes, usually found on more expensive garments, will be explored. The course will include draping techniques and corset construction. The course will continue the instruction of the use and care of industrial sewing machines. One field trip is required. The cost of materials is $70-$100.

FASHN 355 Applications in Tailoring and Pants

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 320, 351, and 364 with grades of "C" or better; or equivalent
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for the advanced clothing construction student who wishes to increase knowledge and proficiency in the many aspects of traditional and contemporary tailoring and construction of pants. Instruction will include custom fitting, equipment, and garment components selection and steps in the very fine handwork details and techniques of traditional tailoring for men's or women's suits, coats and pants. The course will also include speed construction techniques. One field trip may be required. The cost of materials is $40-$125.

FASHN 364 Flat Pattern Drafting

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students will study the skills needed to construct garments. Details will include measurements, pattern drafting, slopers, and blocks. In-depth treatments of pattern making will cover casual to tailored apparel in a modern mode. Students will complete a notebook. The cost of materials for this course is $35-$85.

FASHN 368 Stretch Wear

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 301 and 351 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers stretch wear from beginning to advanced sportswear such as skating and athletic wear, lingerie, and couture-construction. Students will explore apparel fashioned in silk jersey utilizing tricky construction techniques for collars, cuffs, and pockets. Fibers, such as viscose and rayon jersey, will be explored. Students will construct garments utilizing industrial sewing and serger machines as well as in-class sergers. One field trip is required. A home sewing machine and serger are required for Distance Education. The cost of materials is $60-$125.

FASHN 375 Pattern Drafting and Advanced Computer Aided Design

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 301 and 351 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will include how to draft basic pattern pieces by hand and introduces students to CAD, computer aided design. Everything that will be done by hand will also be done on the computer including: drawing flats (fashion illustrations of garment designs), pattern measuring and adjustments, flat pattern design techniques, "digitizing-in" patterns, grading patterns, layout and marker making, and plotting pattern pieces. This course will include how to draft basic pattern pieces from measurements, create advanced slopers for the torso, basic jacket and knits, and create advanced flat pattern design details. Pattern pieces will be printed on a plotter and constructed into garments.

FASHN 390 Alteration Shop

  • Units:3
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FASHN 351 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the operation and management of a ready-to-wear garment alterations shop. It includes the study of starting an alterations business, local and government business rules and regulations, workroom supplies and equipment, workflow and scheduling, customer service, advertising and promotions, sales and costing, and performing garment alterations. Field trips may be required.

FASHN 394 Apparel Entrepreneur

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BUS 100 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides essential business strategies for the fashion, costume, interior styling, staging, and production-related fields. Students will explore necessary business practices and practical aspects of setting up and running their own apparel and interior businesses. Topics will include ethical practices, methods of compensation, client budgets, estimating costs, re-sale licenses, billing, marketing, and sales. Students will develop a model business plan to include business cards, advertising, and business identity. One field trip is required.

FASHN 495 Independent Studies in Fashion

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will give students the opportunities to investigate specific topics more directly.

FASHN 499 Experimental Offering in Fashion

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog