About Fashion and Textile Technology
Students who study in the FTT program will develop an ability to analyze fashion and industry trends. They also will be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving processes to specified problems in design, production, and merchandising; understand past and present fashion trend to forecast future consumer demands; and understand the international production and trade of textile and apparel products and their effect on the U.S economy and the marketplace.
Degree Information
More Than Fashion Design
Fashion and textile technology encompasses much more than just fashion design. FTT extends to the entire industry that surrounds the manufacturing and distribution of apparel and textiles. This broad approach ensures that students are prepared for a wide variety of career options, not just the notoriously competitive arena of fashion design. Fashion is a $370 billion in the United States alone and this is projected to continue increasing.
You'll Have Options
FTT graduates may find themselves involved in the processing of raw materials into yarn, thread, or fabric; developing new colors, textures, or properties such as fire resistance; helping retail stores change their apparel stock; or working in interior design to create materials for furnishings.
Careers in public relations, human resources, movie production, and many have become successful entrepreneurs. The fashion industry is also branching out in to 3D printing, laser cutting and wearable technology all of which have numerous applications in other industries.
- Apparel Distribution Specialist
- Apparel Marketer/Advertiser
- Apparel Public Relations Agent
- Apparel Retail Manager
- Display/Merchandising Specialist
- Distribution Manager
- Dye Master/Technician
- Fashion and Wardrobe Consultant
- Fashion Buyer
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Journalist
- Fiber/Polymer Scientist
- International Trade Specialist
- Manufacturing Specialist
- Material Specification/Sourcing Specialist
Going Where the Jobs Are
Job placement is high after graduation for students who are willing to go where the jobs are. We start our students networking early by visiting New York City to meet with industry professional and alumni living there as well as bringing industry speakers to campus. Buffalo State FTT graduates have been employed by major apparel and textile companies, including:
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Calvin Klein
- Dior
- Ralph Lauren
- Macy’s
- Fisher-Price
- New Era
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Victoria’s Secret
- UnderArmor
- HSN
- Aerie
- Coach
- Justin Alexander Bridal
- Hanes
The fashion and textile industries are notoriously fast-paced and competitive, and we encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity they can, including extracurricular activities and regional and national competitions. Our students have achieved top honors in national apparel (Bobbin Show) and textile design (Computer Integrated Textile Design Association) competitions.
Fashion Students Association: The FSA provides a forum for students to network with others who share a common interest in fashion, design, and art.
Runway: The annual student-run fashion show highlights the best work of students and alumni designers. All proceeds go to FTT scholarships.
CAD/CAM Lab: This facility exposes students to the technical processes used in apparel/textile design and production.
Textile Lab: The textile laboratory allows students to use testing equipment in a manner similar to a commercial testing laboratory.
Historic Fashion Collection: The department houses a collection of more than 1,500 historic garments, textiles, and accessories dating from the mid-nineteenth century through today.
FIT Program: FTT majors have the option to spend a year studying their specialty at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City in a "three-one" program, earning a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State and an associate’s degree from FIT.
A One-of-a-Kind Program
We’re the only baccalaureate program in Western New York that prepares students for the multifaceted, global fashion industry. The Buffalo State program ranks in the top 35 percent of fashion departments nationally.
Outstanding Faculty
FTT professors all have Ph.D’s in their area of expertise and/or more than 25 years of experience. They constantly retool their knowledge and bring current research in to the classroom. Many provides consultation to major companies and are often quoted in the media.
Scholarships
There are 10 scholarships specifically designed for FTT students, including the $1,000 Elaine Polvinen Scholarship and the $1,000 Eastman Machine scholarship.
Influential Friends
We’re affiliated and endorsed by the:
- American Apparel Footwear Association
- American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists
- American Collegiate Retailing Association
- International Textiles Apparel Textile Association
International Connections
We have partnered with international universities such as Manchester Metropolitan University and RMIT-Melbourne to develop collaborative projects, encourage travel, and find commonalities to build research relationships
A Competitive Edge
Our students have achieved top honors in regional and national competitions in apparel and textile design.
Study Abroad Opportunities
FTT majors have the opportunities to study in countries such as the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Italy, Australia, and China.
Concentration Opportunities
In addition to core courses, students may choose a concentration of design technologies, apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising.
“Apparel retailing has not done much of this kind of research—measuring how consumers react to stimuli. We’re on the forefront of this.”
- Keunyoung Oh
Chair and Associate Professor of FTT
“People are dying to make clothes for you, I want to make social activism part of the conversation about fashion.”
“Runway ends up being a wonderful collaboration. Students learn to work within deadlines and maintain a level of consistent professionalism.”
