Be it strutting down the runway or simply walking down the street, looking fashionable always turns heads. And what could be more thrilling than crafting your own style?

Designing fashion is not as daunting as it might seem. In this Best Courses Guide, I’ve handpicked the 11 best fashion design online courses for you, filtering through over 190 options in our catalog and across the web to guide you through your fashion journey.

Click on the shortcuts for more details:

• Top Picks
• What is Fashion Design?
• Why are Fashion Design Skills Important?
• Stats
• Why You Should Trust Us
• How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Here are our top picks

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What is Fashion Design?

Fashion designing is a creative playfield where you get to design clothes and accessories, often drawing inspiration from cultural trends and current fashion vogues. It’s an art that starts with fashion illustration – the process of visualizing and sketching your design ideas, either on paper or digitally. This is where your imagination leaps off the page, showing how a figure will look draped in your designs. Whether you’re a budding designer or just fashion-curious, these courses are tailored to help you make that stylish leap.

The video by Vogue below shows how fashion designer Thom Browne creates a masterpiece from sketch to runway.

Why are Fashion Design Skills Important?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fashion designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,300 openings projected each year on average over the decade. Also, the median annual wage was $76,700 in May 2022. You can find more information on occupational employment and wages of fashion designers as of May 2022 here.

Stats

• Combined, these courses have accrued over 20.1K enrollments.
• 2 courses are free or free-to-audit and 9 courses are paid.
• The most-represented course providers in the ranking are Domestika and Skillshare, with 3 courses each.
• The fashion design subject is followed by 11K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 190 courses in the Class Central catalog.

Best MasterClass Course for Aspiring Fashion Designers (Marc Jacobs)

If it was your dream to learn from one of the industry’s most influential figures, then here’s your chance: Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design. 11-time CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Award winner Marc Jacobs shares his expertise in fashion design from finding inspiration and sketching ideas to constructing garments and developing a collection. Whether you’re teaching yourself design or looking to refine your skills, Marc’s hands-on approach and personal journey in the fashion world will inspire you to pursue your love for fashion and develop your own unique style.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Insights into Marc Jacobs’s process for finding inspiration and developing original ideas
• Techniques for sketching designs, choosing fabrics, and creating unique shapes and silhouettes
• Practical skills in constructing garments, from patterns and muslins to the final piece
• Strategies for developing a cohesive collection and bringing it from idea to runway
• Advice on working with a team, designing for a fashion house, and navigating the challenges of the fashion industry.

Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Design (CreativeLive)

Fashion Design: Start to Finish is the most comprehensive fashion design course on this list, well suited for beginners, including those aspiring to be fashion designers or simply interested in the fashion industry. This class will introduce you to the world of fashion design, from research, sketching, draping, pattern making to branding, marketing and everything in between.

Taught by Jay Calderin, an esteemed figure in the fashion industry and instructor at the School of Fashion Design, Calderin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this course. His hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step guidelines make fashion less intimidating and more accessible.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Understanding the complete fashion design process, from inspiration to final product
• Skills in creating mood boards, sketching, draping, and pattern making
• Knowledge on constructing garments and adding unique finishes
• Insights into branding, marketing, and positioning in the fashion industry
• Practical advice on producing a fashion show and increasing audience engagement.

Best Essential Fashion Design Process Free Course (Zoe Hong)

Fashion Design Process is a great option for beginners to get started with fashion design. This free course, offered on YouTube, is a lecture series brimming with essential knowledge for aspiring designers.

Zoe Hong, an experienced instructor who also teaches at universities and arts organizations, guides you through every fundamental aspect of fashion design, including the design process, fabrics, shapes, print design, fashion sketching, and a lot more – all for free!

What you’ll learn:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the fashion design process, from concept development to creating mood boards
• Explore the use of color, texture, fabrics, and materials in design
• Learn about shapes, proportions, and the integration of 3D and 2D design elements
• Understand the nuances of designing for different body types, including plus size, and various price points
• Develop skills in fashion sketching and creating color stories for collections.
• Dive into specific areas like print design process, merchandising a collection, and designing avant-garde fashion
• Discover how to design fashion that translates from runway to real life and how to draw inspiration from vintage styles for modern collections.

Best Course for Aspiring Fashion Illustrators (Domestika)

If you are someone (like me) who’s more interested in the illustration side of fashion rather than sewing, then look no further. Creative Fashion Illustration Techniques, taught by renowned fashion illustrator Connie Lim, is ideal for you.

Over the span of several modules, you’ll learn how to blend traditional drawing methods with innovative collage techniques to craft vibrant fashion illustrations. Starting with an editorial reference, Connie Lim will guide you through the entire creative process, from achieving the perfect pose and styling for your fashion figure to applying mixed media for a unique finish.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Mastery in combining traditional drawing with collage techniques for fashion illustration
• Skills in researching and applying the perfect pose and styling for fashion figures
• Expertise in creating textures and using mixed media to bring illustrations to life
• Knowledge on finalizing illustrations and preparing them for social media sharing.

Best Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp with Live Sessions (Noble Desktop)

If you prefer instructor-led learning, Noble Desktop’s Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp offers real-time feedback and accountability that pre-recorded courses can’t match. Although not aimed specifically at fashion design, the skills you’ll learn will speed up the design process and make you more productive.

What I find interesting is that this program runs both in-person (NYC campus) and online (Zoom). Even if you’re attending online, you’ll have individual attention and can see other students in the classroom. You’ll be able to interact with instructors, receive feedback, and ask questions during sessions. Plus, you’ll get access to class recordings and workbooks – pretty helpful for catching up if you miss a class or reviewing what you learned.

Key Benefits

• Small class sizes (8-15 students)
• Certificate of completion to showcase achievements
• Free retake within one year
• Includes a 1-on-1 bonus training session
• Can upgrade to the Graphic Design Certificate or Digital Design Certificate for additional training.

Noble Desktop knows what they’re doing – they’ve been around for over three decades providing instruction with industry experts. So you can rest assured your mentorship will not be with someone who just finished the course. Don’t take my word for it – student reviews on Yelp and Google praise their practical approach and instructor quality.

What You’ll Learn

• Create graphics, including logos, icons, patterns, packaging, and typography
• Master the Pen tool with tracing templates to create vector drawings and shapes
• Design vector graphics with gradients, blends, patterns, and advanced 3D effects
• Utilize Illustrator’s workflow features, including clipping masks, layers, and pathfinders
• Adobe’s AI tools, like Firefly, generate vectors and recolor artwork.

Flexible Schedule Options

• 3 days full-time (weekdays)
• 2 weeks part-time (evenings or Sundays).

“After taking the class, I feel confident opening up the program on my own and creating projects that start as ideas and unfold into visual pieces!” – Marissa Sozio, Noble Desktop learner.

Also Great Course for Aspiring Fashion Illustrators (Skillshare)

The Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Illustration is a short, beginner-friendly course that is all about sketch couture. Made for all of you who love fashion and want to master unique illustration styles, this course walks you through the steps of creating fashion illustrations using basic techniques with pencil and paper. Whether you aim to decorate your home with unique art, craft personalized cards and keepsakes, or simply indulge in a fashionable hobby, this course equips you with the skills to bring your fashionable visions to life.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Mastery in sketching the basic fashion figure and standard fashion poses (walking, standing, and side view)
• Techniques to add shape, detail, and render different fabric textures including quilting, feathers, fur, sequins, and shine
• The ability to create beautiful fashion illustrations suitable for home decor, personalized gifts, or as a personal hobby.

Best Free Sewing Essentials Course (Natalia Trevino Amaro)

Fashion Design 101 is offered by Natalia Amaro, a fashion designer and business owner, on YouTube.

This beginner-friendly free fashion design course will teach you how to sew your own clothes. By the end of this course, you’ll be well-versed about fabrics and the basics of sewing, as well as be able to sew a dart, finish necklines and armholes, pattern flare pants, make ruffles, and a lot more.

You’ll learn:

• Fundamental sewing techniques including how to sew darts, scrunchies, and insert invisible zippers
• Pattern making skills for creating flare pants, skirts, and accurately measuring and patterning pants and torsos
• Advanced design techniques such as dart manipulation, making ruffles, and shirring fabric
• Essential knowledge about different types of fabrics and the basics of sewing to kickstart your fashion design journey.

Best Course for Crafting Your Own Bomber Jacket (Domestika)

When fast fashion is taking over the world rapidly, it’s a good idea to start making your own clothes.

Taught by seamstress and pattern designer Lydia Higginson, Make and Customize Your First Bomber Jacket will show you how you can make your very own bomber jacket from scratch step by step, from using a sewing machine, cutting fabric and customizing it with embellishments and embroidery, all while contributing to a more sustainable approach to fashion.

With Lydia’s extensive experience in making costumes for prestigious theaters and her commitment to wearing only self-made clothes since 2016, learners will benefit from her deep knowledge and passion for fashion design.

You’ll learn:

• How to operate a sewing machine and select the right materials for your project
• Techniques for taking accurate body measurements and adjusting patterns for a perfect fit
• Step-by-step guidance on cutting fabric, sewing seams, and adding linings for a professional finish
• Creative customization methods, including embroidery, appliqué, and quilting, to make your bomber jacket truly one-of-a-kind.

Master Tailored Trouser Design with Expert Pattern Maker (Domestika)

How cool would it be if you could make your own custom-tailored trousers? Well, if that’s what you’ve been looking for, then you’re in the right place. Pattern Cutting: Create Classic Tailored Trousers will teach you step by step how to make a pair of classic trousers from scratch.

Guided by Monisola Omotoso, a renowned designer and pattern maker with experience creating for icons including David Bowie and Alexander McQueen, you’ll learn the essentials of pattern cutting. Starting from taking accurate measurements to drafting a basic trouser block pattern, this course covers every step until the final garment.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Skills in measuring and drafting a basic trouser block pattern from scratch
• Knowledge in adapting the basic pattern to create various trouser styles
• Practical experience in sewing and fitting trousers to perfection
• Insight into adding unique details to personalize the garment
• Inspiration to explore clothing design as a creative canvas.

Best Course for Crafting Custom-Fit Jeans at Home (Skillshare)

If you have the basic knowledge of sewing, then you’re ready to make your very own pair of denim jeans at home that are tailored to fit your body with The Art & Craft of Making Clothes: Sew Your Own Best Pair of Jeans. Note that the jeans taught in this class are high-waisted, but you can design any waist height of your choice once you’re equipped with the skills. No prior experience in drafting patterns is required.

You’ll learn:

• Selecting appropriate materials and understanding the use of different sewing machines
• Taking key body measurements and drafting a custom pattern for jeans
• Techniques for efficient sewing, including working with a Serger and sewing French seams
• Designing and constructing both back and front pockets, attaching a zipper, and creating a custom waistband
• Finalizing your jeans with professional finishing touches, including two methods for creating buttonholes.

Essential Grading Techniques for Fashion Enthusiasts (Skillshare)

Grading Pattern Making Manual – Fashion is a course for intermediate learners with basic knowledge of pattern making, designed to equip fashion students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and aspiring home dressmakers with the skills needed to accurately grade patterns for different garment parts.

This course covers pattern cutting and making so that you can enhance your career in the field of fashion design. You’ll learn everything from the theory of grading, taking measurements, creating a split diagram to helpful tricks. By the end of this course, you will be well-prepared to advance in your pattern cutting journey.

You’ll learn:

• The fundamentals of grading theory and how to apply them to fashion pattern making
• Techniques for creating measurement charts and understanding grading increments
• How to create split diagrams for bodice blocks, trousers, and sleeves
• Skills in marking track lines and grading garment sizes up and down
• Solutions for tricky problem areas and variations in specific grading areas.

Why You Should Trust Us

Class Central, a Tripadvisor for online education, has helped 60 million learners find their next course. We’ve been combing through online education for more than a decade to aggregate a catalog of 200,000 online courses and 200,000 reviews written by our users. And we’re online learners ourselves: combined, the Class Central team has completed over 400 online courses, including online degrees.

I (Archisha) am a Guided Project Instructor and a Beta Tester at Coursera, having tested many courses before they’re officially launched. I have taken over 50 online courses in various subjects. My experience as an online learner and teacher has given me some perspective on what to look for in an online course. I used my experience to evaluate each course in this list.

How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Trying to find “the best” can be daunting, even for those of us who live and breathe online courses. Here’s how we approached this task.

First, we combed through Class Central’s Catalog and the internet to find a variety of free and paid courses.

Second, when choosing courses, we considered the following factors:

• Instructor experience: we looked for certified instructors with extensive experience in fashion design.
• Course content: we looked for courses that covered a wide range of topics, from the basics to more advanced techniques.
• Student reviews: we read student reviews (when available) to get a sense of the quality of each course.

To evaluate each course, we watched some of the course videos and read the course syllabus. We also looked at the course’s rating and reviews on Class Central and course provider sites.

Ultimately, we used a combination of data and our own judgment to make these picks. We’re confident these recommendations will provide you with the knowledge to master fashion design..

Fabio revised the research and the latest version of this article.