Be it the runway or your office, looking fashionable turns heads. And it becomes even better when you design your fashion yourself. It’s not all that complicated as we think!

In this guide, I’ve selected the 10 best free and paid fashion design online courses for you from the 190+ fashion design courses on our catalog by following a well-defined methodology that you can find below.

But if you want to jump straight to the results, here are my top 10 picks. You can click on a course to jump to the corresponding section:

What is Fashion Design?

Fashion designing is all about designing clothes and its accessories, often influenced by culture and current fashion trends. It also involves visualizing the design on paper or digitally before it is sewn – something known as fashion illustration. Fashion designers use fashion illustration to show how the figure will look wearing a particular clothing item or accessory.

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 2021 to 2031, with about 2,300 openings projected each year on average over the decade. Also, the median annual wage was $77,450 in May 2021. You can find more information on occupational employment and wages of fashion designers as of May 2021 here.

Below are some career options listed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, India.

What is My Experience with Fashion Design?

I like to be well-dressed – not overly styled but just the right amount that makes me me. As far as the design part of fashion is concerned, I’d say I’m more into illustration, even though the hobbyist in me might just purchase a sewing machine (I’ve used my grandpa’s old one before) anytime soon and start my own line!

Besides that, I 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.

Course Ranking Methodology

I built this ranking following the now tried-and-tested methodology I used in previous rankings (you can find them all here). It involves a three-step process:

1. Research: I started by leveraging Class Central’s database with 100K online courses and 200K+ reviews. Then, I made a preliminary selection of 190+ fashion design courses by rating, reviews, and bookmarks.
2. Evaluate: I read through reviews on Class Central, Reddit, and course providers to understand what other learners thought about each course and combined it with my own experience as a learner.
3. Select: Well-made courses were picked if they presented valuable and engaging content and they have to fit in a set of criteria and be ranked accordingly: comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, ratings and enrollments.

The end result is a unique selection of courses that combines a decade of Class Central data and my own experience as an online learner to try to get the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve spent more than 10 hours building this list, and I’ll continue to update it.

Course Ranking Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding this course ranking:

• Combined, these courses have accrued over 5.9K enrollments.
• 2 courses are free or free-to-audit and 8 courses are paid.
• The most-represented course providers in the ranking are Domestika and Skillshare, with 3 courses each.
• All 10 courses are in English.
• The fashion design subject is followed by over 7.6K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 190 courses in Class Central catalog.

So without further ado, let’s get to my picks for the best fashion design online courses.

1. Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design (MasterClass)

My first pick for the best fashion design online course is Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design on MasterClass.

If it was your dream to learn from one of the masters of the world of fashion, then here’s your chance. 11-time CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Award winner Marc Jacobs is here to teach you fashion design from developing your own ideas to making the final piece. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn Marc’s design processes and techniques!

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn how to teach yourself design, find inspiration, sketch your ideas, choose fabrics, create shapes and silhouettes, patterns and muslins, construct your garment, explore case studies, and develop a collection.

You’ll also learn how to work with a team and collaborate, produce runway shows, design for Louis Vuitton, survive the fashion industry, and take a look at the instructor’s journey to pursue your love for fashion.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 18 lessons. Each lesson involves about 10 to 25 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• In 1984, Marc Jacobs graduated from Parsons School of Design. 
• In 1992, he launched his infamous grunge collection for Perry Ellis which actually got him fired!
• Interestingly, he was the youngest to ever receive the CFDA’s Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent for this collection.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

2. Pattern Cutting: Create Classic Tailored Trousers (Domestika)

My second pick for the best fashion design online course is Pattern Cutting: Create Classic Tailored Trousers on 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. This course will teach you step by step how to make a pair of classic trousers from scratch right from taking measurements to designing a basic trouser block pattern.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about basic pattern cutting including darts, curves, squaring off, and seam allowances, flat pattern cutting and useful terminology, tools and equipment, popular trouser styles, personalized trouser block, and sewing, fitting, amending and transferring the toile.

You’ll also explore drafting a two-piece waistband, pockets and fly front and trouser legs, stitching darts, pockets, and fly front, legs and waistband, alternative trouser styles, the welt back pocket and belt loops, and pattern cutting to create classic tailored trousers.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 21 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, downloadable resources and exercises. There’s also a final project at the end of the course.

Fun Facts

• Omotoso is a designer and creative pattern cutter based in London.
• She made her first wearable pattern at just eight years old, and later studied art and design at Middlesex University.
• Her work has been featured in leading UK publications such as The Face, i-D, Fashion Weekly and The Observer.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

3. Creative Fashion Illustration Techniques (Domestika)

My third pick for the best fashion design online course is Creative Fashion Illustration Techniques on Domestika.

Are you someone (like me) who’s more interested in the illustration side of fashion rather than sewing? Then look no further. This course will not only teach you basic fashion illustration, it will actually show you how to experiment with traditional techniques and use mixed media along with perfect posing and styling.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about materials, pose and styling, creating textures, drawing the pose, drawing the face, painting the illustrations with mixed media, finalizing the base, applying textures for the garments, cutting and adjusting, different backgrounds and context, taking pictures and posting on Instagram, and creative fashion illustration techniques.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 14 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, downloadable resources and exercises. There’s also a final project at the end of the course.

Fun Facts

• Lim is a professional illustrator and designer from Los Angeles, California.
• She has studied at the Art Center College of Art and Design Pasadena, and UAL’s Central Saint Martins in London.
• Her work has been featured in Martin Dawber’s Great Big Book of Fashion Illustration, Beautiful by Gestalten, and Taschen’s The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

4. Online Course: Fashion Design: Start to Finish (CreativeLive)

My fourth pick for the best fashion design online course is Online Course: Fashion Design: Start to Finish on CreativeLive.

This is the most comprehensive fashion design course on this list, well suited for beginners., including those who are not aspiring to be fashion designers. This class will introduce you to the world of fashion design, from research, sketching, pattern making to branding, marketing and everything in between.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll learn about student mood boards, fashion inspiration resources, new fashion frontiers, find a fashion specialty, craft a collection, learn to edit, draw, draft and sew, draw your muse, and sketch a figure and define a silhouette.

Next, you’ll render color, add texture, patterns and details, work with muslin, drape a basic form, drape folds, experiment with style lines, create and true a pattern, drape and pattern recap, construct clothes, and understand fashion marketing and branding.

After that, you’ll explore your audience, display, data and design, share your work, find your following, inform your brand, build your business model, tell your fashion story, establish relationships, be ready for change, and produce a fashion show.

Finally, you’ll develop a fashion show concept, build a team, create a timeline and checklist, make backstage strategy, work with front of house, schedule run of show, break down the event, increase your audience, PR for fashion shows, and deal with downtime.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 47 lessons. Each lesson involves about 5 to 30 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and downloadable resources.

Fun Facts

• Calderin is the Director of Creative Marketing and an instructor at the School of Fashion Design.
• He is the author of The Fashion Design Reference and Specification Book formerly Form, Fit, Fashion.
• His other books include Fashion Design Essentials and Fashion Design, Referenced.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

5. Fashion Design Process (Zoe Hong)

My fifth pick for the best fashion design online course is the free course Fashion Design Process, offered by Zoe Hong on YouTube.

This course, or rather, a lecture series of fashion design tutorials, is a great option for beginners to get started with fashion design. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with all that you need to know about fashion designing, including the design process, fabrics, shapes, print design, fashion sketching, and a lot more – all for free!

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll get an overview of the design process, and learn about concept development and mood boards, color and texture, fabrics and materials, shapes and proportions, 3D development, school vs. the industry, and portfolios.

Then, you’ll understand bodies, fit, and the plus size market, the print design process, developing and merchandising a collection, combining 3D and 2D elements to design, and creating color stories for your fashion collection.

Finally, you’ll learn about designing avant garde fashion, designing from runway to real life, designing for every price point, fashion design sketches, picking fabrics for your fashion collection, and designing a modern collection from vintage inspiration.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 20 videos. Each video involves about 15 to 30 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Hong teaches fashion design, illustration techniques, figure drawing, color theory, apparel tech design/product development and fashion business best practices.
• Other than YouTube, she also teaches at universities and arts organizations.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

6. Make and Customize Your First Bomber Jacket (Domestika)

My sixth pick for the best fashion design online course is Make and Customize Your First Bomber Jacket on Domestika.

When fast fashion is taking over the world rapidly, it’s a good idea to start making your own clothes – bomber jackets, for example. This course 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.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about fashion history and design, materials and tools, mood board and inspiration, taking your measurement and finding your size, pattern, cutting the fabric, pockets, side and shoulder seams, collar, hem and lining, sewing the zip and cuffs, embroidery, applique, and quilting.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 16 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, downloadable resources and exercises. There’s also a final project at the end of the course.

Fun Facts

• Higginson is a UK-based seamstress and pattern designer.
• She started her personal project “Made My Wardrobe” in 2016, and hasn’t bought clothes from shops since!
• She makes costumes for prestigious theaters like Sadler’s Wells and The Royal Opera House.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

7. Fashion Design 101 (Natalia Trevino Amaro)

My seventh pick for the best fashion design online course is the free course Fashion Design 101, offered by Natalia Trevino Amaro on YouTube.

This beginner-friendly free fashion design course will teach you quite a lot about fashion designing so that you’re ready 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.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn how to sew a dart, finish necklines/armholes with facings, trace your clothes to make patterns, pattern flare pants, manipulate dart, sew a scrunchie, put in an invisible zipper, make ruffles two different ways, and shirr fabric.

You’ll also explore how to pattern pants to your measurements, thread a serger and change the thread color, pattern a skirt to your measurements, pattern a torso to your measurements, and learn all about fabrics and the basics of sewing.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 15 videos. Each video involves about 5 to 25 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Amaro is a fashion designer and business owner.
• Her YouTube channel has over 100K subscribers where she vlogs about fashion and shares her daily routine as fashion designer.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

8. The Art & Craft of Making Clothes: Sew Your Own Best Pair of Jeans (Skillshare)

My eighth pick for the best fashion design online course is The Art & Craft of Making Clothes: Sew Your Own Best Pair of Jeans on Skillshare.

If you have the basic knowledge of sewing, then you’re ready to make your very own pair of jeans at home that are tailored to fit your body. Not 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.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about tools and materials, measurements, drafting the pattern, cutting, prep, back pockets, front pockets, the fly, waistband, front to back, and finishing touches.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 lessons. Each lesson involves about 5 to 25 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and downloadable resources.

Fun Facts

• Perez’s background is in Fine Art, but her true loves are sewing and illustrating.
• Her illustrations have been published in the children’s book, Little Me, by Marka Sawyer.
• She has been sewing recreationally for almost 20 years and professionally for the past five, working as both a prototypist and manufacturer.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

9. The Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Illustration (Skillshare)

My ninth pick for the best fashion design online course is The Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Illustration on Skillshare.

This short, beginner-friendly course is all about fashion illustration. 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. You can then add your art to decorate your home or even make cards for your friends!

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn about fashion illustration, walking pose, standing pose and side view, adding shape to your figure, and sketching and coloring florals, quilting, feathers, sequins and fur.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 lessons. Each lesson involves about 10 to 15 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and downloadable resources.

Fun Facts

• Burt is a fashion illustrator and graphic designer.
• You can find more of her illustrations at her website.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

10. Grading Pattern Making Manual – Fashion (Skillshare)

My tenth pick for the best fashion design online course is Grading Pattern Making Manual – Fashion on Skillshare.

Made for intermediate learners, 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’d have taken a step forward in your pattern cutting journey.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll get a brief theory on grading, create a measurement chart and grade increments, split a diagram on bodice and sleeve, split grid and cut up the bodice, and mark up the track lines on front bodice.

You’ll also explore grading up a front bodice one size, split diagram for a sleeve and grading up one size, measurement chart and split diagram for trouser, and track lines and grading up and down one size for a trouser.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 12 lessons. Each lesson involves about 5 to 20 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• Barulis is a creative pattern cutter and maker and specialize in draping and modeling on the stand.
• She has worked at the heart of London and Paris fashion for over 15 years.
• Her clients include Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and The Duchess of Cambridge.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.