What is Textiles and Clothing?

The Textiles and Clothing Major emphasizes the connections among

a) the physical characteristics of textiles products,
b) human perceptions of and behavior toward these products, and
c) global economic trends affecting the textiles/ apparel marketplace.

An integrative knowledge base links textiles products with people and processes, to focus on the production distribution and consumer use of textiles and apparel.

The Textiles and Clothing major provides two options: Textile Science and Marketing/Economics.

The Textile Science option provides students with a broad knowledge both in the social and physical sciences. This base includes production, end-use applications and care of textiles and apparel, physical and chemical properties of textiles, and social-psychological and economic aspects of textiles and clothing.

The Marketing/Economics option emphasizes social science and business course work, while also providing students with an awareness of the physical nature of textiles products.

Textiles and Clothing In the eyes of students:

“The Textiles and Clothing major is a way to study every aspect of textiles and fashion. If you choose the marketing and economics route, you focus on fashion business while also getting a comprehensive background in textile science. If you choose the textile science option, it’s the reverse. The small size of the department (usually around 75-80 undergraduates) allows for a private school-like education at a public university. You get to know all of your professors as well as your fellow students. With the incredible education you gain, as well as our close connections with many alumni, this program is an amazing way to prepare yourself or a career in the fashion industry, business or science-related. I have absolutely loved being a TXC major. It has shaped my experience as a UC Davis student.” (Anna Hennings, fourth year, marketing/economics emphasis)

Graduate Study

The Graduate Group in Textiles offers a program of study and research leading to the M.S. degree. Students in the program use an interdisciplinary approach emphasizing the physical and behavioral science aspects of textiles. Research areas include chemical, physical, biochemical, and mechanical properties of fibers and polymers as well as fibrous assemblies, including composites, paper, and nonwovens; and psychological and sociological factors relating to perception and consumption of textiles and apparel. Extensive specialized fiber, polymer, and textiles research facilities and a behavioral research laboratory are available. For detailed information regarding the program, address the Chairperson of the Group.

What Can I do with a Textiles & Clothing Degree?

The majority of Textiles and Clothing majors accept entry-level positions within the textiles and apparel industry or in related fields including product development, merchandising and marketing, production, testing, quality control, technical services, textiles journalism, and textiles design. A background in business prepares many for management-related programs. Some Textiles and Clothing graduates continue to study toward advanced degrees in textiles fiber and polymer science or in business administration. Below are a few examples of career possibilities:

APPAREL PRODUCTION
Material specification and sourcing evaluation processing, product development, merchandising quality control distribution, customer relations, manufacturer’s representative, showroom representative production manager, dye master/technician.

TECHNICAL / MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
Textiles chemist/ technician, textile and fiber analyst, research and development in government, consumer service and industry, product development, product improvement, textiles conservator, customer evaluation.

APPAREL DISTRIBUTION (wholesale and retail)
Retail management, marketing/ advertising, business analyst, public relations, manufacturer’s representative, display/merchandising, (assistant) buyer, division/district manager, store director, recruitment officer, distribution, international marketing and trade.