Athletic Apparel Development Intern
📍 Raleigh, NC | On-site
💼 Paid Internship | Part-time or Full-time
About ChicknLegs
ChicknLegs is on a mission to bring fun and crazy moments to athletes everywhere.
We're the fastest-growing running brand in America — and have been featured in the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America the past two years!
You can find our products at ChicknLegs.com, where we ship worldwide, in 1,000+ retailers nationwide, and in select retail stores abroad.
ChicknLegs values:
✔ FAST: Decide today, fix tomorrow
✔ FUN: Take work seriously, not ourselves
✔ SCRAPPY: Do more with less
✔ COMMUNITY: We run together
✔ NO EGO: Best idea wins
✔ SAY YES: Down for anything
The Role
This hands-on internship is an opportunity to gain real-world experience in performance athletic apparel design and development. You'll work alongside our team to help bring running apparel to life, from exploring technical fabrics and creating original graphics to evaluating samples and refining product details.
We're looking for someone who understands that great athletic apparel needs to do more than look good. It needs to move, breathe, fit, and perform.
If you're passionate about athletic apparel, curious about how products go from concept to production, and excited to learn in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to meet you!
What you'll do
Product Development
- Assist with reviewing and measuring prototype and pre-production samples.
- Support fabric, trim, color, and material selection processes.
- Help evaluate garment construction, fit, functionality, and quality.
- Document sample feedback, product revisions, and development updates.
- Gain exposure to technical specifications, factory communication, and apparel production processes.
Performance Apparel
- Explore technical fabrics, garment construction, and design features that improve athletic performance and comfort.
- Research performance materials, moisture management, breathability, and fit.
- Contribute ideas to improve existing products and develop new ones.
- Participate in product reviews, brainstorming sessions, and development meetings.
Athletic Apparel + Graphic Design
- Assist with the design and development of performance running apparel, with an emphasis on fit, function, and comfort.
- Create original graphics, prints, and artwork for running apparel, merchandise, and accessories.
- Support the preparation of design concepts, colorways, and production-ready artwork.
- Research trends and innovations in athletic apparel, performance textiles, and running gear.
Ideal qualifications
- Portfolio demonstrating relevant design work required for consideration. Academic projects are welcome!
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Apparel Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Product Development, Industrial Design, or a related field.
- Strong interest in athletic apparel, activewear, sportswear, or performance clothing.
- Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Basic understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and apparel design principles.
- Creative mindset with strong attention to detail.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to learn, ask questions, and take initiative.
- Coursework or projects involving athletic apparel, activewear, or performance textiles.
- Familiarity with tech packs, garment measurements, or sample evaluations.
- Experience creating original graphics, prints, or patterns for apparel.
- Interest in running, fitness, or other sports.
- ChicknLegs super fan — duh.
If you don’t meet every single qualification but are excited about this role, we still encourage you to apply—we value potential and culture fit just as much as experience.
Culture + personality
✔ You're creative and technical
✔ You have a strong eye for design
✔ You're detail-oriented
✔ You're adaptable + resourceful
✔ Your friends would say you have strong opinions about colors, fonts, and running shorts
✔ You communicate openly
✔ You bring positive energy
✔ You love running
✔ Running apparel can be technical and serious... but ChicknLegs absolutely does not have to be
Benefits + Perks
✔ Paid internship
✔ Simple IRA with match
✔ Educational assistance plan
✔ Flexible schedule
✔ Time off during midterms + finals
✔ Free snacks + bevvies to keep you going
✔ Opportunities for professional growth and development
✔ Company events, team outings, and culture initiatives
✔ A supportive, people-first work environment
Equal opportunity Employer
ChicknLegs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
