As anyone who's been in the industry a few years can tell you that not all fashion jobs are created equal: Some pay well; some don't; some are 9-to-5; some will keep you bound to a desk past midnight; some bear a striking resemblance to The Devil Wears Prada, while others are actually pretty friendly. What's key, though, is finding the right environment—and thanks to the internet, we know from employees themselves which are the top fashion companies to work for.
Earlier this year, Business of Fashion published an extensive report detailing 16 of the leading employers in the industry, taking a global approach and surveying more than 2600 professionals from 190 companies. Elsewhere, Glassdoor has for years culled its user-generated data annually to come up with its "employees' choice" list of the best companies to work for and the CEOs with the top approval ratings across industries, with a few fashion corporations inevitably making the cut.
Taking a look back at these, we've pulled together a list of some of the top places to apply to if you're on the hunt for a new job (and hey, even if you're not), plus pieces to wear to the interview if your résumé makes the cut.
- Nordstrom: Okay, we're just about ready to move to Seattle after reading about the retailer's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and promoting growth from within its own ranks. "We're deeply committed to cultivating an environment where the contributions of every employee are respected and appreciated," a rep told BoF.
- Farfetch: The fast-growing e-commerce company (which is reportedly seeking a $5 billion valuation in a potential upcoming IPO) has already scored top talent like Net-a-Porter's Natalie Massenet and Style.com's Yasmin Sewell. But even further down the ranks, employees praise management's responsiveness to feedback and the company's excellent benefits.
- Lululemon: Ranked 38th on Glassdoor's 2017 list of the best places to work (between Apple and Elon Musk's SpaceX, no less), the Vancouver-based activewear company boasts great work/life balance and benefits that include free fitness classes you're actually encouraged to attend—aka no more pretending you're leaving for a "doctor's appointment" to make that 6:30 Spin class.
- H&M: If you're a team player, odds are good you'll thrive at the Swedish fast-fashion chain. And thriving can mean moving up the ranks: BoF points out that the company has promoted between 6000 and 7000 employees in the past five years.
- Nike: One of Glassdoor's best-rated companies not one but six years running, the Portland-based sportswear behemoth gets plaudits for its collaborative environment and great people.
- Warby Parker: One of the original NYC fashion startups is also one of the best to work for, according to employees. In addition to its friendly, supportive environment, it offers autonomy and the opportunity to make one's own decisions.
- Cotton On Group: Australia has a pretty robust fashion industry considering its relatively small population, and the biggest player is Cotton On, a parent company to seven brands that, according to BoF, values employee well-being and rewards performance generously.
- Gucci: No surprise here—the crown jewel in Kering's collection of brands is a great place to work right now. Not only is the company killing it on the financial front, smashing revenue-growth records along the way, but it's also, per BoF, a challenging and exciting environment to work in.
- Tommy Hilfiger: Gigi Hadid isn't the only one having a blast working for this American stalwart—one employee told BoF that "ambition is respected and supported" at the company, and on Glassdoor, many call out the great benefits.
