Editor’s note: Graduates of UD’s fashion and apparel studies programs are making an impact in all aspects of the industry around the world. Our spotlights offer a glimpse into their careers, how UD prepared them for their current position and the advice they have for students interested in a career in the fashion world. These stories have been edited for length; here is the full interview with Hannah.

Hannah Laurits is a fabric lab textile coordinator at Swim USA. A 2024 graduate of UD’s graduate program in fashion and apparel design, she received her undergraduate degree in apparel design, and fashion merchandising and management from UD in 2022. Laurits had several internships during her time as a Blue Hen. She is passionate about the intersection of textile innovation, sustainability and sourcing.

What are your main responsibilities as a fabric lab textile coordinator? What does a typical day look like?

I work to ensure that the fabrics that go into our products meet both our internal quality standards as well as the standards of our customers and the global textile industry. In the lab, we mainly focus on quality control, which includes ensuring that the fabrics we use in production meet specific quality standards.

In my role, a typical day may include visually and/or digitally reviewing colors to ensure that they align with our established standards. Additionally, each day consists of a variety of testing and analysis of results to ensure that they meet brand requirements. I also assist with raw materials development, particularly in the areas of color and fabric testing for various brands. One key aspect of my work is analyzing testing data to identify risks, areas for improvement, and potential delays in production.

The best parts of my role are the variety of tasks I’m involved in, the opportunity to work on multiple brands, and the extensive cross-functional collaboration I get to participate in. From color matching and testing to analyzing data and working directly with various teams, no two days are ever the same. The level of collaboration across departments has been extremely helpful, allowing me to learn from different areas of the business and broaden my skill set.

From your observation, how has sustainability impacted the selection and sourcing of textile materials for fashion companies?

Sustainability is a major focus in the textile and apparel industry, continuously evolving and shaping how fashion companies approach textile research, development and sourcing. There is a noticeable shift toward prioritizing eco-friendly materials and minimizing environmental footprint. Sustainability in fabrics can be assessed in many ways throughout a fabric’s entire lifecycle – from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. It is important to consider not only the environmental impact but also the social and ethical aspects of fiber cultivation and fabric production, ensuring that workers’ rights are also prioritized. From what I have observed in the market, the most accessible and widely adopted sustainable fabrics tend to be recycled, organic or plant-based materials. However, there are many other emerging trends worth watching. These include waterless or low-water dyeing technologies, eco-friendly finishes and treatments, regenerative agriculture and innovative fiber development.

What advice do you have for current UD students who are preparing for a career in the fashion apparel industry?

My advice to students is to get involved as much as possible. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience. If internships aren’t available, networking and learning from professionals in the industry are invaluable. At UD, there are numerous opportunities to take advantage of, like research projects, clubs and career fairs to build connections and expand your knowledge. I have found that having a master’s degree in Fashion and Apparel has provided me with a strong foundation that has helped me secure a career and be successful in the industry. I often find myself referring to course topics and key skills I learned in graduate school, such as data analysis.