Who Designed That Hoodie?

We asked Jaz Zamora what it’s like creating clothes for Adidas.

September 2026

by Alex Lim-Chua Wee

Courtesy of Jaz Zamora

Jaz Zamora

Think about your favorite clothing item. It could be something you’re wearing right now. Perhaps it’s a hoodie that fits you just right. Maybe it’s a pair of sweatpants that are great for running and lounging.

To you, it’s perfect. But have you ever stopped to think about who made it that way?

Chances are, it was someone like Jaz Zamora. She’s an apparel designer at Adidas. It’s her job to help create different styles of clothing—from T-shirts to track shorts.

These clothes have to look cool. But they also need to be comfortable to wear and tough enough to bike, skate, or train in. We talked to Jaz about her fascinating job.

Did you always want to design sportswear?

In college, I was studying to be a doctor. But I wasn’t happy. I had always liked art. I began knitting in my free time and got more interested in making clothes. I decided to switch to art school to study apparel design.

How do you get started on a design?

First, I get something called a brief. It might say “Create a new design for cargo pants for teens next spring.” Next, I start researching. I notice what’s trending on social media. What are people talking about and wearing? I also study what other brands are doing to see how our designs can stand out.

What happens next?

I create mood boards and look at different fabric colors and textures. Then I start sketching. Once I’m happy with my ideas, I share them with the rest of the team. We go back and forth until designs get approved. Then we help get the designs ready to be made in factories. The whole process can take about one to two years.

What might surprise people about your job?

Designing isn’t just art. There’s science too! I have to consider how different fabrics work together and how they move when you wear them.

What’s your biggest challenge?

Getting feedback can be tricky sometimes. You might design a piece you love, but maybe it’s not what the company is looking for. You can’t take that personally. It can take time to get things right, and that’s OK!