Did You Know There Are Different Types of Fashion Design Courses at Delight Technical College?

By Delight Technical College | School of Tailoring, Fashion & Design | 2026

 

Most people assume that “fashion design” is one single course. When they discover Delight Technical College, they are often surprised to learn that we actually offer eight distinct fashion and tailoring programs — each with its own focus, career path, and skill set. Choosing the right type of course from the start makes a huge difference to your career trajectory.

Here is everything you need to know about the different types of fashion courses on offer at Delight and how to figure out which one is right for you.

👗 Fashion Design (Dressmaking)- Level 3, Artisan

This course specializes in the creation of women’s and children’s clothing. It is one of the most popular pathways at Delight, attracting learners who love feminine silhouettes, flowing fabrics, and creative styling.

What you will learn:

• Sewing machine operations
• Construction of simple ladies’ garments
• Pattern drafting for women’s wear
• Fabric selection and garment fitting
• Progression into styled and decorated garments at Level 4

Ideal career paths:

• Dressmaker | Women’s boutique owner | Bridal designer | Fashion entrepreneur

 

🧥 Fashion Design (Tailoring)- Level 3, Artisan

Tailoring is the art of precision. This course focuses on structured garment construction- primarily men’s clothing such as suits, trousers, jackets, and shirts. It requires an eye for detail and a passion for clean, structured lines.

What you will learn:

• Construction of simple gents’ garments
• Suit making, trouser and jacket construction
• Lining, interfacing, and structural garment components
• Alterations and fitting techniques

Ideal career paths:

• Tailor | Menswear boutique owner | Uniform manufacturer | Alterations specialist

 

🪡 Fashion Design Technology- Level 4 & Level 5

Fashion Design Technology is where dressmaking and tailoring begin to merge into a broader, more technical program. At Levels 4 and 5, students move beyond basic construction into pattern grading, fashion sketching, textile science, and both ladies’ and gents’ wear at a professional level.

Level 4 focus:

• Styled Garments Production
• Decorated Fabrics Production

Level 5 focus:

• Fashion Design & Sketching
• Textile Material Principles
• Pattern Construction & Grading
• Ladies’ Wear and Gents’ Wear (advanced)
• Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurial Skills, Work Ethics

By Level 5, you are no longer just making clothes you are designing, grading, and thinking like a professional fashion technologist.

 

 

🏆 Fashion Design- Level 6, Diploma (The Most Advanced)

The Level 6 Diploma in Fashion Design is Delight’s flagship fashion program. This is for serious designers who want to compete at the highest level of Kenya’s fashion industry.

What makes Level 6 unique:

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)- designing digitally using industry software
• Children’s Wear- a specialist category with unique construction demands
• Fashion Accessories- bags, belts, jewellery, and complementary pieces
• Quality Control Principles- ensuring production meets professional standards
• Research Methods- preparing students for further academic study
• Elective: Sports & Uniform Wear- designing for athletic and institutional clients
• Elective: Lingerie & Occasion Wear- specializing in intimate and formal fashion
• Industrial Attachment- 3 months of real-world industry experience

 

🧶 Trade Test Courses- Quick Entry, Real Skills

For learners who want to gain a marketable skill quickly, Delight offers three Trade Test courses examined by NITA:

Tailoring (Trade Test)

A fast-track course focused on practical tailoring skills for immediate employment or self-employment.

Dressmaking (Trade Test)

A practical dressmaking course aimed at learners who want to start sewing for clients as quickly as possible.

Knitting (Trade Test)

Kenya’s knitwear market is growing fast. This course trains learners in machine and hand knitting for garment production, accessories, and home textiles.

“Knitting is one of the most underrated fashion skills in Kenya and one of the most profitable.”

 

📊 All Fashion Courses at a Glance

Course	Level	Qualification	Exam Body
Fashion Design	Level 6	Diploma	TVET-CDACC
Fashion Design Technology	Level 5	Craft	TVET-CDACC
Fashion Design Technology	Level 4	Certificate	TVET-CDACC
Fashion Design (Dressmaking)	Level 3	Artisan	TVET-CDACC
Fashion Design (Tailoring)	Level 3	Artisan	TVET-CDACC
Tailoring	Trade Test	Artisan	NITA
Dressmaking	Trade Test	Artisan	NITA
Knitting	Trade Test	Artisan	NITA

 

🤔 So Which Course Is Right for You?

💡 Want to start a dressmaking or tailoring business fast? → Trade Test (6–12 months)

💡 Want a nationally recognized certificate to build your career? → Level 3 or Level 4

💡 Interested in design, not just production? → Level 5 or Level 6

💡 Want the full professional diploma with CAD and industry attachment? → Level 6 Diploma

Still unsure? Our fashion tutors at Delight will sit with you, understand your goals, and help you choose the right path.

 

📍 Delight Technical College | Muindi Mbingu Street, Opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi | +254 722 533 771 | www.delight.ac.ke