Elizabeth Hoiles

Senior Designer for Apparel, Outerwear and Gear · 5.11 Tactical

Encinitas, CA

In My Own Words

As a designer specializing in technical apparel and accessories for over 20 years, I blend functionality with innovation to create gear that supports an active lifestyle. With a deep understanding of technical materials, ergonomics, and function, I craft products that meet the demands of the outdoors, urban environments, and everything in between. I love to merge performance fabrics with practical designs, ensuring that each piece is not only high-performing but versatile and comfortable. Whether it's a waterproof jacket, layering piece or everyday clothing, my goal is to deliver products that are the highest quality and function for the price.

Work Experience

Senior Apparel Designer for Technical and Lifestyle Apparel

5.11 Tactical

2012 – 2025

-Designed some of the highest grossing and longest running Franchise products: eg. Apex Pant - $10mil+/yr sales, 29% of all sales annually -Developed Proprietary, high performance fabrics. -Created Plaids, Prints and Patterns for Wovens and Knits. -Researched Color and Fashion trends to for seasonal design direction.

Senior Apparel Designer

Arc'teryx Equipment Inc.

2005 – 2012

Industrial designer of Gore-tex outerwear garments, soft-shells, fleece, sportswear and lifestyle clothing. -Designed Gore-tex outerwear, mid-layer insulation and fleece jackets for Snow-sports and Outdoor pursuits as well as outdoor lifestyle clothing. -Designed and developed the first iterations of the Atom Jacket franchise which still runs today. -Developed innovative garment constructions methods. -Developed and Tested new fabrics and insulation materials.

Industrial Designer, Apparel Design

Independent

2005 – 2012

Designed Technical Outerwear for a few small brands out of Vancouver, BC, L.A., Oregon. Consulting on color and design for a snowboard brand based in Vancouver.

Soft Goods Buyer

Second Wave Surf and Snowboard Shop

1998 – 2004

Purchased men's and woman's clothing, shoes accessories and outerwear. Developed and Branded our woman's only concept store called "La Nina". Additional responsibilities included merchandising, sales, developing and manufacturing our branded apparel.