In September 1944, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) was founded by Mortimer Ritter and Max Meyer to provide a more sophisticated trained and skilled workforce for the American fashion industry after World War II.

Shirley Goodman played a significant role in the development of the college and was instrumental in making FIT part of the SUNY system.

In 1951, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) transitioned into a college under the State University of New York, marking a significant milestone in its institutional development.

In 1957, FIT received accreditation, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey.

In 1959, FIT relocated to a nine-story building on Seventh Avenue in the garment district, accommodating its growing student body and expanding curriculum.

By 1963, FIT experienced a significant increase in student enrollment, with the number reaching 4,000 students, showcasing the college's popularity and success.

In 1967, the faculty and staff of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) achieved a milestone by winning the first higher education union contract in New York State.

The Museum at FIT, originally known as the Design Laboratory, was established in 1969. It houses collections of clothing, textiles, and accessories, and presents exhibitions utilizing its own collection as well as textiles and fashion-related material.

In 1972, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) expanded its physical infrastructure by constructing six additional buildings to accommodate its growing student and faculty population.

In 1975, FIT was granted the authority to award Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, expanding its academic offerings beyond the associate degree level.

In 1979, another amendment to the Education Law of New York State authorized the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to offer master's degrees, further enhancing its academic offerings and prestige.

In 1984, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) achieved accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, highlighting its excellence in art and design education.

In 1985, FIT introduced its first master's degree programs after receiving authorization to grant advanced degrees four years earlier.

The building was named in honor of Fred P. Pomerantz after his death in 1986, following a donation by his son, John J. Pomerantz.

The executive director of FIT's Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries, now known as the FIT Foundation, passed away in 1991 after holding the position for many years.

In 1993, the Design Laboratory was renamed to The Museum at FIT by the Board of Trustees of FIT due to the significance of its collections and exhibitions. The museum was awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in 2012.

In 1997, Dr. Valerie Steele curated the London Fashion exhibition at the Museum at FIT, which received the first Richard Martin Award for Excellence in Costume Exhibitions.

In 2003, The Museum at FIT initiated its first annual Fashion Symposium in conjunction with the exhibition Femme Fatale: Fashion and Visual Culture in Fin-de-Sèicle Paris.

In 2006, The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT presented the first Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.

Isabel Toledo's inauguration day ensemble designed for Michelle Obama in 2008 was displayed in the exhibition Isabel Toledo: Fashion From the Inside Out.

The Eco-Fashion: Going Green exhibition in 2010 explored the environmental and ethical practices of fashion over the past two centuries.

In the summer of 2012, The Museum at FIT received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.

Dr. Lourdes M. Font contributed to the catalogue 'Fashion Mix: Modes d’ici. Créateurs d’ailleurs' for an exhibition at the Musée National de l’Immigration in 2014.

Lauren Whitley co-curated the #techstyle exhibition in March 2016, showcasing the intersection of technology and fashion in a contemporary context.

The exhibition 'The Body: Fashion and Physique' delves into how fashion has influenced and mirrored changing societal ideals regarding the human body. It showcases a collection of clothing items that emphasize the origins and significance of modern body-positive movements.

Sarah Bochicchio started as an Assistant Editor in Spring 2018.

Monica Ponzini began as a Student Intern in Summer 2018.

Jiyun Kim began as a Student Intern in Spring 2019.

In November 2019, FIT was ranked as the top school for Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising by Fashion-Schools.org, showcasing its excellence in these areas.

The Fashion Institute of Technology is celebrating its 75th anniversary with various events and activities. The college aims to share the celebration with both the FIT community and those outside.

Nico Frederick began as a Student Intern in Summer 2021.

Bridget Kerr joined as an Assistant Editor in Spring 2022.

FIT's Signage Master Plan aims to strengthen the connection between FIT, its buildings, and the influential individuals in its history and future. It also focuses on honoring the college's heritage and acknowledging donors through building names.