Tailor/Dressmaker

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Work Tasks

Custom TAILORS/DRESSMAKERS alter and repair garments for individuals and make custom clothing, such as suits, overcoats, and dresses, according to the preferences of the customer. They meet with the customer to help them in their selection of the right fabric as well as the pattern or style to be used. Tailors and dressmakers measure the customer to modify or prepare the pattern. Tailors and dressmakers also work in retail outlets, including laundries and dry-cleaning establishments, where they do only alterations, adjustments, and repairs, such as letting out or taking in waistlines, adjusting hems, and replacing buttons.

Salary, Size & Growth

Entry Requirements

Retailers prefer to hire TAILORS/DRESSMAKERS with previous experience in apparel manufacture, design, and alterations. Applicants with secondary or post-secondary vocational training or previous work experience in apparel production usually have a better chance of getting a job. Knowledge of fabrics, design, and construction is very important. Custom tailors sometimes learn these skills through courses in high school or a community college. A few private schools and colleges offer advanced training in sewing, draping, patternmaking, and design. No special licensing or certification is required for tailors/dressmakers.