Tailor
Job Description:Tailors create custom made suits, jackets, dresses and coats etc for individual customers. They also alter and repair clothes.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- discussing the client’s needs
- giving the client advice on fabrics and patterns
- taking measurements
- changing an existing pattern, or creating a new pattern for the client
- costing the work
- using the pattern to cut out the fabric pieces
- tacking the fabric pieces together for a fitting
- making samples or ‘toiles’
- using a sewing machine or sewing by hand
- fitting the garment and making adjustments to create a perfect fit
- keeping your accounts, if self-employed (organisational skills)
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- excellent verbal communication skills
- creativity skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Tailor, you don’t necessarily need specific subjects, but having certain skills and knowledge can be beneficial. Tailoring is a craft that requires creativity, precision, and attention to detail. Here are some subjects and skills that can help you prepare for a career as a Tailor:
- Art and Design: Art and Design can help you develop your creativity and artistic skills, which are important for designing and creating clothing.
- Textiles: If your school offers Textiles, this subject can provide valuable knowledge about fabrics, sewing techniques, and garment construction.
- Mathematics: Basic mathematical skills are important for taking measurements, making pattern adjustments, and calculating fabric requirements.
- Design and Technology: This subject can help you understand the principles of design and construction, which are essential for tailoring.
- Business Studies: Understanding the business side of tailoring, including marketing and financial management, can be helpful if you plan to run your own tailoring business.
- English: Strong communication skills are essential for working with clients, discussing design ideas, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could start by doing a degree in fashion or fashion and textiles, and specialise in tailoring.
You could also do a degree in bespoke tailoring.
College
You could take a college course to develop your sewing, pattern cutting and design skills. Courses include:
- Certificate in Textiles (Level 2 in the UK)
- Award in Fashion – Pattern Cutting (Level 2 in the UK)
- Diploma in Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring (Level 3 in the UK)
- Craft and Design (T Level in the UK)
Apprenticeship
You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in garment making. You could also move on to a bespoke tailor and cutter higher apprenticeship, as your experience grows.
In the UK, you may be able to get into the industry through the Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) apprenticeship programme. This can take between 2 and 6 years to complete. You would apply directly to SRBA member tailoring companies. Competition for places is strong.
Work
You could start by working as an assistant to a master tailor. You may be able to arrange this yourself if you can show you have a keen interest in making clothes and have sewing skills.
Career Tips
In the UK, if you are aged between 13 and 16 you may be able to find out more about careers in the fashion and textiles industry through the British Fashion Council supported National Saturday Club.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, including Saturdays.
You’ll normally be based in a workshop or work from home. You may also spend some time visiting clients.
If self-employed, you’ll choose your own hours, depending on the amount of work and the deadlines you have.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could take on a supervisory role, move into a related career like fashion or textile buying, or become self-employed.
You could also work in costume production for theatre, TV and film.