Tailor Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Hiring a tailor to make, repair, or alter a garment or entire outfit is a way to get the most from your clothing budget. Professional tailors have the skills and tools needed to create custom-fitted garments by making alterations or by making garments from scratch. These professionals begin by taking a customer’s measurements. The measurements are then compared to a garment or pattern pieces to see what changes the tailor needs to make to get the fit right.
  

  
  

  Tailors frequently alter garments for special events, such as weddings and proms. Additionally, tailors alter everyday garments and work outfits to help people have clothing to wear that’s both flattering and comfortable.

• What is a tailor?

  A tailor is a professional who works with textiles to alter, make, and repair garments. Custom-fitted suits, including jackets and pants, are the most common items tailors make and repair. Tailors use dressmaking, sewing, and fashion design skills to complete tailoring tasks.

• What does a tailor do?

  Tailors make, fit, and repair garments. When making garments, tailors use the customer’s measurements to prepare the pattern for a custom-fitted garment. The customer's measurements are also used to adjust the fit when altering clothing. Additionally, tailors use sewing skills to repair garments that have been damaged.

• Are tailors and seamstresses the same?

  Tailors and seamstresses are not the same. Tailors typically have advanced skills that are used to create garments that offer customers a unique fit. Seamstresses typically cut and sew garments based on a pattern, making few alterations to the pattern. Tailors and seamstresses do, however, use some of the same basic sewing skills.

• What is the difference between a tailor and a fashion designer?

  A tailor customizes an existing garment or pattern to create a unique garment for a customer. A fashion designer conceives the design for a garment and is involved in creating the pattern. Tailors and fashion designers have some overlapping skills, such as choosing textiles and advanced sewing techniques.

• What are the advantages of tailoring?

  One advantage of tailoring is getting garments that fit better. This can offer a slimming effect while creating a more professional appearance. It can also be a way to create a personal style instead of wearing mass-produced clothing that doesn’t quite fit properly. Additionally, a complete tailored outfit can be crafted from better-quality materials. 
  

• How do you tailor something?

  To tailor something, put it on and look for areas that are baggy or too tight. Mark the excess to be taken in or what needs to be added. Either open the seams to add fabric or stitch the garment along the marked seams to take in the excess fabric and get rid of bagginess.