Tailor Job Description
Tailors alter, repair and create clothing according to customers' needs. While some in the field receive formal training, experience on the job is usually the best training to acquire the necessary skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 52,700 tailors, dressmakers and customer sewers employed in the United States in 2008, but there's not much future growth expected in the field because the demand for custom tailored clothing has begun to diminish.
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Duties
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A tailor performs a variety of custom clothing services. Most commonly, he alters clothing to fit a customer's frame. This may include hemming or adjusting the seams on a garment. The customer will try the item on in front of the tailor, who then takes measurements to see what alterations must be made. A tailor also repairs clothing by patching tears or sewing rips and holes.
In some instances, a tailor may create custom clothing: He'll select fabric based on the customer's preferences and the type of clothing requested. He'll then take the customer's measurements and use either a premade pattern or create one of his own to cut the material. The pieces of the garment are pinned together before they're sewed, so the tailor can make any necessary adjustments. He'll also have the customer try the garment on during the process so he can be certain that the item will fit.
Training
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Most tailors have a high school diploma or GED. They may receive formal training at high schools, community colleges or vocational schools. In these programs, tailors are schooled on the various types of fabric, as well as on design and construction. The majority of tailors learn on the job. By watching experienced tailors alter and repair clothing, new workers in the field are able to learn necessary skills and techniques.
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Working Conditions
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Most tailors work standard 40-hour weeks, but they're often required to work nights and weekends to accommodate customers. They usually work in tailor shops, dry-cleaning establishments or clothing stores; some are self-employed and may operate out of their homes. Work as a tailor can be physically demanding because they often sit for long periods, bent over sewing machines or working with needle and thread. This can lead to back and neck strain.
Salary
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According to PayScale.com, median hourly wages for new tailors, dressmakers and custom sewers with one to four years of experience ranged from $8.18 to $12.10 as of June 2010. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience earned between $9.94 and $13.23, while those with more than 20 years of experience were paid as much as $15.50 per hour.
Employment Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for tailors, dressmakers and custom sewers will remain steady between 2008 and 2018, which is in stark contrast to the declining employment rate for other textile and apparel workers who should see job openings decline by 15 percent. Many upscale stores and clients still have interest in custom clothing, so tailors may find work with designers who wish to market unique items to customers. In addition, many tailors are expected to retire, so there will be openings for experienced workers in the field.
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References
- Photo Credit old tailor tools studio isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
