How to Find a Good Tailor

A good tailor takes pride in making good clothes.

Customized clothing offers a higher level of attention to detail than regular clothing and provides a perfect fit that gives the wearer a comfortable, polished look. Good tailors keep the unique requirements of each client at the forefront when developing and providing quality products and services. These skilled artisans are knowledgeable of fashion, design and fabric. They maintain a high level of skill to provide value for each client. Finding a good tailor may seem to be a challenge but, through networking and research, a good tailor can be found.

Instructions

1. Learn the vocabulary and an overview of the different methods of tailoring. This enables you to communicate with the tailor what it is that you want done. This also makes it possible to evaluate the tailor by seeing if there is ease of communication and understanding.

2. Tell friends and business associates you are trying to find a good tailor. Ask a clothing store that provides alterations for a recommendation. Make a list of local clothing cleaners using the business listings of the phone book or search for local businesses online. Clothing cleaners see all kinds of clothes and can tell which ones are quality made. Ask the cleaners which tailor they recommend.

3. Check out online local business reviews for input when narrowing down a list of potential good tailors. Look at places such as: Yelp, Insider, Kudzu, Local.com and Google local search.

4. Consult the Custom Tailors & Designers Association on line at their Find a Tailor page. This trade group started in 1880 as a means for members to share various aspects of design and tailoring. The criterion for membership assures clients of a tailor who is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of providing custom clothing. They also provide accredited training courses in all aspects of tailoring from business basics to new developments.

5. Visit the individual tailor shops and ask to see samples of their work. Discuss what work you are considering having done to see which tailor is best qualified to complete the work. Also ask whether they can complete the work within your needed time frame. Discuss their experience and ability as it relates to the work you need done, including what they specialize in, if anything. See if their turnaround time meets your schedule along with pricing. While talking with each tailor, assess how well you are able to communicate with him.

References

• Custom Tailors & Designers Association
• "Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket"; Creative Publishing International; 2005
• Sewing.Org: Sewing Terminology

Resources

• "Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns and Tailoring Techniques"; S.S. Gordon; 2000