Professional Tailor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world of fashion and design, the role of professional tailors has become increasingly prominent.

As the fashion industry evolves, there is a growing demand for skilled artisans who can create, adapt, and maintain our sartorial masterpieces.

But let’s dissect this: What’s really expected from a professional tailor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this position,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of tailoring,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional tailor job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Tailor Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Tailors are skilled in the alteration, repair, and custom creation of garments.

They work closely with clients to ensure garments fit correctly and are completed to the client’s satisfaction.

Professional Tailors have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Consult with clients to discuss design and fitting preferences
• Measure clients to ensure proper fit of garments
• Alter and repair clothing as per customer needs
• Create custom clothing as per client’s specifications and measurements
• Mark fabrics for cutting and sewing using patterns and measurements
• Operate sewing machines, sergers, and other equipment to complete alterations and custom clothing
• Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations
• Record client information, including measurements, fabric preference, and notes on alterations
• Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications
• Stay updated with latest fashion trends and tailoring techniques
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of work area

 

Professional Tailor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Professional Tailor to produce high-quality clothing items from a variety of fabrics.

The responsibilities of a Professional Tailor include consulting with clients to determine their needs, taking measurements, producing patterns, and creating pieces from design to completion.

Our ideal candidates have a deep understanding of fabrics, patterns, and sewing techniques.

Knowledge in the latest fashion trends, and an eye for design are also important.

Ultimately, the role of a Professional Tailor is to deliver well-tailored, high-quality clothing pieces that meet the client’s specifications and exceed their expectations.

 

Responsibilities

• Meeting with clients to discuss their tailoring needs and taking their measurements.
• Creating or adapting designs and patterns according to client specifications.
• Selecting and purchasing the required fabric, trims and supplies.
• Sewing, fitting, and altering clothing items as required.
• Performing quality checks on all finished pieces.
• Communicating effectively with clients regarding their orders, alterations, and delivery dates.
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Keeping up with the latest fashion trends and tailoring techniques.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Professional Tailor or similar role.
• Proficiency in sewing by hand and using a sewing machine.
• Excellent knowledge of design, sewing, and alteration techniques.
• Familiarity with a range of fabrics and materials and their properties.
• Ability to translate sketches and designs into tangible items.
• Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A relevant certification in Fashion Design or Tailoring is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Tailor
• Work Environment: This is typically a workshop setting. The job may require standing for long hours and working with a variety of tools and equipment.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Tailoring Manager or Store Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Tailor Do?

A Professional Tailor primarily works in the fashion industry or as an independent artisan offering specialized clothing alteration services.

They measure, cut, and stitch fabric to create or alter clothing.

They typically use sewing machines for stitching, but may also perform hand-stitching for certain types of garments or detailing.

Tailors take measurements of clients and adjust clothing pieces to fit perfectly.

This could involve shortening or lengthening hems, taking in or letting out seams, and adjusting zippers, buttons, or other fasteners.

Some Tailors also design and create custom clothing from scratch, based on client specifications.

This can include formal wear, costumes, or everyday clothing.

Tailors often consult with clients to understand their needs and provide professional advice regarding fabric selection, design, and fit.

They strive to ensure that every clothing item not only fits the client well, but also corresponds to the client’s personal style and comfort.

They also perform minor repairs, such as mending tears and replacing buttons or zippers.

In addition, they may specialize in specific types of tailoring, such as bridal tailoring or men’s suit tailoring.

 

Professional Tailor Qualifications and Skills

A professional tailor should possess a specific set of skills and qualifications that include:

• Technical knowledge and skills in sewing, hemming, and mending clothes by hand and with a sewing machine
• Strong attention to detail for precise measurements, pattern making, and alterations
• Ability to work with a variety of fabrics, threads, and tools, understanding their unique requirements and handling techniques
• Interpersonal skills to connect with customers, understand their needs, and provide personalized service
• Communication skills to listen to customer requests, explain possible solutions and adjustments, and ensure customer satisfaction
• Aesthetic creativity and knowledge of fashion trends to help advise customers on design choices and alterations
• Time management skills to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver a high level of quality
• Customer service skills to handle transactions, schedule appointments, and maintain good customer relations
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform tasks that require precision, such as cutting fabric or sewing delicate details

 

Professional Tailor Experience Requirements

To begin a career as a professional tailor, an individual typically needs at least 1 to 2 years of experience in sewing, alterations, or garment construction.

This experience can be gained through an apprenticeship, vocational training program, or formal education in fashion design or related field.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are usually expected to have proficiency in sewing and tailoring techniques, understanding of different fabrics and their characteristics, and a keen eye for detail.

They may have gained experience in entry-level roles such as Sewing Machine Operator, Assistant Tailor, or Garment Technician.

Aspiring tailors with more than 4 years of experience often have developed their skills further to involve custom fitting, pattern drafting, and alterations on a variety of garments.

These individuals may have previous roles such as Master Tailor or Dressmaker.

Those with over 5 years of experience are typically ready to take on more complex tailoring tasks, including supervising and training junior staff, running their own tailoring business, or working on high-end, custom tailoring projects.

Such individuals may have experience in senior or managerial roles in the tailoring or fashion industry.

 

Professional Tailor Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a professional tailor typically involves obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some aspiring tailors might then choose to pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree in fashion design, tailoring, or a related field.

These programs often cover topics such as sewing techniques, pattern development, tailoring, textiles, and fashion design.

Hands-on training is an essential part of a tailor’s education.

This can be achieved through internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.

The objective is to gain practical experience in using sewing machines, hand stitching, fitting, and altering garments.

In addition to formal education, tailors need to have a keen eye for detail, precision, and an understanding of different fabric types and how they work.

While not a strict requirement, some tailors may choose to obtain professional certification.

This is offered by organizations such as the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals and can help demonstrate a tailor’s skills and commitment to the profession.

Continuing education is also important for a professional tailor, as it allows them to stay updated with the latest sewing techniques, fashion trends, and materials.

 

Professional Tailor Salary Expectations

A Professional Tailor typically earns an average salary of $29,170 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate depending on factors such as the tailor’s level of expertise, the location in which they work, and the specific company or clients they work for.

 

Professional Tailor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional tailor need?

Professional tailors need to have a keen eye for detail and the ability to work with precision.

They must be proficient in sewing, both by hand and using different types of sewing machines.

They should also possess excellent measuring and pattern-making skills.

Good communication skills are essential as they need to understand their client’s requirements and provide advice on styles, fabrics and fittings.

 

Do professional tailors need a degree?

While a degree is not necessary, many professional tailors have completed a vocational training program or apprenticeship in tailoring or fashion design.

A strong understanding of fabrics, color theory, and the ability to sew and create patterns is a must.

Some tailors also opt for a degree in fashion design to enhance their skills and gain more in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry.

 

What should you look for in a professional tailor’s resume?

A professional tailor’s resume should highlight their sewing and pattern-making skills, and any experience in tailoring or fashion design.

Look for evidence of their attention to detail and ability to work with precision.

Any experience in customer service can also be a plus as tailors frequently interact with clients.

Certifications from vocational training programs or reputable fashion schools can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good professional tailor?

A good professional tailor is meticulous and has a keen eye for details.

They should have a deep understanding of fabrics and color combinations.

Good manual dexterity is essential for precise cutting and sewing.

They should also be creative, enabling them to design attractive and fitting garments.

Excellent communication skills are also important as they frequently interact with clients.

 

Is it difficult to hire professional tailors?

Hiring a professional tailor can be challenging because it requires a unique combination of skills, including sewing, pattern-making, and customer service.

In addition, because the job requires a high level of precision and creativity, finding the right candidate with the necessary expertise and experience can be a meticulous process.

Therefore, it’s important to clearly outline the job requirements and expectations during the hiring process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delicately unpicked the stitches of what it truly means to be a professional tailor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about sewing clothes.

It’s about weaving the fabric of style, one stitch at a time.

With our invaluable professional tailor job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to thread your needle.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-sewn job listings or meticulously tailoring your resume to perfection.

Bear this in mind:

Every stitch is part of a bigger ensemble.

Let’s design that future. Together.