Apparel Industry Workers

Employers

There are approximately 15,080 textile, apparel, and furnishings workers; 116,130 sewing machine operators; 14,950 tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers; and 28,700 pressers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Apparel industry workers are employed in many settings, from multinational corporations such as Levi Strauss to small companies with few employees. Production jobs are concentrated in California, Georgia, and North Carolina, though small clothing manufacturers are located in many parts of the country. About one-half of all pressers are employed in laundry and dry-cleaning businesses, which exist throughout the United States. This work does not require much prior training or experience. Few workers in this industry are self-employed, primarily tailors, dressmakers, sewers, and upholsterers. Custom tailors often work in retail clothing stores. Retailers prefer to hire custom tailors and sewers with previous experience in the apparel field. Hand sewers may find work adding trimming to a wide variety of apparel, from clothing to accessories.

Starting Out

If you are interested in working in the apparel industry, you may apply directly to apparel manufacturing firms. Jobs often are listed with state employment agencies, on companies' Web sites, in newspaper classified ads, or in trade publications. Companies may also post openings on a sign outside the building. Local unions also may be good sources of job leads.

A small number of skilled workers such as tailors and patternmakers are trained in formal apprenticeship programs. Special courses in sewing, tailoring, and pattern-making are offered in apparel industry centers in New York City and parts of the South.

Many employers have a strong preference for workers with an associate's degree and give such workers a short, intensive in-plant orientation and training program so they can be placed where their skills are used immediately. Many graduate apparel technicians who have participated in a cooperative program are given responsible positions immediately upon graduation. Some in-plant training programs are designed to train new technicians to work as supervisors.

Custom tailors and sewers with experience in apparel manufacture are more likely to be hired by retailers. Knowledge of fabric design and construction is essential. Laundry and dry cleaning establishments often hire inexperienced workers. However, applicants with work experience are preferred.