Tailors and Dressmakers

Employers

Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers hold about 24,110 jobs in the United States. Those interested in high fashion should check out haute couture houses such as Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent. These industry giants deal with expensive fabrics and innovative designs. They also cater to a high level of clientele. Be prepared for stiff competition, because such businesses will consider only the most experienced, highly skilled tailors and dressmakers.

Tailors and dressmakers employed at retail department stores make alterations on ready-to-wear clothing sold on the premises. They may perform a small task, such as hemming pants or suit sleeves, or a major project such as custom fitting a wedding dress.

Experienced tailors or dressmakers may start their own businesses by making clothes and taking orders from those who like their work. Capital needed to start such a venture is minimal, since the most important equipment, such as a sewing machine, iron and ironing board, scissors, and notions, are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Shop space will need to be rented, unless it's a home business. Careful planning is needed to prepare for a self-owned tailoring or dressmaking business, and knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory is essential. Marketing is also important since the owner of a business must know how to attract customers.

Starting Out

Custom-tailor shops or garment-manufacturing centers sometimes offer apprenticeships to students or recent graduates, which give them a start in the business. As a beginner you may also find work in related jobs, such as a sewer or alterer in a custom-tailoring or dressmaking shop, garment factory, dry-cleaning store, or department store. Apply directly to such companies and shops and monitor local newspaper ads for openings as well. Check with your school's career center for industry information or job leads. Trade schools and colleges that have programs in textiles or fashion often offer their students help with job placement.