Tailors and Dressmakers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment prospects in this industry are expected to decline through 2029. For the short term, at least into 2021, the coronavirus pandemic has deeply affected all industries. The lockdowns and increased number of people working from home have diminished the need for tailors, dressmakers, and sewers. Going forward, attributing factors to the general decline in this profession include the low cost and ready availability of factory-made clothing and the invention of labor-saving machinery such as computerized sewing and cutting machines. In fact, automated machines are expected to replace many sewing jobs in the next decade. In addition, the apparel industry has declined domestically as many businesses choose to produce their items abroad, where labor is cheap and, many times, unregulated.

Tailors and dressmakers who do reliable and skillful work, however, particularly in the areas of mending and alterations, should be able to find employment in the years to come. This industry is large, employing thousands of people. Many job openings will be created as current employees leave the workforce due to retirement or other reasons.