Tailor
What is the work like?
Tailors produce custom-made (‘bespoke’) suits, jackets and coats for men and women. They may create the whole garment or work in a team, which involves each member working on a particular part of the tailoring process.
As a tailor, your work would often focus on making a new item of clothing, which would include:
- agreeing a style and fabric with the customer
- working out how long it will take to produce the garment and how much the work will cost
- producing a design (either by adapting an existing pattern or developing a new design)
- creating a pattern, either by hand or using computer aided design
- fitting the garment and marking any alterations.
Clients could also come to you for repairs and alterations to clothing purchased or created elsewhere.
When working with expensive fabrics, you may first of all create a ‘mock-up’ of a garment (called a 'toile') using cheaper fabric like calico. And you would usually hand stitch bespoke garments.
You would also spend some of your time researching and gathering design ideas, which could come from clients, magazines, brochures, pattern books, art, exhibitions and fabric samples.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could start work straight from school and learn on-the-job from a master tailor. You may be able to arrange this yourself, or it could be part of an Apprenticeship scheme.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You are likely to have an advantage when looking for work if you have some relevant skills. There are a number of courses that may help you prepare for this work, including:
- City & Guilds levels 1 to 3 in Design and Craft
- ABC Level 3 Diploma in Handcraft Tailoring
- ABC awards in Sewing and Textiles, or Fashion and Textiles
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Art and Design
- NOCN levels 1 to 3 in Creative Skills.
If you are interested in working closely with the manufacturing industry, the ABC exam board have developed a Level 3 Diploma in Production Tailoring.
You may be able to get into the industry through an 18-week pre-apprenticeship course, part of the Bespoke Tailoring Apprenticeship Programme, offered by Newham College in partnership with Savile Row Bespoke. This is supported by employers, however, the number of opportunities on Savile Row is limited, so competition for places on the programme is strong.
What further training and development can I do?
You will need to follow an intensive and lengthy programme of on-the-job training, working alongside experienced master tailors, in order to become a skilled bespoke tailor. You could go on to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring.
If you are on the four-year Bespoke Tailoring Apprenticeship programme, your training will cover areas such as hand and machine sewing, pattern-cutting and garment construction.
In the manufacturing industry, you may be encouraged to work towards an NVQ qualification, such as the Level 2 in Manufacturing Sewn Products.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for tailors can be around £10,500 to £13,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £14,000 and £18,000.
- In high quality bespoke outlets on Savile Row, salaries may rise to around £40,000.
Self-employed tailors set their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You could work around 40 hours a week, but this can increase depending on deadlines. You may need to work occasional evenings and weekends to carry out customer fittings.
You would be based in a sewing room, which may be attached to a shop or small factory.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- pattern-cutting skills
- knowledge of fabric types and their properties
- excellent sewing skills
- an interest in textiles, fashion, design and trends
- creativity and the ability to visualise designs
- the ability to put clients at ease
- a patient and tactful manner
- accuracy and attention to detail
- the ability to maintain concentration, sometimes for long periods
- a smart appearance.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs in small and medium-sized companies in the major cities throughout the UK.
In a larger company you may be able to progress to senior tailor or supervisor. And with experience, you could become self-employed.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, as well as in industry publications such as Drapers, Textile Month and Textile Horizons.
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