Occupation · SOC 51-6052
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
Median wage
$40,860
$27,110–$62,490
Projected growth
-4.4%
Declining
Annual openings
-170
per year
Employed (US)
16,290
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Time ManagementSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingService OrientationReading ComprehensionCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningWritingOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisOperation and ControlTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisPersuasionNegotiationInstructingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisRepairingManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignMathematicsManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesScienceProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementEconomics and AccountingDesignMathematicsSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeEducation and TrainingMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityCommunications and MediaPsychologyEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsForeign LanguageTransportationSociology and AnthropologyPhysicsMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentChemistryBuilding and ConstructionFood ProductionFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyBiologyGeography
Technology & tools
ArbelSoft TailorMaxBookkeeping softwareGarment design softwareGoogle DocsInventory tracking softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordTailor Master
Representative tasks
Controlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationSelling or Influencing OthersProcessing InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesTraining and Teaching OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic seam removal — perform using rippers or razor blades under direct supervisor guidance in an alteration shop.Tape measure and customer measurements — record accurately following a standard measurement checklist in a retail tailor setting.Hand-sewing needles and thread — use to complete simple basting stitches on pre-pinned garment sections under close supervision.Scissors and trimming techniques — apply to remove excess fabric from marked alteration lines under a senior tailor's direction.Garment fit issues — recognize common problems such as tight sleeves or uneven hems while assisting a lead seamstress.Sewing machine operation — demonstrate basic straight-stitch functions on scrap fabric during supervised shop floor training.Sleeve and pant-leg measurements — mark or pin-fold alteration lines on simple garments following verbal instructions from a supervisor.Customer service communication — listen actively and repeat back alteration requests to verify understanding in a fitting room environment.Fabric types and care labels — identify basic categories such as woven versus knit when sorting incoming garments for alteration.Point-of-sale POS software — enter customer orders and basic transaction data under direct instruction in a custom sewing shop.
developing
Seam allowances in suits and trousers — let out or take in with reduced oversight to improve garment fit for returning customers.Full customer measurement session — conduct independently using a tape measure and record all key dimensions accurately in a shop order form.Sewing machine and hand-stitching — use routinely to assemble garment parts and join sections with basting stitches across standard alterations.Garment fitting appointments — facilitate by studying fit on customers and identifying required alterations without supervisor prompting.Alteration lines on varied garment types — mark or pin-fold sleeves, waistbands, and hemlines consistently across familiar styles.Trimming and finishing — remove excess material with scissors and apply edge finishes to produce clean, professional seam results.Time management across multiple orders — prioritize and sequence daily alteration tasks to meet customer pickup deadlines in a busy shop.Customer alteration requests — interpret spoken instructions clearly, ask clarifying questions, and confirm scope before beginning work.Inventory management software — track fabric and notions stock, flag low supplies, and update records routinely in a small production environment.Common fit corrections on formal wear — execute standard adjustments such as jacket sleeve shortening and trouser tapering with consistent quality.
proficient
Complex garment alterations — perform autonomously across full scope including structural changes to suits, gowns, and custom orders in a professional tailor shop.Non-standard fit challenges — diagnose and resolve difficult cases such as asymmetrical posture or non-standard body proportions during live fittings.Custom garment construction — assemble and join all components from pattern to finished piece using both machine and hand-sewing techniques independently.Precision measurement and grading — measure customers accurately, compare against pattern specifications, and calculate multi-point adjustments without reference materials.CAD software for garment design — use computer-aided design tools to draft or modify patterns for custom sewing projects in a production environment.Critical evaluation of finished garments — inspect completed alterations and custom pieces against quality standards, identify defects, and correct before customer delivery.Customer consultation management — lead fitting appointments, communicate technical alteration options clearly, and recommend solutions aligned with customer expectations.Seam deconstruction on high-value garments — remove stitching from delicate or specialty fabrics using appropriate tools without damaging material.CRM and customer records — maintain detailed alteration histories, measurement profiles, and preferences for a recurring client base in a custom sewing shop.Workflow efficiency — organize bench setup, tools, and task sequencing to maximize throughput during peak production periods without sacrificing workmanship.
advanced
Shop-wide quality standards — establish and enforce alteration and construction benchmarks across all staff to maintain consistent output in a tailoring or dressmaking business.Staff skill development — mentor and train emerging and developing sewers in fitting techniques, machine operation, and customer interaction in a production environment.Custom sewing service portfolio — design and expand service offerings based on market demand, customer feedback, and production capacity analysis.Business operations management — oversee scheduling, pricing, inventory, and financial tracking using accounting and spreadsheet software to sustain shop profitability.Complex pattern development — create original or heavily modified patterns for bespoke garments, guiding junior staff through construction steps in a custom atelier.Customer relationship strategy — build and retain a loyal client base by implementing CRM processes, follow-up protocols, and personalized service standards.Production process improvement — evaluate and redesign alteration workflows to reduce turnaround time and material waste across the full shop operation.Supplier and vendor relationships — negotiate fabric and notions procurement terms to balance quality and cost in alignment with the shop's production and financial goals.Innovative technique adoption — research and introduce advanced construction or alteration methods, evaluating their fit with the shop's capability and client expectations.Industry and community representation — present the shop's capabilities to local bridal, theatrical, or fashion industry partners to generate new business and collaborative opportunities.
Also known as
85 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Alteration TailorAlterations and Tailor Shop FitterAlterations and Tailor Shop SewerAlterations AssociateAlterations ExpertAlterations SewerAlterations SpecialistAlterations TailorAppliquerBridal DesignerBridal Gown FitterCloth CutterClothing BushelerClothing CutterClothing Pattern DesignerCoat BasterCoat CutterCoat MakerCoat TailorCollar CutterCollar SetterCollar TailorCollar TurnerCorset FitterCouture DressmakerCrocheterCustom DressmakerCustom Garment TailorCustom SewerCustom TailorDrapery MakerDrapery SeamstressDress CutterDress FitterDressmakerDressmaker Garment FitterEmbroidererEmbroidery Machine OperatorEmbroidery SpecialistEmbroidery Worker