Usually tailors repair and modify pre-made clothes, but they can also create new ones following patterns or drawings. You will need to be able to sew, pull together, reinforce and finish fabrics to be successful in this field. While the prerequisites for becoming a tailor aren't particularly challenging, building a successful career can be tough. Read on for more information.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Education
Step 1. Get a diploma
There is no official qualification for being a tailor. Typically, though, you should at least have a high school diploma or similar, especially if you intend to work for a large fashion company.
- Check the school to see if there are any lessons related to this field. You should at least take a home economics course. Some high schools may also offer specialized sewing courses that will teach you how to make fashion clothes, hand and machine sew.
- Take art classes to develop a better aesthetic sense and be more prepared with colors and styles.
- Make sure you cultivate math too, so you don't have a problem with measurements.
- A couple of business lessons can help you if you are planning to start your own business.
- The courses that also include the practical part are very useful, as you will be tutored by someone who could introduce you to the world of fashion.
Step 2. Take college courses
Even if you don't need a degree, you can benefit from higher education courses in fashion and design.
- In addition to being useful for personal improvement, college courses can lead your employer to consider you for more important positions. You might even climb to the top and find yourself in charge of other tailors as a supervisor.
- Check at universities or technical schools that may have sewing, design and fashion courses. Classes at a public university or technical school will be less expensive than four years of art academy.
- Look for those schools that offer various levels of courses, from beginner to advanced.
- Study everything inherent in construction, patterns, fabrics and textures, as well as fit and details.
- Your lessons should be a mix of theoretical knowledge and practice exercises.
Step 3. Consider taking business administration classes
Many tailors become entrepreneurs of themselves. It is not necessary, but you may find it beneficial to attend college-level finance and economics classes to prepare you for the responsibilities and duties associated with running a business.
Look for courses at local universities. Pay close attention to classes in administration, economics and finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and other business-related subjects
Method 2 of 3: Experience
Step 1. Work as an apprentice
One of the best things to do to prepare yourself for the world of professional tailoring is to do an apprenticeship with an established tailor. The apprenticeship will teach you the skills you need and your experience will make a great impression on the resume.
- You may find an apprenticeship program with a tailor who does repairs, tailor-made clothes, or in-store. An official apprenticeship with a tailor who specializes in repairs will cost you around 4,000 hours of work, while an apprenticeship with someone who makes bespoke and in-store suits will take around 8,000 hours.
- The tailor who will take you to work at the beginning will ask you for simple things like sewing, mending and making adjustments. As soon as you demonstrate skills and learning speed, you will be given more complex tasks.
Step 2. Choose informal training if needed
Since the actual apprenticeship can be difficult to find, you can also learn by working with a tailor or in an alteration department, while not doing anything directly related to the main job.
If you can't get an official apprenticeship, try getting hired part-time in an alteration department of a clothing store or similar. Even if all you do is answer the phone, clean up, and make appointments, you'll eventually gain a grasp of the vibe - as well as essential terminology and concepts
Step 3. Practice your work
A tailor will have to work with the public, so learn to be a salesman and serve customers to benefit in the future. Also, having work experience will help your CV if you decide to apply for a job with a professional tailor or modification department.
- You need to develop communication and interpersonal qualities so that the customer feels comfortable with you as you take their measurements, as well as discussing the best solutions to improve their outfits.
- While all shop work will provide you with the experience to work with the public, some jobs will be better than others. Those in department stores, clothing, shoe and accessory stores are preferred over fast food or restaurants. The jobs in the aforementioned stores will get you used to the fashion environment as opposed to a generic job. On the other hand, pet shops, fruit and vegetable shops or "All for 1 euro" shops have nothing to do with the industry you have chosen.
Step 4. Refine your skills on your own
Official training helps, but to become an excellent tailor you will obviously have to try it yourself. If you are thinking of opening an independent company, knowing how to do it may be enough to get you started.
- Go to the bookstore and look for books that teach you new sewing techniques or give you more information on types of fabrics, design and other related subjects.
- You can also search online videos to learn various sewing techniques if you need more precise step-by-step examples.
Step 5. Practice with the tools of the trade
No matter how you choose to build your experience before starting your tailoring career, you should be sure you have enough with the tools you currently use.
- You must be able to use a standard meter and other tools. The tape measure is usually used for body measurements, while the ruler is used to space the buttonholes or lengthen the hems. The French ruler helps tailors work with corner seams.
- You will also need to know how to use sewing machines and cut and sew them. Learn when to choose the different programs for each machine, and the various types of needles and threads needed.
- Use a variety of cutting tools including regular scissors, trimming scissors and rotary cutters. Know when to use them and for what purpose.
Method 3 of 3: Finding Jobs
Step 1. Determine if you want to work for someone or for yourself
There are pros and cons to each option, of course, so you'll need to analyze both before deciding. Prepare for both careers in order to be more versatile, but focus your efforts on what you prefer.
- Working for someone limits the responsibilities and worries of running the business and marketing. However, you will have less freedom to maneuver when it comes to work and you will not earn as well for what you do.
- Working independently you will also have to carry out administrative and marketing tasks. You can determine your hours and conditions and have greater earnings.
- It is estimated that 44% of tailors are self-employed while 26% are employed. The remaining 30% work for other services and industry.
Step 2. Find a job as a professional tailor
Often these figures are hired by department stores, wedding dress boutiques and other shops that need those who can make changes.
If you plan to work under a boss, look for classifieds in the world of textiles and manufacturing, department stores and laundries. Any store related to the fashion world could provide you with a chance. You can also check with existing tailor shops to see if they need extra help
Step 3. Start your business
It can be tough, but you will be in control of what you do and can start directly without being supervised or having to interview.
Review all legal and financial documentation needed to start a business. Make sure it's registered and financially secure
Step 4. Develop a portfolio
It should include photographs and examples of tailoring work done by you, as well as modifications and design work. It will be a big bonus when looking for clients or work elsewhere.
- A portfolio should include exemplary photographs of clothing that has been modified or that you have created yourself. Also attach the drawings, if you have them.
- Try to include examples of various styles, from casual to formal, both masculine and feminine. By doing this you will be more versatile and your talent will be highlighted.
Step 5. Enter a professional category
It is made up of tailors employed in the fashion industry who will support you as well as provide you with additional educational resources. This move could benefit you no matter what kind of career you pursue, especially if you decide to start a business on your own.
- The professional categories useful to check for example are the Tailors and Designers Association, the American Sewing Guild, the Embroidery Trade Association abroad.
- Their members usually have access to ongoing training courses. They may also have the opportunity to be included on professional lists, and many organizations provide marketing resources and networking opportunities.
Step 6. Find customers
Unless you work for a department store that wants exclusivity for its customers, knowing how to find your own is an important part if you want your career to develop.
Take advantage of common newspaper, internet, social media and business site ads. Also, you should never underestimate the power of word of mouth - satisfied customers will tell others and eventually everyone will know you
Step 7. Know what to expect
If you have the passion and talent needed for this job, working as a tailor will give you great satisfaction. This field has minimal growth, however, so don't expect to become a billionaire.
- As of May 2010, the average hourly wage in the United States for a tailor was $ 12.77, and the annual wage was about $ 25,850.
- In the same year and country there were about 57,500 tailor jobs.
- The predicted estimate of employment opportunities between 2010 and 2020 is only 1%.
- Expect little demand for tailors, as most clothes today are cheaply produced in other countries, plus the demand for expensive clothing is perpetually declining.
