Tailor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could start by doing a degree in:

• fashion design
• fashion and textiles
• bespoke tailoring
• fashion atelier and tailoring

Entry requirements:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course to develop your sewing, pattern cutting and design skills. Courses include:

• fashion and textiles
• fashion design
• bespoke tailoring
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to get started in this career, for example:

• Garment Maker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Bespoke Tailor and Cutter Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take around 2 years to complete.

You may be able to get into the industry through the Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) apprenticeship programme. This can take between 2 and 6 years to complete.

You would apply directly to SRBA member tailoring companies . Competition for places is strong.

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start by working as an assistant to a master tailor in a tailoring house. You may be able to arrange this yourself, if you can show you have a keen interest in making clothes and have sewing skills.

You can find information on tailoring houses from The Bespoke Apprentice.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• complex problem-solving skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Tailors make or alter custom clothes for individual customers.

As a tailor, you would:

• speak with customers about what they want
• create designs by hand or using computer software
• make new patterns or adapt existing ones
• cut and assemble fabric pieces to make up garments
• check quality at every stage of the process
• fit garments to customers and make final adjustments before pressing and finishing

You could also carry out repairs and alterations for customers.

Location : You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• supervise a workshop team of cutters and tailors
• become a head or master tailor with a company
• move into training future tailors
• set up your own business or work freelance