Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

What the job really is

Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-6052
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
• Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
• Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
• Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.
• Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.
• Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.
• Trim excess material, using scissors.
• Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
• Make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding.
• Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.
• Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.
• Repair or replace defective garment parts, such as pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons, and linings.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, ArbelSoft TailorMax, Blind stitching machines, Bookkeeping software, Buttonhole makers, Chain stitching machines, Chalk pencil holders, Coiless safety pins, Computer laser printers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Sewers, Hand
• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Sewing Machine Operators
• Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
• Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
• Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Upholsterers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.