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Tailor

Alternative titles for this job include Bespoke tailor

Tailors create custom made suits, jackets and coats for individual customers. They also alter and repair clothes.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a tailor

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 or fashion and textiles, and specialise in tailoring.

You could also do a degree in bespoke tailoring.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

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

  • Level 2 Certificate in Textiles
  • Level 2 Award in Fashion - Pattern Cutting
  • Level 3 Diploma in Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in garment making. You could also move on to a bespoke tailor and cutter higher apprenticeship, as your experience grows.

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

  • entry requirements vary

More Information

Work

You could start by working as an assistant to a master tailor. 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 Tailor.

More Information

Career tips

If you are aged between 13 and 16 you may be able to find out more about careers in the fashion and textiles industry through the British Fashion Council supported National Saturday Club.

Further information

You can get more information on a career in tailoring from The Bespoke Apprentice and UKFT.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • take customers' measurements
  • discuss styles and fabric
  • work out how much the clothing will cost and how long it will take to make
  • create a design by hand or using computer software
  • create a new pattern or adapt an existing one
  • make a mock-up garment or 'toile' using cheaper fabrics
  • fit the toile to the customer and make alterations
  • assemble fabric pieces to make the garment
  • fit the garment to the customer and mark final adjustments
  • stitch clothes by hand or machine
  • carry out repairs and alterations

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could go from bespoke tailor to master tailor. You could supervise a team or train new recruits, or you could set up your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice on garment maker

  • Wage: £10,004.80 Annually
  • Location: 4-6 Crown Street, Ipswich
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Handcraft Tailoring

  • Provider: WM College
  • Start date: 25 March 2023
  • Location: London

Tailoring for Men: Jackets

  • Provider: Morley College
  • Start date: 18 January 2023
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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