Tailors (Dressmakers) are professionals who design, make, alter or repair clothing. Tailors are the perfect person to fix and alter clothing that fits their clients better. They know the different types of fabrics and know the best techniques to use on them to make alterations. Tailors may also make clothing for their clients from scratch using patterns and a client's measurements. A Tailor is experienced in determining the best fit for a client and making the best fitting clothes for individuals.
There are many institutions offering courses for tailoring in different streams in India. Students can have degrees or other courses from them.
Tailor Eligibility
Educational Qualification
There is no special minimum education qualification for becoming for a Tailor. But if they think to have advanced Diploma/ Degree course, then they should have 10th or 12th class pass.
Tailor Required Skills
- Tailors should be creative, with an eye for colour; quick and neat; accurate, with an eye for detail; able to work well under pressure.
- They should be good at maths, so they can make calculations and take measurements accurately; able to be honest with their clients about how clothes look on them.
- They must also be good at customer service; good communicators and listeners, with the ability to interpret a client's requirements.
- They also have the ability to pay attention to detail and customer service skills, ability to operate and use sewing equipment and tools.
- They also possess pattern-cutting skills; knowledge of fabric types and their properties; excellent sewing skills; an interest in textiles, fashion, design and trends.
- They also possess creativity and the ability to visualise designs; the ability to put clients at ease; a patient and tactful manner; accuracy and attention to detail.
- Tailors also have the ability to maintain concentration, sometimes for long periods and a smart appearance.
How to become a Tailor?
One has to follow the given steps for becoming a Tailor-
Step 1
After passing 10th or 12th class students have to go for some introductory sewing courses. These provide students with knowledge about fabric choice, pattern selection and how to use a variety of basic sewing tools. Some colleges tend to offer sewing courses for beginners, as well as courses for intermediate and advanced sewers.
Diploma/ Certificate Courses:
- Diploma in Dress Designing & Tailoring
- Certificate Course in Tailoring & Fashion Designing
- Diploma in Stitching & Tailoring
- Industrial Training Certificate Course in Embroidery & Needle Work
Several colleges offer certificate programs related to tailoring and sewing. Some programs are designed for basic alterations, but other programs are intended for those who want to specialize in areas like tailoring men's apparel. Coursework in these programs covers apparel alterations, traditional tailoring, contemporary tailoring, sewing tools and fashion entrepreneurship.
Institutes offering Courses for Tailor
- Annai Bharath Tailoring Institute, Chennai
- V.K. Institute of Tailoring and Fashion Designing, Vasai
- Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata
Tailor Job Description
In this job, Tailors would also need sewing skills and knowledge of fabric types. They would need creativity and design skills. Tailoring profession has been on the top always for last so many years. Nowadays, fashion is in its prime and the value of Tailors increased multiple in various garment industries both inside India and outside it.
Tailor Career Prospects
After receiving initial training and gaining a few years of experience, Tailors often have to choose a business strategy. It is of either working with an established tailoring company or starting a tailoring business. Those who work with established companies tend to focus more on customer care, designing outfits and making alterations.
Tailors who start up their own businesses perform all the duties of a regular tailor but they also run their businesses, which includes creating marketing campaigns, finding new clients, hiring additional workers and dealing with budgetary concerns.
Tailor Salary
A Tailor, initially, can get a salary of Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 per month. In some professional shops, they can get more than this. And with having experience in this field, they can get Rs.20,000 to Rs.55,000 per month. Tailors who have their own shop and business can earn more than this such as Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 and more than this.
