Career outlook for tailor
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£20,000
£20,000
Experienced
£40,000
£40,000
Currently employed in Scotland
1,100
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would create custom-made (bespoke) clothing for men and women.
You may make the whole garment, or work in a team where each member has a specialism.
When making a new item of clothing for a client, you would:
- Take measurements and agree a style and fabric
- Work out how much it will cost and how long it will take to make
- Create a design, either by hand or using computer software
- Create a new pattern or adapt an existing one
- Make a mock-up garment using cheap fabrics, fit it and make any changes
- Cut out fabric pieces
- Fit the garment again and make any final adjustments
- Stitch the garment together, often using hand stitching
Clients could also come to you for changes and repairs to clothing bought elsewhere.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
44%
Part-time
17%
Self employed
39%
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- Supporting
- Verbal communication
- Creative
- Observation
- Empathising
- Respecting
- Attention to detail
- Implementing ideas
- Taking initiative
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
It may be helpful to gain a fashion and textile National Certificate, National Qualification or BTEC Diploma (SCQF level 5/6).
To enter a relevant National Certificate, National Qualification or BTEC Diploma (SCQF level 5/6) you will require a minimum of four subjects at National 4 or three subjects at National 5.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Fashion
- Textile technologies
You will also need
- A keen interest in making clothes
- To have some sewing skills
Helpful to have
It may be helpful to have relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Manufacturing Textile Products (SVQ level 1/2/3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.