Tailor
Create custom-made (bespoke) clothing for men and women.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
1,100
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's 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.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- taking initiative
- implementing ideas
- attention to detail
- respecting
- empathising
- observation
- creative
- verbal communication
- supporting
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Skills for Work: Textiles Industry
Art and Design (Design)
Design and Manufacture
Fashion and Textile Technology
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.
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.
A keen interest in making clothes
To have some sewing skills
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