Tailor
Create custom-made (bespoke) clothing for men and women, or repair clothes to help them last.
About the job
What it's like
Imagine making a unique, bespoke outfit for a customer that stands out from the rest! As a tailor you'll create, repair or adapt clothing for men and women.
For new clothing, you'll find out what the customer would like and create garments based on a design or pattern. With repairs, you'll make the clothing look as good as new! You might also adjust clothing to fit, such as trousers that are too long, or you'll change the style.
You may specialise in a particular area, for example in children's clothing, or in a particular type of clothing such as kilts or suits.
You might make the whole garment, or work in a team where each member works on specific sections.
Your tasks may include:
taking measurements and agreeing a style and fabric
working out costs and timings then creating a design, by hand or with software
creating a new pattern or adapting an existing one
making a mock-up garment using cheap fabrics, fitting it and making any changes
cutting out fabric pieces, fitting the garment and making adjustments
stitching the garment together, often using hand-stitching
Green job
In this job, you may do work that helps the environment. You could:
repair clothes so they last longer
help customers to avoid buying 'fast fashion' by making good-quality pieces
use eco-friendly fabrics
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The Art Career Project – explore more information about being a tailor
ACS Clothing – read about this eco-friendly clothing-rental business that gives clothes new life
McCalls Highlandwear – find out how a kilt is made in this YouTube short video
Like the sound of this career?
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design (Design)
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Design and Manufacture
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Fashion and Textile Technology (Home economics)
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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Skills for Work: Textiles Industry
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role, but most employers will expect you to have a good general education. You could build your skills with some higher or further education courses, or work experience.
University
You could get tailoring experience and qualifications through courses such as:
Textiles
Fashion and Textile Design
Use the My World of Work course search to find degree courses.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects could include:
Fashion Design and Manufacture
Fashion Business
Fashion and Textile Technology
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Fashion and Textiles Heritage.
Search Modern Apprenticeships at Apprenticeships.scot.
Work
You can become a tailor by applying directly through an employer. It'll be helpful if you can show you have a keen interest in making clothes and have sewing skills.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Any experience or skills you have in textiles, retail or other relevant areas will look good on your job application. This could include making or adapting your own clothes.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a tailor. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Tailor'
