Tailor
Make, alter, and repair garments using high precision
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
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5-year projection
Salary
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Typical salary
Job satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be a Tailor?
Tailors are responsible for making, altering and repairing garments such as suits, dresses, skirts, coats, bridal wear and trousers. Tailors are typically individuals with strong attention to detail and excellent hand-eye coordination who enjoy precise work. Tailors may work in commercial factories (known as ‘ready-made tailoring’) or for smaller businesses where outfits and alterations are made-to-measure.
Tasks and duties
- Discussing clients’ needs, which may include selecting fabric, measuring, designing or following patterns to cut and sew tailored garments or altering existing clothing.
- Using equipment such as sewing machines and overlockers to make or modify garments and fitting zips, hooks and buttons as needed.
- Fitting garments on customers and making on-the-spot adjustments and recommendations.
How to become a Tailor
Depending on the role, you do not always need formal qualifications to work as a Tailor, however theoretical and practical knowledge in the field is regarded highly by employers.
- Look for opportunities to gain experience in a junior role or as a sewing machinist with a manufacturing company or a tailor and dressmaking business. You may also wish to start with a short course in sewing.
- Consider undertaking qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST31022) or tertiary qualifications in fashion design.
- There are many opportunities for Tailors wishing to further their career, such as specialising and working in particular industries, such as the medical industry or creating costumes for a theatre company.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Tailors.
Latest Tailor jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Tailor employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Tailor reviews
Nov 2023
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Arts
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
The good things
There is a great deal of stability in this industry as the skill set becomes more rare and clients are incredibly grateful or the convenience of services provided.
The challenges
The monotony of the work can be a little grinding after a period of time and high peak periods can be very stressful
Read more
Feb 2024
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate in Design
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
The good things
The fact that you are coming up with a design for someone to wear is fulfilling
The challenges
Sitting for long hours might lead to swelling , due to lack of blood circulation
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
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