Description
Design, cut, sew, alter, repair, and fit tailored garments such as suits, jackets, trousers, and coats.
- • Insert shoulder pads, chest canvases, and other shaping materials.
- • Conduct fittings to assess required alterations and garment balance.
- • Sew tailored garments by hand and machine.
- • Measure garment parts (sleeves, waist, inseam) and mark alteration lines.
- • Shorten or lengthen hems on trousers and sleeves.
- • Let out or take in seams to improve fit.
- • Baste canvases and assemble garment sections before final stitching.
- • Remove stitches and disassemble areas for alteration.
- • Record alterations and instructions on work tickets and attach to garments.
- • Review tags or work orders to confirm requested changes.
- • Fit, alter, repair, and construct made-to-measure suits and formalwear to specifications.
- • Maintain proper drape, roll, and proportions during alterations.
- • Press garments with irons and presses to shape and finish.
- • Trim excess fabric and threads.
- • Draft, copy, or adapt patterns for tailored garments to client measurements.
- • Make style changes, such as tapering legs, slimming jackets, and adjusting lapels.
- • Measure clients accurately with a tape and record measurements.
- • Estimate time and material costs for custom work and alterations.
- • Repair or replace zippers, buttons, linings, pockets, and snaps.
- • Consult with clients on fabric choices, styling, and construction options.
- • Lay out patterns on fabric, match plaids or stripes, and cut pieces.
- • Sew and finish buttonholes and attach buttons.
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Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
