Occupation AtlasTailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
O*NET · 51-6052.00
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
77 more
Appliquer · Bridal Designer · Bridal Gown Fitter · Cloth Cutter · Clothing Busheler · Clothing Cutter · Clothing Pattern Designer · Coat Baster · Coat Cutter · Coat Maker · Coat Tailor · Collar Cutter · Collar Setter · Collar Tailor · Collar Turner · Corset Fitter · Couture Dressmaker · Crocheter · Custom Dressmaker · Custom Garment Tailor · Custom Sewer · Custom Tailor · Drapery Maker · Drapery Seamstress · Dress Cutter · Dress Fitter · Dressmaker · Dressmaker Garment Fitter · Embroiderer · Embroidery Machine Operator · Embroidery Specialist · Embroidery Worker · Fancy Needleworker · Fitter · Fur Finisher Seamstress · Fur Tailor · Furrier · Garment Cutter · Garment Fitter · Garment Sample Stitcher · Hand Alterations Seamstress · Hand Alterations Tailor · Hand Loom Weaver · Hat Trimmer · Industrial Seamstress · Lacemaker · Laceworker · Merchant Tailor · Pants Cutter · Pants Maker · Purse Maker · Quilt Maker · Quilter · Retail Alterations Tailor · Sample Stitcher · Seamstress · Seamstress Fitter · Sewing Specialist · Shop and Alteration Tailor · Shop Tailor · Slip Cover Maker · Slip Cover Seamstress · Slip Cover Sewer · Suit Maker · Surgical Garment Fitter · Tailor · Tailor Fitter · Tailor Garment Fitter · Top Collar Baster · Top Collar Maker · Try On Baster · Under Baster · Undercollar Maker · Underliner · Underwear Cutter · Vest Maker · Waist Cutter
Compare with another occupationCompare with Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RACRealistic · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.88
- A Artistic3.96
- C Conventional3.13
- E Enterprising2.44
- S Social1.99
- I Investigative1.16
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (28%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (50%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Service OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- WritingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- PersuasionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
22 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.Importance 4.4
- Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.Importance 4.3
- Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.Importance 4.3
- Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.Importance 4.3
- Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.Importance 4.3
- Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.Importance 4.3
- Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.Importance 4.2
- Trim excess material, using scissors.Importance 4.2
- Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.Importance 4.1
- Fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure clothing, according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit, and applying principles of garment design, construction, and styling.Importance 4.1
- Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.Importance 4.1
- Press garments, using hand irons or pressing machines.Importance 4.1
Show the other 10
- Make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding.Importance 4.1
- Repair or replace defective garment parts, such as pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons, and linings.Importance 4.1
- Record required alterations and instructions on tags, and attach them to garments.Importance 4.0
- Estimate how much a garment will cost to make, based on factors such as time and material requirements.Importance 4.0
- Confer with customers to determine types of material and garment styles desired.Importance 4.0
- Position patterns of garment parts on fabric, and cut fabric along outlines, using scissors.Importance 4.0
- Examine tags on garments to determine alterations that are needed.Importance 3.9
- Develop, copy, or adapt designs for garments, and design patterns to fit measurements, applying knowledge of garment design, construction, styling, and fabric.Importance 3.9
- Put in padding and shaping materials.Importance 3.7
- Sew buttonholes and attach buttons to finish garments.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- DesignImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.8Level 2.9
Show all 33
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- MechanicalImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level —
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- VisualizationImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Rate ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Getting InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
Show all 41
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write brief messages to others
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.5Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Processing InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange greetings with a coworker
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Working with ComputersImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
9 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (4)
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
- ArbelSoft TailorMax
- Bookkeeping software
- Garment design software
- Inventory tracking software
- Tailor Master
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.5, Equipment Selection +0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.3, Technology Design −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.1, Time Management −0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Barbers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.5, Operations Monitoring −0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Glaziers
Average difference 0.2 points · Installation +1.3, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.8, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Light Truck Drivers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Operations Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Floor Sanders and Finishers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Operation and Control +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.