Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Tailor
What tailors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a tailor?
Open the shop and review the alterations queue. From there, the day usually includes measure and fit clients, alter garments for fit, and hem pants, skirts and sleeves. Most work full-time; wedding and prom seasons bring rushes.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a tailor working full time.
- Open the shop and review the alterations queue.
- Fit a bride for her wedding dress.
- Hem suit pants and taper the legs.
- Replace a coat zipper.
- Fit a customer for a custom suit.
- Press finished garments.
- Call customers for pickup.
Where tailors work
Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; wedding and prom seasons bring rushes.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Measure and fit clients
- Alter garments for fit
- Hem pants, skirts and sleeves
- Replace zippers and buttons
- Repair damaged clothing
- Make custom garments
- Estimate prices and timelines
Tools you’ll use every day
- Sewing machines
- Sergers
- Measuring tapes
- Shears
- Pins and chalk
- Irons and pressing tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative craftsmanship
- Satisfied customers
- Run your own shop
- Low-cost entry
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Repetitive close work
- Seasonal rushes
- Modest pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love sewing
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like helping customers look good
- I’m patient
- I might want my own shop
- I enjoy craftsmanship
Not sure? Take the free Tailor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Handle needles and shears carefully
- Use good lighting to protect eyesight
- Watch posture at sewing machines
- Use irons safely