Overview
Tailors, dressmakers and furriers make, alter and repair tailored clothing, dresses, coats and other made-to-measure garments. Milliners make, alter and repair hats. This unit group also includes alterationists who fit, alter and repair garments. They are employed by clothing retailers, clothing alteration shops, dry cleaners and garment manufacturing companies or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Tailors, dressmakers and alterationists
Make made-to-measure garments, such as dresses, suits and coats according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit
Design, select and/or modify commercial patterns to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications
Fit, mark, cut and sew fabric
Fit, alter and repair garments according to customers' requests by hand or using sewing machines.
Furriers
Make, alter, restyle and repair natural fur garments and accessories.
Milliners
Design, lay out, cut, sew and press fabric, leather and other materials into hats and related accessories.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$42,713
$69,325
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
464expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school may be required.
Tailors and dressmakers require demonstrated ability to sew, style and fit men's or women's garments and may require completion of college or other courses in tailoring or dressmaking.
Furriers require several years of experience in selecting pelts and making, fitting, styling and altering fur garments and accessories.
Certification requirements
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.