Tailor facts for kids
A tailor is a person whose job is to make clothes fit people perfectly. They can create brand new clothes from scratch, or they can change existing items to make them fit better. Tailors also help to mend (fix) clothes that are torn or damaged. Sometimes, a tailor is called a seamster, or a seamstress if the tailor is a woman.
How Tailors Work
Tailoring has changed a lot over time. Today, tailors use different ways to serve their customers. Some tailors might use many of these methods, while others focus on just one or two.
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Local Tailors
A local tailor is someone you visit in your own town. You meet them in person, and they make your clothes right there. This way, the tailor can take exact measurements. They can also check your posture and body shape. This helps them make clothes that fit you perfectly.
Local tailors often have a shop or a showroom. Here, you can look at different fabrics. You can also easily return clothes if they need more changes. This is the oldest way of tailoring. Places like Hong Kong and London are famous for their high-quality custom-made clothes. Making one suit by hand can take 2 to 3 fittings and about 50 to 70 hours of work.
Online Tailors
Online tailoring means you order clothes from a tailor who is not in your town. This can allow for cheaper prices. You can even order clothes from tailors all over the world using websites.
When you use an online tailor, you usually have to take your own measurements. You also choose fabrics by looking at pictures online. If the clothes need changes later, you have to ship them back. Some online tailors might even pay for you to get changes done by a local tailor.
A new option is getting a "test suit" first. This suit is made to your measurements and sent to you. You can try it on to see where you want changes. Then, the final suit is made based on these new details.
Traveling Tailors
Traveling tailors offer a more personal service than online tailors. They travel between different cities. They often stay in a nice hotel for a short time. Customers can meet them there in person.
At the hotel, customers can see and touch fabric samples. The tailor takes the measurements themselves. The finished clothes are then shipped to the customer in about 3–4 weeks. If the clothes need more changes, they must be shipped back to the tailor. Many traveling tailors today come from Hong Kong. They visit countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Japan.
Images for kids
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A vintage tailor's button from Hobart, Tasmania.
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Interior of a Tailor's Shop by an unknown painter, around 1780.
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Pinking shears, a special type of scissors.
See also
In Spanish: Sastre (oficio) para niños
