Individuals who choose to become custom tailors must have a wide range of skills and experience in order to create the most attractive and functional garments possible. The process of creating a custom tailored suit involves much more than simply draping cloth over the shoulders. Every piece of fabric and every stitch must be carefully planned and crafted so that the final piece meets all of the expectations of the wearer. There are a few primary skills that every good custom tailor possesses.

Measurements

The process of taking initial measurements and then modifying a pattern during a basted fitting is not easy or straightforward. There are subtle differences for every person that must be taken into consideration. Additionally, seemingly simple numbers need to be changed according to experience to ensure that the length and folds all fall exactly as they should. The amount of skill that a tailor displays while taking measurements is a good indicator of the final quality of the suit.

Sewing

Custom tailors must have a very high level of skill when it comes to handling a needle and thread. A major factor that contributes to the clean appearance of a suit as well as the long-term durability of the coat, shirt and trousers is how the different pieces of fabric are sewn together. The tailor needs to know a variety of different stitches and must have the experience to know how loose or tight each seam should be in order to provide the right fit and the strongest connection. Knowledge of sewing is also important when a tailored suit needs to be adjusted later, so that the seams can be separated and the rejoined without affecting the fabric.

Design

Beyond experience and technical abilities custom tailors must also have a good sense of design as well as knowledge about modern and historical fashions. Part of the process of creating tailored suits involves generating patterns that are sometimes very different in style from one person to the next. Creating these patterns and designs involves thinking in three dimensions while drawing and cutting fabrics that are two-dimensional. The design skills of a tailor are on display even with the most traditional tailored suits.

Attention To The Client

The final skill that all quality custom tailors have is the ability to listen to the needs of the client. Part of creating a tailored suit is determining exactly how the client wants the coat to fit. This sometimes means working closely with the client in order to determine exactly what special cuts and combinations are required. The result is a tailored suit that is precisely fit for the client.

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