You could start by doing a degree in:

• fashion design
• fashion and textiles
• bespoke tailoring
• fashion atelier and tailoring

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a college course to develop your sewing, pattern cutting and design skills. Courses include:

• fashion and textiles
• fashion design
• bespoke tailoring
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could do an apprenticeship to get started in this career, for example:

• Garment Maker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Bespoke Tailor and Cutter Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take around 2 years to complete.

You may be able to get into the industry through the Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) apprenticeship programme. This can take between 2 and 6 years to complete.

You would apply directly to SRBA member tailoring companies. Competition for places is strong.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start by working as an assistant to a master tailor in a tailoring house. You may be able to arrange this yourself, if you can show you have a keen interest in making clothes and have sewing skills.

You can find information on tailoring houses from The Bespoke Apprentice.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• complex problem-solving skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a tailor, you would:

• speak with customers about what they want
• create designs by hand or using computer software
• make new patterns or adapt existing ones
• cut and assemble fabric pieces to make up garments
• check quality at every stage of the process
• fit garments to customers and make final adjustments before pressing and finishing

You could also carry out repairs and alterations for customers.

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a tailor to be a green job, you could:

• repair clothes so they last longer
• use eco-friendly fabrics
• source local materials to reduce the carbon footprint

Find out more about green careers

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.