The world of fashion and wardrobe design is full of terms. Some of them feel more familiar and comfortable than others. For example, tailoring and alterations tend to come up more often, as they affect all levels of the fashion industry.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between tailoring and alternations? Both are essential in creating a perfectly fitted wardrobe, yet they fulfill different roles. Despite this, many people mistakenly use the terms as if they were interchangeable. With that in mind, let’s look at the differences between tailoring and alterations.
Tailoring
Tailoring is the term used when clothing is custom-fitted to an individual. In other words, it is a tailor’s job to ensure that an outfit (or single article of clothing) is a perfect fit. This goes beyond what the average DIY person can comfortably manage, meaning that a professional is almost always necessary to ensure quality work.
Alterations
Meanwhile, an alteration is something that a novice could feasibly manage. However, like any adjustment, going to a professional will provide the best results. Alterations include more straightforward changes such as hemming, adjusting waistlines, tapering, or shortening sleeves.
Seamstress vs. Tailor
Now that one better understands the difference between tailoring and alterations, they might be wondering: what’s the difference between a seamstress and a tailor? That’s a fair question, given that both provide professional quality changes to clothing.
A seamstress (or seamster) generally will create custom clothes from scratch. They can also alter clothing upon request. Meanwhile, a tailor is a professional who helps modify and customize clothes (hence the term).
There are a few critical differences between tailors and seamstresses (also known as a sewist these days), even beyond the obvious. A seamstress is more likely to create something new, while the tailor can adjust that clothing to suit.
Likewise, their skillsets can be very different. For example, a seamstress is more likely to know embroidery than a tailor. (Please note: for the highest quality embroidery, one would want to go to an embroiderer, which is yet another profession).
Both seamstresses and tailors are likely to have a specialty they work with. For example, a seamstress may opt to work only on designing bridal gowns and accessories. Likewise, one can almost always find a tailor at any high-quality suit or tux store for the same reason.
Conclusion
Seeing the difference between tailor and alteration makes it easier to understand why many people consider the two interchangeable. Yet both serve their own purpose. Knowing the difference will help people understand who to approach depending on the work that needs to be done.