Tailoring is the craft of cutting and sewing garments to fit the body precisely. It involves measuring, drafting patterns, cutting fabric, and constructing the garment with careful attention to shape and proportion. Tailoring is used for suits, coats, dresses, and trousers, but it is most associated with menswear. The skills take years to master.

Two main approaches exist. Bespoke tailoring creates a garment from scratch for a single client. The tailor takes dozens of measurements, drafts a unique pattern, and holds multiple fittings. Made-to-measure tailoring adjusts an existing pattern to the client's measurements. It is faster and cheaper but less precise. Off-the-rack garments can also be tailored after purchase to improve fit. A good alterations tailor can transform a standard suit into something that looks custom.

Key techniques distinguish tailoring from simple sewing. Canvassing gives a jacket its shape through layers of horsehair and wool stitched inside the chest. Fused jackets use glue instead and are cheaper but less durable. Hand-padded lapels, pick stitching, and functional buttonholes signal craftsmanship. The tailor controls how a garment drapes, moves, and holds its shape. In a world of fast fashion, tailoring remains a slow craft. A well-tailored garment can last decades and be altered as the body changes.

Key techniques

• Measuring and pattern drafting
• Canvassing and structure
• Fittings and adjustments
• Hand finishing
• Pressing and shaping