What Makes a Great Custom Tailor? Essential Skills to Look For

Becoming a great custom tailor requires more than just a steady hand and a tape measure. Tailoring is an intricate blend of technical ability, creative design, and deep client understanding. Whether you’re looking to invest in a bespoke suit or simply curious about the craft, it helps to know the skills required to make a suit that fits perfectly and lasts a lifetime.

Below, we explore the core tailoring skills every quality custom tailor should have.

1. Precision in Measurements

Taking accurate body measurements is the foundation of any well-fitted suit. But it’s not just about numbers. An expert tailor understands posture, body shape, and client preferences. They make adjustments based on experience to ensure that sleeves fall cleanly, jackets sit naturally on the shoulders, and trousers break at just the right point.

Tailoring tip: A great tailor will look beyond the tape measure. They’ll observe things like shoulder slope, stance, and arm length differences.

2. Mastery of Sewing Techniques

Sewing isn’t just about joining fabric. It’s a craft that shapes how a suit looks, feels, and performs over time. Tailors must understand different stitch types, from blind stitches to pick stitching, and know how to control seam tension for the perfect balance of movement and structure.

Sewing skills also matter during adjustments. A skilled tailor can alter a garment cleanly so that the changes are invisible.

3. Strong Design Sense

Custom tailoring involves far more than following a pattern. Tailors must visualise how a two-dimensional fabric will wrap and contour to a three-dimensional body. Whether a client wants a slim Italian cut or a classic English drape, the tailor needs to match the design to the individual.

A good sense of proportion, an eye for detail, and an understanding of current and classic styles are all part of a tailor’s design toolbox.

Looking for a suit made by experienced tailors? Explore our custom suits, designed and crafted in New York by our in-house team.

4. Communication and Client Care

Among the most important qualities of a good tailor is the ability to listen. Creating a bespoke suit involves understanding what the client wants and guiding them through choices on cut, fit, fabric, and finish.

Clear, collaborative communication builds trust and ensures the final garment reflects the client’s personality and lifestyle.

5. Adaptability and Experience

Tailors often have to work around unique challenges, from unusual body shapes to tight deadlines or specialty fabrics. Great tailors are lifelong learners who continually refine their techniques.

Many have backgrounds in seamstress skills, garment construction, or costume design. This diverse experience helps them handle complex requests with confidence.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a tailor, you’re not just picking someone to measure you. You’re trusting someone with your style, your comfort, and your confidence. The best tailors combine technical mastery with creativity and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique.

FAQs

What skills are required to make a suit?
A custom tailor must be skilled in taking precise measurements, sewing various fabric types, creating patterns, and understanding design principles.

What makes a good tailor?
A good tailor combines technical ability with creativity and strong communication. They listen to client needs and tailor each garment to fit both body and style.

Why are tailoring skills important?
Tailoring skills ensure a suit fits properly, moves comfortably, and lasts longer. They’re essential for achieving a polished, personalised look.

What is the most important part of tailoring?
Precision in measurement and fit is often the most important, but sewing quality and design also play critical roles in the final result.

How do I know if a tailor is good?
Look for attention to detail, a strong portfolio, client testimonials, and how well they explain or recommend design and fit choices.

At Alan David, tailoring isn’t just a service, it’s our legacy. Book a fitting or explore our collection of bespoke menswear to experience the difference that skill and craftsmanship make.