Tailors and dressmakers work in their own homes, workrooms, factories or showrooms. They may travel locally to visit clients to show fabric ranges and do fittings. If working for a large company, they may also travel to visit clients in other areas.

Tailors and dressmakers spend long periods sitting and they are often required to work to deadlines.

Equipment tailors and dressmakers may use includes:

• industrial sewing machines and overlockers
• clothing patterns
• fabric, thread and trimmings
• shears, pins, measuring tape and tailor's chalk
• a tailor's dummy (a model of a body to hang clothes on)
• pressing equipment such as irons
• a cutting table
• office equipment.

Tailors and dressmakers work full or part-time hours. Self-employed tailors and dressmakers may work weekends, evenings or irregular hours.

Tailors and dressmakers work independently without supervision. They may have contact with:

• customers
• fabric wholesalers
• clothing markers and cutters
• factory managers.

They may also supervise trainee tailors and dressmakers.