Meaning
A craftsman who made and altered clothing for male customers.
Description
Tailors cut and sewed cloth to make fitted garments for male customers, working to individual measurements and producing coats, trousers, waistcoats and other items to order. The bespoke tailor worked for wealthy customers while the general tailor made and repaired clothing for working men. Many tailors also made uniforms for military and civil purposes. The trade was traditionally male though women worked as tailoresses producing women's garments. Tailors often worked in their homes or in small workshops and the trade was associated with a sedentary working life that allowed conversation and political discussion.
Also Known As
Bespoke Tailor, Journeyman Tailor, Tailoress
Commonly Found In
- Census Returns
- Trade Directories
- Apprenticeship Records
- Parish Registers
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