Tailoring
TAY-ler-ing
/ˈteɪlərɪŋ/
The activity, art, or style of fitting and making clothes to fit specific dimensions.
Emphasizes structural garment construction, shape, and precision alterations.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Anglo-French 'taillour' (a cutter of cloth), from Latin 'taliare' meaning 'to cut'. Tailoring literally means the craft of cutting fabric into exact human shapes.
Word relationships
- dressmaking: Dressmaking focuses on women's dresses and softer fabrics, while tailoring emphasizes structured suits and outerwear.
Commonly confused with
- alteration: Alteration involves modifying existing garments, while tailoring encompasses constructing or reshaping entire garments.
Word family
- tailor (noun/verb): A person who makes clothes, or to make something fit.
- tailored (adjective): Customized or built for precise fit.
Collocations
- sharp tailoring
- impeccable tailoring
- bespoke tailoring
- expert tailoring
Example sentences
- "The sharp tailoring of the jacket gave the wearer an authoritative silhouette." Design analysis
- "Mastering the art of tailoring requires years of apprentice work under experienced cutter tailors." Career overview
Memory hook
A tailor TAILS (cuts) fabric down to size. Art of cutting and fitting clothes.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general sewing or casual mending of tears.
Fun facts
- In medieval Europe, tailors were among the earliest tradesmen to establish strict craft guilds.
Related words
Explore more words
alteration, tailored, Sartorial, fitting room, Haute couture, Bespoke
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