Custom tailors and dressmakers first help their customers choose the kind and color of fabric they want and the style of the garment to be made. Custom tailors and dressmakers need to know all about the different kinds of fabrics and the latest styles. Sometimes they stock fabric in their shops. Otherwise they get it from another store or use fabric that the customer supplies.

Custom tailors and dressmakers take a customer's measurements and note any special figure considerations. They may work with a ready-made pattern or make one of their own. They place the pattern pieces on the fabric. Then they cut the fabric with shears along the pattern outlines. Custom tailors and dressmakers pin or baste the garment pieces together before doing the final sewing by hand or machine. They often use padding and stiff fabrics to add body and shape to the garment. They press the garment several times to shape it properly. The customer may try the garment on one or two times while it is being made to make sure that it fits properly. The custom tailor or dressmaker finishes the garment by hemming it, sewing on buttons and trim, and giving it a final pressing.

Some custom tailors and dressmakers specialize in one kind of garment, such as coats or wedding gowns. Others may perform one function, such as fitting clothing. They may also supervise other workers. Custom tailors and dressmakers sometimes repair or alter garments for their customers.

There are other people who do tailoring and sewing but who are not custom tailors or dressmakers. These people are known by a variety of names, such as shop tailor, alteration tailor, alterer, busheler, sewer, or mender. They work in clothing factories, in clothing or department stores, or in dry cleaning plants. They often do repairs or make alterations to factory-made clothing, or they may sew one specific part of a garment. For example, they may pad lapels or set in collars.