The University of Fashion offers 92 different sewing classes, from beginner to advanced. (Image source: University of Fashion)
In an era dominated by fast fashion and disposable clothing, unexpected changes are afoot. Sewing has become fashionable again. Once considered a fading skill, sewing, mending, and sewing are experiencing a significant resurgence as creative pursuits and viable, in-demand career paths.
June 7 article wall street journal“Resurrecting the Vanishing Tailoring Trade” highlights how important this resurgence is. Tailors are currently in such short supply that Nordstrom is partnering with the Fashion Institute of Technology to support custom alterations and tailoring training programs. Demand has been so explosive that the program received 190 applications for just 15 locations when it launched last fall.
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2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics Chart by State
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 18,500 tailors in the U.S. in 2024, a nearly 30 percent decline over the past decade. These shortages have hampered efforts to revive domestic apparel manufacturing and led to the decline of Nordstrom, Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. It has become increasingly difficult for retailers like A. Bank to play a change role. Laundries are also having trouble finding skilled professionals to meet their customers’ needs.
Annual wages for dressmakers/tailors/custom sewers range between $22,000 and $60,000, depending on skill level and location, according to federal data. But as demand outstrips supply, skilled professionals increasingly have access to higher-paying, steady jobs in growing markets.
At the heart of this trend is growing awareness of sustainability. Consumers are increasingly questioning the environmental costs of mass-produced clothing and are moving toward more responsible practices. Learning how to sew allows individuals to extend the life of their clothes, reduce waste, and make thoughtful choices about the clothes they wear. Instead of throwing away beloved pieces, people are choosing to repair, alter, or recreate them. This is the essence of sewing expertise.
AI job replacement leads to sewing jobs
This is an excerpt from a class at the University of Fashion. Pressing tools and techniques. (Image source: University of Fashion)
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce and replaces certain occupations, new opportunities are beginning to surface. One notable change is the growing demand for customization services, driven in part by the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and the resulting need for clothing repairs. At the same time, more consumers are embracing resale fashion and choosing to modify rather than replace existing pieces, creating new momentum and relevance for skilled tailors.
This is a nine-part menswear tailoring series from the University of Fashion. (Image source: University of Fashion)
Where can I find training?
Once a required subject in high school education, home economics often served as a gateway to careers in tailoring, dressmaking, and fashion design. As these programs disappear from school curricula and more women enter the corporate world, opportunities to learn sewing and garment making in traditional classrooms have diminished significantly.
In response, many organizations have stepped in to fill this training gap. Founded in 2008, University of Fashion is the first and largest online fashion education platform with 550 video lessons taught by industry experts. Of the 500 lessons, 92 are sewing-related and 9 lessons focus solely on menswear. Their classes provide students with practical skills to gain qualifications, confidently enter the workforce and/or start their own fashion brand or custom/alteration business. 
The American Tailors and Sewing Association (ATSA) is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina and focuses on establishing industry standards and providing professional development for tailors, alterationists, and garment construction professionals.
The Association of Sewing & Design Professionals (ASDP), headquartered in Grandville, Michigan, supports people who sew or design professionally and provides training, certification, and networking for sewing and fashion-related careers.
The American Sewing Guild (ASG) is a national nonprofit organization for people who enjoy sewing through local chapters, online classes, and events focused on developing sewing as an art and life skill.
Is it time to put up the shingles?
Available on Etsy: Custom Tailor Shop Hanging Sign. (Image source: Etsy)
Once considered niche or old-fashioned jobs, these roles are now essential in a fashion environment that values customization and longevity. From hemming trousers to reconstructing vintage pieces, skilled professionals are in high demand. Bridal wear in particular continues to rely heavily on professional alterations specialists, while everyday consumers are increasingly seeking a bespoke fit that ready-to-wear clothing simply cannot provide.
Ultimately, the return of sewing is a reflection of changing values beyond trends. As consumers prioritize sustainability, individuality, and quality, the demand for skilled sewing professionals will continue to grow. Learning to sew, whether as a hobby or as a profession, is no longer just a practical skill, but a powerful statement about the future of fashion.
