Dressmaking programs focus on the craft of fashion. A perfectly tailored garment remains the gold standard in fashion design. The most audacious, forward-looking designer will get nowhere without this essential skill. A dressmaking degree trains designers to master the entire process of garment design, from the initial drawing to the sewing.
Fashion design houses prefer to hire dressmakers and tailors with formal training in apparel production and design. Knowledge of fabrics, design principles, and garment construction is crucial. A Dressmaking degree program offers a solid foundation in these skills, with courses in sewing, fashion design, pattern making, textiles, color matching, and more. More advanced training includes coursework in fashion merchandising and marketing. Some programs offer more advanced design courses as well, with training in CAD graphic design applications.
Opportunities for trained dressmakers and tailors should be much stronger in areas of design and couture production. Apparel production is increasingly moving abroad, as foreign producers take advantage of cheap labor markets. Dressmaking specialists can still find production jobs in higher-end fashion houses and in specialty areas such as theatrical costumes and wedding dresses. But generally speaking, the best opportunities will require fashion design savvy as well as technical ability. It's important to find a dressmaking program that offers training in both areas.
According to Salary.com, dressmakers earn between $16,092 and $35,356. Fashion designers typically earn more, with salaries ranging from $28,512 to $60,366.
Dressmaking is an important technical skill for fashion designers. A program that emphasizes both production and design skills should provide the best foundation for a career in this field.
