Dress seamstress

What does a dressmaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A dressmaker primarily works with designing, sewing, and customizing dresses according to customer requests or specific measurements. The profession includes everything from pattern making, cutting, and sewing to detailed work such as embroidery, appliqué, and finishing. The work often takes place in small studios, tailoring shops, or specialized fashion houses, but may also be found in theater, film, and stage productions requiring unique costumes. The work environment is characterized by precision, creativity, and sometimes high tempo, especially under deadlines or seasonal assignments like weddings and proms. Collaboration with clients, designers, and colleagues is common, while independent work and personal responsibility for project quality are central.

Salary development over time

The salary development for dressmakers has shown a relatively stable level in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 SEK per month, which increased to 31 000 SEK during 2023. In 2024, the salary has stabilized somewhat and now stands at 30 900 SEK. The total increase from 2022 to 2024 is approximately 7.3%, but between 2023 and 2024, there is a slight decrease of about 0.3%. Variations in salary can be explained by factors such as changes in demand for tailored garments, industry economic conditions, and the geographic location of the employer. Since the profession belongs to a smaller occupational group with relatively few employees, individual salary changes and project-based assignments can influence statistics from year to year.

Dressmaker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data for lowest and highest are unavailable, but the average salary for women is 30 800 SEK
• Hourly wage: 186 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 30 800 SEK (data for men is unavailable)
• Regional differences: Specific regional salary figures are unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a dressmaker usually combines formal education and practical experience. Many start with high school education in textiles and design, followed by vocational training or specialized tailoring programs. Internships or apprenticeship periods are common and provide valuable insight into the craft. For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, courses in pattern making, advanced sewing techniques, and fashion design are available, both on-site and online.

• High school education: Textiles and design, 3 years
• Vocational college: Tailoring/studio dressmaker, 1–2 years
• Internship/apprenticeship: Common in the industry and often a requirement
• Courses and certificates: Pattern making, advanced sewing
• Prerequisites: Good textile knowledge, interest in fashion and design
• Self-study/online: Many supplement with digital courses

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, dressmakers often receive benefits such as flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work for administrative tasks, and access to workwear and tools. Some employers provide wellness allowances, training, or subsidized courses. Bonuses and additional payments may occur for larger projects or seasonal work, especially within fashion houses and studios with higher turnover.

Competition and challenges

Competition within the profession of dressmaking is relatively high, as the number of trained professionals exceeds the number of available jobs on the market. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the industry is characterized by an oversupply of labor and limited employment opportunities, especially nationally. Challenges also include increasing competition from mass-produced apparel and changing consumer patterns, where fewer customers opt for tailored garments. To stand out, specialization or niche expertise is often required, such as in bridal and evening dresses, or working with exclusive materials and techniques. Digitalization and new production methods mean that continuous skills development becomes increasingly important.

Tips for those wanting to become a dressmaker

To succeed as a dressmaker, it is good to combine technical skills with creativity and meticulousness. A first tip is to always practice and refine sewing techniques, as precision is crucial for delivering high quality. Being attentive and communicative facilitates collaboration with clients and colleagues, especially for custom orders where the customer's vision must be realized. Patience and perseverance are important qualities, as some projects can take a long time and require several adjustments. Staying updated on new materials, trends, and digital tools provides a competitive edge in the job market. Finally, building a network within the industry, for example through internships, fairs, or social media, can lead to more assignments and development opportunities.

Key facts about Dressmakers

• Education level: High school or vocational college in textiles and design
• Work environment: Studio, tailoring shop, or fashion house
• Demand: Limited opportunities, oversupply of labor
• Typical employment type: Permanent or project-based
• Number of job openings: 341 within the entire profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many dressmakers have the opportunity to develop into more specialized roles, such as pattern maker, studio manager, or entrepreneur within tailoring and design. Some choose to work with theater costumes, haute couture, or as assistants to established fashion designers. According to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are small, and the recruitment situation is characterized by an oversupply of labor. The five-year outlook indicates that demand will remain unchanged, which places high demands on flexibility and the ability to find niche assignments or supplementary roles. However, digitalization and new production methods can create new opportunities for those wishing to broaden their skills within the industry.

Common questions about Dressmakers

• What does a dressmaker earn?
  - A dressmaker has an average salary of 30 900 SEK per month, while the hourly wage is 186 SEK.
• Is there high demand for dressmakers?
  - Demand is low and there is a surplus of workforce within the profession according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What education is required to become a dressmaker?
  - High school education in textiles and design or vocational training with a focus on sewing and tailoring is recommended.
• What does a dressmaker do?
  - The profession involves sewing, designing, and customizing dresses and other garments based on customer preferences and measurements.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Statistics are only available for women, with an average salary of 30 800 SEK. Data for men is unavailable.
• What are the most common workplaces for dressmakers?
  - Studios, tailoring shops, fashion houses, and theater productions are common workplaces.
• What are the job prospects for dressmakers?
  - The forecast indicates demand will remain unchanged with limited opportunities and some competition for available positions.