Professional Uniform Tailor and Fitting Specialist

First Defense Supply, Inc

Taunton, MA 02780, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Retail

Job Description

Professional Uniform Tailor and Fitting Specialist

First responder apparel

First Defense Supply | 14 Merchants Lane, Taunton, MA 02780

$23–$30 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated skill. Immediate opening; start date coordinated with the selected candidate.

Position overview

First Defense Supply seeks an experienced tailor to serve law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public-safety professionals. We will consider one full-time tailor or two part-time tailors sharing the schedule.

This skilled, customer-facing role combines independent fittings, professional alterations, and careful attention to agency specifications. Tailoring and customer fittings are the primary responsibilities. Assist with retail sales, embroidery, and heat-press work as workload permits.

Fittings and alterations

· Conduct customer fittings; take body and garment measurements; pin and mark garments; recommend appropriate sizing and alterations.

· Alter men’s and women’s shirts, trousers, jackets, and outerwear, including lined garments. Shorten or lengthen sleeves and hems; take in or let out waist, seat, crotch, sides, and center seams; adjust collars when appropriate.

· Apply uniform braid and sew patches, emblems, insignia, and name tapes according to department and agency placement requirements.

· Perform garment repairs and modifications, including work with heavier fabrics, nylon, webbing, and specialty materials as needed.

· Operate commercial or industrial sewing equipment safely and confidently; perform hand sewing and finishing when required.

Customer service and workflow

· Explain alteration options clearly and provide professional uniform, sizing, and apparel recommendations.

· Assist customers preparing for duty, ceremonies, graduations, court appearances, and other professional events. Maintain a respectful customer experience and protect customer and agency confidentiality.

· Maintain accurate alteration tickets and work orders; organize garments, estimate completion times, manage deadlines, and communicate delays promptly.

· Maintain a clean, organized tailoring workspace.

Quality standards

Produce clean, durable, professional-quality work that follows customer and department specifications. Inspect fit, symmetry, stitching, and placement before pickup. Ask questions when instructions are unclear, correct workmanship issues before release, and take ownership of the finished work.

Qualifications and Employment Details

Professional Uniform Tailor and Fitting Specialist

Required qualifications

· Three or more years of professional tailoring or alterations experience, or a degree in fashion design or a related field with demonstrated fitting and alteration skills.

· Strong understanding of garment construction and the ability to conduct fittings independently, assess fit, determine appropriate alterations, and complete professional-quality work.

· Experience operating commercial or industrial sewing machines; strong machine-sewing and hand-sewing skills.

· Excellent attention to detail, customer service and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and manage multiple jobs.

· Dependability, punctuality, and pride in workmanship.

Preferred experience and training

Public-safety or military uniforms, tailored clothing, formalwear, lined garments, braid, insignia placement, and heavier or specialty fabrics are preferred backgrounds. Embroidery and heat-press experience is also desirable.

We welcome strong general tailors and provide training on agency specifications, embroidery, and heat-press work as needed.

Compensation and benefits

Within the pay range, top-end candidates should independently fit customers, diagnose alterations, work with trousers, jackets, and linings, operate sewing equipment confidently, and deliver consistent quality with minimal supervision.

Full-time benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k), subject to eligibility and plan terms. All employees earn sick time as required by Massachusetts law.

Schedule

· Tuesday–Saturday. Two weekday shifts are 8 AM–5 PM; the other two are 9 AM–5 PM.

· Saturday hours are 10 AM–2 PM.

Skills evaluation

Final candidates may be invited to a brief, paid practical skills evaluation covering measurements, fit, trouser alterations, jacket assessment, patch placement, and sewing-machine operation. Duration and pay will be communicated in advance.

How to apply

Submit a résumé through the recruiting platform. A design portfolio or photographs of completed tailoring and alteration work are welcome but not required. Please indicate whether you are interested in full-time or part-time work and your availability.

The role involves standing, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs., and detailed hand work ; reasonable accommodations are available on request. First Defense Supply is an equal opportunity employer.

\nCompany Description

Family-owned since 1990, First Defense Supply is a leading provider of name-brand uniforms, badges, duty gear, and tactical equipment for police, fire, rescue, and EMS professionals. We serve customers across Massachusetts and beyond from our stores in Fitchburg and Taunton.