Skip to content
Resume example

Dressmaker resume example

A dressmaker, or couturière in French, makes and alters garments by hand and on machine. In a workshop producing ready-to-wear samples or small series, you cut fabric from patterns, assemble pieces on industrial machines, finish seams and press each garment.

In an alterations shop the work is closer to the customer: pinning hems on a client standing in front of the mirror, taking in a jacket, replacing a zip or reworking a wedding dress fitting after fitting. In haute couture and luxury houses, dressmakers work in specialised ateliers, either 'flou' for dresses in light fabrics or 'tailleur' for structured jackets and coats, with a large share of hand finishing. Theatre and opera costume departments also employ dressmakers to build and maintain costumes.

Resume example

[First name Last name]

Dressmaker (Couturière) | Alterations, Fittings, Bridal Adjustments

[City] · [phone] · [email]

Profile

Dressmaker with [x] years in alterations and made-to-measure. I run fittings with clients, alter tailored garments and evening wear, and make simple pieces from scratch. I manage my own workload and order supplies for the shop.

Experience

Dressmaker, [Alterations Shop], [City]

[month year] to present

  • Carried out daily alterations on suits, dresses and coats, from simple hems to full waist and shoulder adjustments
  • Ran fittings with clients and recorded adjustments on order slips
  • Adjusted wedding and evening dresses over several fittings, including hand work on lace
  • Made bespoke simple garments from client fabrics
  • Managed supplies of threads, zips and linings for the workshop

Resume headlines

  • Dressmaker (Couturière) | Alterations, Fittings, Bridal Adjustments
  • Sample Machinist and Dressmaker | Ready-to-wear Prototypes, Industrial Machines
  • Atelier Dressmaker, Flou | Hand Finishing, Silk and Light Fabrics

Summaries for your profile

Entry level

Holder of a CAP Métiers de la mode, vêtement flou, with internships in a bridal shop and a ready-to-wear sample workshop. I assemble garments on industrial machines, finish by hand and I am comfortable with delicate fabrics.

Experienced

Dressmaker with [x] years in alterations and made-to-measure. I run fittings with clients, alter tailored garments and evening wear, and make simple pieces from scratch. I manage my own workload and order supplies for the shop.

Career change

Former administrative assistant who sewed for family and friends for years before taking a CAP in fashion through adult training. I now work in alterations and bring the organisation and client communication I learned in an office.

Tips

  • Specify your sector: alterations, ready-to-wear samples, couture flou, couture tailleur or costume.
  • List the machines and fabrics you master, since workshops test them quickly.
  • Add photos of your work in a short online portfolio or attached PDF.
  • Mention your diploma and its option (flou, tailleur), which recruiters in luxury check.
  • If you have worked in a house with the haute couture label, describe the atelier and your tasks.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Presenting yourself as a designer when the job is execution.
  • Not mentioning hand finishing skills, which are central in luxury ateliers.
  • Forgetting fittings and customer contact for alterations jobs.
  • No photos of your work at all.

Working as a dressmaker in France

Search for 'Couturier' or 'Couturière', 'Retoucheur' or 'Retoucheuse' for alterations, 'Mécanicien modèle' or 'Prototypiste' for sample workshops, and 'Petite main' or 'Première main' in couture ateliers. The job is not regulated, but the CAP Métiers de la mode (vêtement flou or vêtement tailleur) is the reference diploma, followed by the Bac pro and BTS in fashion. Note that 'haute couture' is a legally protected label granted to a small number of houses, so a 'couturière' is not necessarily linked to it. Opening your own alterations workshop means registering as an artisan.

Your job search, on autopilot

Start my dressmaker job scan

JobFast searches the major job boards for listings that fit you, scores each one out of 10 and prepares a tailored CV and cover letter. You review, you approve.

Start for free

No credit card · No account to get started

Frequently asked questions

Which diploma do French employers expect for this job?

The CAP Métiers de la mode, vêtement flou or vêtement tailleur, is the standard entry diploma. Bac pro Métiers de la couture et de la confection and the BTS Métiers de la mode open technical roles, and luxury houses also train through their own schools.

Should I include personal sewing projects?

Yes, if they show technique: a lined coat, a structured dress, a garment in difficult fabric. Present them with photos and a short note on the techniques used. Keep them separate from paid experience.

Will a workshop test me before hiring?

Very often. Expect a practical test on a machine or a hand finishing task, sometimes over half a day. Mention on your CV the techniques you can perform without supervision.

More resume examples