Tailoring: meaning, definitions and examples

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tailoring

 

[ˈteɪlərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

clothing design

The act of creating or altering clothing to fit a specific individual's body shape and size. Tailoring involves precise measurements and sewing techniques to ensure a perfect fit.

Synonyms

alteration, customization, sewing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tailoring

Used when referring to the craft or profession of making or altering clothes to fit individual measurements and preferences.

  • Her passion for tailoring led her to open her own boutique
  • The suit's excellent tailoring made it look very professional
alteration

Used when talking about changing or modifying existing clothes to fit better, whether by adjusting size, length, or other aspects. Usually implies minor changes.

  • I need to get some alterations done on this dress before the wedding
  • The store offers free alterations for all purchased items
sewing

Used when referring to the actual act of creating or repairing clothes using a needle and thread. It is often a hobby or skill one can learn.

  • She enjoys sewing as a way to relax
  • I took a sewing class to learn how to make my own clothes
customization

Used in a broader sense than just clothing, referring to making changes or additions to an item to suit personal preferences or requirements.

  • The company specializes in customization of office furniture
  • He wanted some unique customization on his car's interior

Examples of usage

  • She visited the tailor for tailoring her wedding dress.
  • Tailoring services are popular for custom-made suits.
Context #2 | Noun

adaptation

The process of adjusting or modifying something to suit a particular purpose or situation. Tailoring can also refer to customizing services or products to meet specific needs.

Synonyms

adjustment, customization, modification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tailoring

Used when discussing personalized adjustments, especially in clothing or fashion. It conveys a sense of precision and individual fit.

  • She needed tailoring to get her dress to fit perfectly.
  • Tailoring services are available for all our clients.
customization

Implies the process of modifying something to meet specific needs or preferences. Often used in technology, products, or services.

  • The software allows for extensive customization.
  • Customers love the customization options available for their shoes.
modification

Refers to changes made to improve or alter something. It's a broad term that can apply to various fields including technology, mechanics, and policies.

  • The car underwent several modifications to enhance its performance.
  • He made a few modifications to the original plan.
adjustment

Used for small changes made to correct or better fit something. Commonly used in technical, financial, or personal contexts.

  • The physician made an adjustment to his medication.
  • We need to make a slight adjustment to the budget.

Examples of usage

  • The software company offers tailoring of their programs for different clients.
  • Personalized tailoring of the training program led to better results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tailor' comes from the Latin word 'taliare,' meaning 'to cut,' highlighting the central action of creating clothing.
  • Earlier, a tailor was often called a 'cutter' in England, emphasizing the skill of cutting fabric precisely.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved into 'tailour,' which reflects the craft's growing importance in society.

Cultural Significance

  • Tailoring has been a symbol of status since ancient times; custom clothing often represented wealth and social standing.
  • In many cultures, handmade garments are considered more valuable than machine-made ones, showcasing individuality and craftsmanship.
  • Traditional clothing in various cultures, like the kimono in Japan or the sari in India, often requires expert tailoring to maintain authenticity.

Fashion Industry

  • Haute couture, or high fashion, relies heavily on tailoring, as bespoke pieces often take hundreds of hours to craft by hand.
  • The evolution of tailoring has influenced fashion trends, making fitted silhouettes popular in various eras.
  • Today, tailored suits remain a staple in business attire, signaling professionalism and attention to detail.

Psychological Aspects

  • Wearing well-tailored clothes can boost confidence and improve how others perceive us in social settings.
  • Studies show that tailored clothing can contribute to a sense of identity and personal branding.
  • The act of customizing clothing allows individuals to express their personality and creativity through style choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "tailoring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alfaiataria

🇮🇳 सिलाई

🇩🇪 Schneiderei

🇮🇩 penjahitan

🇺🇦 кравецтво

🇵🇱 krawiectwo

🇯🇵 仕立て

🇫🇷 couture

🇪🇸 sastrería

🇹🇷 terzilik

🇰🇷 재단

🇸🇦 الخياطة

🇨🇿 krejčovství

🇸🇰 krajčírstvo

🇨🇳 裁缝

🇸🇮 krojaštvo

🇮🇸 klæðskurður

🇰🇿 тігiншiлiк

🇬🇪 კერვა

🇦🇿 dərzilik

🇲🇽 sastrería

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,904, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.