Seamstress / Tailor

Retrofete; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Time

Job summary

Retrofete is seeking a skilled Seamstress or Tailor to support in-house alterations for our luxury fashion line. You will work hands-on with clients and merchandise, handling fittings, alterations, and repairs to ensure every piece leaves the store impeccably tailored.

You’ll be on the store floor with clients and occasionally at the sewing machine, coordinating with the stylist to meet turnaround expectations and close sales through perfect fit.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated garment alteration experience (professional, bridal, costume, or comparable hands-on background).
• Confident with hems, side seams, waist band and take in, sleeves, darts, zippers and closures.
• Skilled with an industrial or domestic machine, plus hand-finishing techniques - blind hem, slip stitch, invisible repairs.

Responsibilities

• Client alterations: hems, waist take in, taking garments in and out, sleeve and strap adjustments, button and closure work, seam and lining repairs.
• Fittings on the floor: assist the stylist and their client, meet clients, assess fit, pin and mark garments, explain what's possible and what isn't, and set realistic turnaround expectations.
• Delicate fabrics: hand-finish and alter silk, chiffon, lace, and beaded pieces with the care they require.
• Stock repairs: mend damaged or returned merchandise so it can go back on the floor rather than be written off
• Workflow management: log incoming alterations, tag and track garments, hit promised pickup dates, and keep the workroom organized.
• Partner with the sales team: flag fit issues on the floor, suggest alteration options that help close a sale, and communicate timing to associates so they can update clients.

Skills

Alteration experience

Hems & seams

Fabric handling

Client fittings

Be discreet with clients

Tools

Industrial sewing machine

Domestic sewing machine

Hand finishing

Job description

We are looking for a skilled Seamstress or Tailor to support the launch of our in-house alterations service. This is a hands-on role working directly with our clients and our merchandise: fitting, altering, and repairing pieces so every garment leaves the store looking like it was made for the person wearing it.

You’ll be part of the store team, not tucked away in a back room. Some of your time will be spent at the machine; some will be spent on the floor with clients, pinning and marking during fittings.

Responsibilities

• Client alterations: hems, waist take in, taking garments in and out, sleeve and strap adjustments, button and closure work, seam and lining repairs.
• Fittings on the floor: assist the stylist and their client, meet clients, assess fit, pin and mark garments, explain what's possible and what isn't, and set realistic turnaround expectations.
• Delicate fabrics: hand-finish and alter silk, chiffon, lace, and beaded pieces with the care they require.
• Stock repairs: mend damaged or returned merchandise so it can go back on the floor rather than be written off
• Workflow management: log incoming alterations, tag and track garments, hit promised pickup dates, and keep the workroom organized.
• Partner with the sales team: flag fit issues on the floor, suggest alteration options that help close a sale, and communicate timing to associates so they can update clients.

• Demonstrated garment alteration experience (professional, bridal, costume, or comparable hands-on background)
• Confident with hems, side seams, waist band and take in, sleeves, darts, zippers and closures.
• Skilled with an industrial or domestic machine, plus hand-finishing techniques - blind hem, slip stitch, invisible repairs.
• Comfortable working directly with clients during fittings, including a professional and discreet manner around body and sizing conversations
• Reliable and able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule
• Organized enough to track multiple garments and deadlines

Nice to Have

• Experience with luxury or designer merchandise
• Beading, embroidery, or other hand embellishment repair
• Knitwear repair
• Familiarity with a serger and/or blind hem machine
• Bilingual (a plus for client fittings)

• Hourly Rate: $25 - $28
• Hours: 16 - 24 hours per week
• Sick Time