Is the word "tailor" used for both men and women?

[untaught1988]

Hi,

When we use the word "rust", we say:
"My bike rusted..."

What to add before the word "rust" when we use it as a noun?
"My bike had a rust." is it correct?

Is the word "tailor" used for both men and women or we have to use "seamstress" for ladies who sew clothes?

He/she is a tailor.
She is a seamstress.

Many thanks

[Ouisch]

You would say "My bike had rust" (usually you would be more specific, saying something like "My bike had rust on the fenders" or "My bike was covered with rust.")

The word "tailor" is gender-neutral and refers to any person, male or female, who alters clothes. A seamstress sews or creates garments; a tailor takes an existing garment and alters it to fit a specific individual.

[Rover_KE]

A female tailor may choose to call herself a tailoress.

That's her prerogative.

Rover

[Barb_D]

Genuine inquiry - not an attempt to be sarcastic - do you really use or hear that term where you live?

I've been married to someone who manages a men's retail store for a number of years, and I've only ever heard the tailors use "tailor," regardless of gender. The come from many countries - but none from the UK. So really, I'm asking in earnest.

Thanks.

[Tdol]

I haven't heard it used- I think it's more of a possibility. There's also dressmaker, which I have heard used.

[riquecohen]

A seamstress sews or creates garments; a tailor takes an existing garment and alters it to fit a specific individual.

I`m not sure that I agree with this statement. It seems to me that a tailor´s role is not limited to alterations. He (or she) does create garments (suits, coats) as well as alter them, but they are usually of a heavier fabric than those used by seamstresses or dressmakers.

[Rover_KE]

Barb asked

Genuine inquiry - not an attempt to be sarcastic - do you really use or hear that term [tailoress] where you live?

Not these days, but it was heard in the days when a female actor was an actress and a female author an authoress etc.

Rover

[Barb_D]

I still struggle to remember that women choose to be "actors" these days.

[Tdol]

I`m not sure that I agree with this statement. It seems to me that a tailor´s role is not limited to alterations. He (or she) does create garments (suits, coats) as well as alter them, but they are usually of a heavier fabric than those used by seamstresses or dressmakers.

A tailor in the UK would make men's clothes from scratch too.