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

Status
Not open for further replies.

untaught1988

Banned
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
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

Key Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
A female tailor may choose to call herself a tailoress.

That's her prerogative.

Rover
 

Barb_D

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
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

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
I haven't heard it used- I think it's more of a possibility. There's also dressmaker, which I have heard used.
 

riquecohen

VIP Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
Brazil
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I still struggle to remember that women choose to be "actors" these days.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top