Break
A break, in tailoring and garment manufacturing, refers to the way a garment smoothly transitions or changes direction at specific points, such as lapels, collars, or pleats. It describes how fabric naturally folds or bends to create shape and form in clothing. For example, the break in trousers refers to how the fabric folds where the pant leg meets the shoe, while in suit jackets it might refer to where the lapel folds over. Understanding breaks is essential for achieving proper fit and professional appearance in tailored clothing.
Examples in Resumes
Expertly adjusted Break points in suit jackets to achieve optimal fit for clients
Trained junior tailors in proper measurement and marking of Break lines for trousers
Specialized in creating custom Break patterns for formal wear and wedding attire
Typical job title: "Tailors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Tailors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the appropriate break style for different types of garments and body shapes?
Expected Answer: A senior tailor should discuss how they consider factors like client preference, current fashion trends, body proportions, and fabric type when deciding on break styles. They should mention experience with various break options from no break to full break in trousers, and different lapel breaks in jackets.
Q: How do you handle difficult alterations involving break points in vintage or heavily structured garments?
Expected Answer: They should explain their process for assessing original construction, working with existing break points, and maintaining garment integrity while making modifications. Should demonstrate knowledge of different era construction methods.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain how you would adjust a trouser break for different shoe styles.
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe how different shoe heights affect break length, and explain the process of marking and adjusting hem length to achieve different break styles from no break to full break.
Q: What considerations do you take into account when creating break lines in different fabric weights?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how fabric weight and drape affect break formation, and explain techniques for achieving clean breaks in both light and heavy fabrics.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a trouser break and how do you measure for it?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that a break is where the trouser meets the shoe and creates a fold, and describe basic measurement techniques for marking hem length to achieve a basic break.
Q: What are the different types of breaks commonly requested by clients?
Expected Answer: Should know the basic break styles (no break, quarter break, half break, full break) and be able to describe what each looks like on the finished garment.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of break types
- Simple hem adjustments
- Measuring for basic breaks
- Understanding fabric behavior
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced break adjustments
- Working with different fabric types
- Custom break styling
- Pattern modification for breaks
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex garment restructuring
- Teaching break techniques
- Vintage garment expertise
- Creating custom break patterns
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain different types of breaks
- Lack of understanding about how fabric weight affects breaks
- No experience with formal wear alterations
- Poor knowledge of proper measuring techniques
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