Cuff

Term from Tailoring industry explained for recruiters

A cuff is an important finishing detail found at the end of sleeves on garments or at the bottom of pants/trousers. In tailoring, working with cuffs requires specific skills as they can be decorative or functional elements that affect both the appearance and fit of clothing. Different styles of cuffs exist, from simple turned-up edges to more complex barrel cuffs on dress shirts or French cuffs that require cufflinks. Understanding cuff construction and alterations is a key skill in tailoring and garment modification.

Examples in Resumes

Specialized in alterations of Cuff lengths on formal wear and business attire

Expertly modified Cuffs on high-end suits and dress shirts

Created custom Cuff designs for bespoke clothing pieces

Typical job title: "Tailors"

Also try searching for:

Alterations Specialist Garment Technician Custom Clothing Specialist Seamster/Seamstress Fashion Designer Clothing Alterations Expert

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complex cuff alteration on a lined suit jacket with working buttonholes?

Expected Answer: An experienced tailor should explain the process of carefully unpicking the lining, adjusting the sleeve length while preserving the buttonholes, and properly reattaching the lining without any visible damage.

Q: What considerations do you take into account when deciding whether to add cuffs to trousers?

Expected Answer: Should discuss fabric weight, customer's height, trouser style, and how cuffs affect the drape of the garment. Should also mention measuring considerations and proper cuff proportions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Describe different types of shirt cuffs and their appropriate uses.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain various cuff styles (barrel, French, convertible) and when each is appropriate for different occasions and garment types.

Q: How do you ensure consistent cuff measurements when working on multiple garments?

Expected Answer: Should discuss measuring techniques, recording measurements, using templates or guides, and quality control processes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the standard width for trouser cuffs?

Expected Answer: Should know common measurements (typically 1.5 to 2 inches) and explain how this can vary based on current fashion trends and customer preferences.

Q: How do you mark and measure for cuff alterations?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic measuring techniques, marking tools used, and the importance of checking measurements twice before cutting.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic cuff measurements and marking
  • Simple cuff alterations
  • Understanding different cuff styles
  • Basic hand and machine sewing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex sleeve alterations
  • Multiple cuff style construction
  • Working with different fabric types
  • Pattern modification for cuffs

Senior (5+ years)

  • Custom cuff design and creation
  • High-end garment alterations
  • Training and supervising others
  • Complex formal wear modifications

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to identify different cuff styles
  • Lack of experience with various fabric types
  • Poor hand-sewing skills
  • No knowledge of proper measuring techniques
  • Unfamiliarity with formal wear alterations