Undercollar

Term from Tailoring industry explained for recruiters

An undercollar is a hidden but important part of a suit or coat that sits beneath the visible collar. It's typically made of special felt or melton fabric that helps the collar maintain its proper shape and drape. This component is crucial in high-end tailoring and custom garment making, as it affects how well the collar fits around the neck and how it rolls or folds. When you see this term in a resume, it often indicates experience with detailed garment construction and traditional tailoring techniques.

Examples in Resumes

Hand-stitched Undercollar pieces for custom-made suit jackets

Developed improved Undercollar attachment techniques for better collar roll

Trained junior tailors in proper Undercollar construction and fitting

Typical job title: "Tailors"

Also try searching for:

Bespoke Tailor Custom Clothier Garment Constructor Master Tailor Suit Maker Pattern Maker Alterations Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the best undercollar material for different types of garments?

Expected Answer: A senior tailor should discuss how fabric weight, garment style, and wear patterns influence material choice, mentioning specific materials like melton or felt and their properties.

Q: How would you train someone in proper undercollar construction?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience by explaining step-by-step process, common mistakes to avoid, and how to check quality of work.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key steps in attaching an undercollar?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic process, including pad stitching, shaping, and attachment methods, showing understanding of how it affects the final collar appearance.

Q: How do you ensure proper collar roll when working with the undercollar?

Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for achieving proper shape and roll, including pad stitching patterns and tension control.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of an undercollar?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it provides structure and shape to the visible collar, helping it sit properly against the neck.

Q: What basic materials are used for undercollars?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify common materials like felt and melton, and explain their basic properties.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic hand stitching techniques
  • Understanding of collar components
  • Basic machine sewing skills
  • Knowledge of common materials

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Proper undercollar attachment
  • Pattern modification skills
  • Understanding of different fabric behaviors
  • Quality control assessment

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced shaping techniques
  • Training and supervision
  • Custom pattern creation
  • Problem-solving complex fit issues

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic hand sewing techniques
  • Unfamiliarity with traditional tailoring terms
  • Lack of experience with different fabric types
  • No understanding of garment construction order

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