Tailoring 101

[kenk_wa]

I'm looking for some basic information about the construction of men's suits. I'm just starting to work on a sales floor that's high volume, OTR dress wear. There's no MTM, but they do have some on site alterations.
What I'd like is to gain a solid understanding of the construction process, to be able to tell quality work from lesser work, and to understand the difference between an alteration that Can be done, and an alteration that Should be done.

Any suggestions on reading or research materials would be appreciated !

 

[lawyerdad]

The forum's glossary/faq might be a useful starting place. If you skim through it, there's lots of good information, definitions of terminology, and the like:
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=3355

 

[kenk_wa]

Thanks for the link, Lawyerdad.
And yes, It is a good page.
I found some things I could use straight away, and added a link of my own while I was there.
Thanks again !

 

[Jared]

I recommend Tailoring from the Singer Reference Library. I believe it's reprinted as: http://www.amazon.com/Tailoring-Clas.../dp/1589232305 It contains a lot of diagrams and they're mostly clear. It covers hand vs machine sewing, fusing vs canvassing, etc. I have yet to apply any of the knowledge, but it had more than enough information for the purpose you describe.

 

[j]

The Time Life Art of Sewing series "Basic Tailoring" book is a great guide that goes through every step of making a suit, with some history and pics from Savile Row etc. It's from the 70s, but you might be able to get a copy somewhere.

 

[kenk_wa]

Thanks for the titles, Gentlemen.
I've found online sources for both of them.

Appreciate the help !