Generally, a seamstress sews clothes, fabrics and apparel for a living. A tailor works at altering clothing and apparel to fit a client/customer. They can make clothes as well and might be tasked with hemming and mending. Usually, a tailor will work more with suits and coats and even fancy dresses such as ball gowns.

Tailoring aims to create a garment that fits perfectly and is uniquely crafted for the individual. Altering: Alterations, on the other hand, involve making adjustments to existing clothing to improve the fit or modify the style.

Tailor is a gender-neutral word. But, the word seamstress refers to a woman who makes dresses.

If you're unsure whether your halter neck, tulle, pinafore or shift dress can be altered, you can assume the answer is yes. It takes an expert to do the job properly, but any dress can be altered with the right materials and skill.