Schneiderinnen

Schneiderinnen are German-language term for female tailors or seamstresses; the designation refers to those who cut, sew and assemble garments. The masculine form is Schneider, and Schneiderinnen is the plural for women in the trade; the term is used in German-speaking countries and in fashion contexts to refer to women who make or alter clothing, from dresses to suits.

Historically, sewing and garment making have been central crafts in German-speaking regions. Many women worked as seamstresses in households or in urban ateliers. With industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries, Schneiderinnen staffed factories and bespoke ateliers, contributing to both ready-to-wear and custom tailoring; female workers played a major role in the garment industry, often combining craft skills with business know-how.

Typical tasks include taking measurements, creating or following patterns, cutting fabric, sewing seams, inserting linings and closures, finishing details, and performing alterations. Some Schneiderinnen specialize in women's wear, others in alterations or in men's tailoring, and some work in small boutiques or large production facilities. Modern practice often uses sewing machines, sergers, and computer-aided pattern software.

Training in Germany and Austria typically follows an apprenticeship (Lehre) as Schneiderin, followed by a final examination (Gesellenprüfung). Additional schooling can lead to master craftsman status (Meister) or further training in pattern making or production methods. The profession is distinct from Modedesignerin (fashion designer), though overlap exists in design-to-produce workflows.

Today Schneiderinnen work in ateliers, alteration shops, fashion houses, or mass-production settings. The term reflects the female dimension of the craft and remains part of the historic and contemporary garment trade in German-speaking regions.