Tailor / Draper (Volunteer)

Tailor / Draper (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Program: Thread & Promise

Location: Remote and/or New York City

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization that supports children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, creative expression, and housing initiatives, MAP builds pathways of growth, belonging, and stability.

Through Thread & Promise, MAP’s fashion and creative studio, we transform community narratives into sustainable fashion that celebrates identity and social purpose. We are seeking a Tailor / Draper to shape, fit, and construct garments that reflect our values of artistry, precision, and empowerment.

Role Overview

The Tailor / Draper will work closely with the fashion design team to drape fabric on dress forms, refine silhouettes, and create custom fits for editorial, showcase, and limited-run pieces. This role involves both artistic sensibility and technical mastery — bridging creativity and structure to craft garments that embody quality and emotion.

Key Responsibilities

• Drape fabric on dress forms to develop structure, flow, and silhouette
• Create and adjust muslins (toiles) for fit testing and pattern refinement
• Tailor and alter garments to achieve precise fits for models and clients
• Collaborate with designers on fabric behavior, drape potential, and garment form
• Maintain detailed documentation of fit changes and adjustments
• Assist during fittings, providing technical recommendations for alterations and enhancements
• Ensure quality construction and finishing across all custom garments
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by refining fit processes and fabric manipulation techniques

Qualifications

• Experience in tailoring, draping, and garment construction
• Strong understanding of patternmaking, fit, and proportion
• Skilled in working with muslin and a variety of fabrics
• Knowledge of finishing techniques and sewing precision standards
• Ability to balance artistic intuition with technical accuracy
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Portfolio of draping or tailored work preferred

Commitment

• Volunteer position requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Hybrid role, with in-person fittings and draping sessions in New York City when needed

What You’ll Gain

• Experience developing tailored garments in a creative, purpose-driven environment
• Collaboration with designers and creative leaders in sustainable fashion
• The opportunity to showcase craftsmanship through mission-aligned designs
• Mentorship, professional references, and portfolio development
• The fulfillment of using artistry to support social impact

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio or sample work to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Tailor / Draper.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Drape with intention — shaping not just garments, but the stories and futures they represent.