CTDA 2019 Class Schedule
The 2019 class schedule is now posted. Classes will be offered in New York City in January and July. Scroll down to see the class descriptions and schedule.
We will be offering Custom Shirts, Fabric Knowledge, Measuring and Style classes on July 20 & 21. The Beer & the (Industry) Buzz seminar series will continue on July 21. Please register below.
Classroom Locations:
New York City: January & July
London Hotel NYC
151 West 54th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenue)
New York, New York 10019
Class fees are $99 per class for Members and are $199 per class for Non-Members. Very often we will offer a complimentary class as an added value to your visit with us.
*Refund Policy: Only class credits will be issued with a one year expiration date.
Custom Clothier / Designer / Tailor Certification
The retailer of custom tailored clothing requires special skill and education. This type of education is not readily available through traditional sources. The CTDA, created and supported by the custom clothing industry and certified master tailors, is the premier educational organization in America to obtain all the skills necessary to build a successful custom clothing business. The program provides extensive training in all aspects of the custom clothing industry from Measuring to Business Development. All courses are taught by industry experts with extensive knowledge and experience in the course subject.
The Education Program is offered in January and July at the DFNY shows in Manhattan, New York and can be completed in a minimum of 1 year. The Seven (7) Courses total approximately twenty five (25) hours of class time, and are structured to cover each topic from two (2) to five (5) hours in length. The Courses include: Blue Pencil, Business, Custom Shirts, Fabric Knowledge, Fitting & Alterations, Measuring, and Style.
Class fees are $99 per class for Members and are $199 per class for Non-Members.
Earn a Custom Certification.
The following requirements are required:
- Complete seven (7) courses of the CTDA Education Programs, and pass all final exams.
- Provide documented proof of more than four (4) years experience in the custom clothing industry. CTDA Vendor references count as documented proof.
Upon completion of the requirements, the certification “CERTIFIED CUSTOM DESIGNER” or “CERTIFIED CUSTOM CLOTHIER” will be awarded with a Professional Certificate suitable for framing.
Class Descriptions
Beer & the (Industry) Buzz Series (1 Hour)
SUNDAY, July 21st at 4:30 PM
“Clients, Expectations and Conflicts: Navigating different personalities and difficult situations”
Presented by King Brothers Clothiers. Learn about…
- breaking down the 3-5 primary personality types of your potential clients
- setting realistic, and deliverable, expectations
- operating your business with integrity in an age where online reviews matter
Complimentary class.
Location: Copper Johns Pub, 2nd floor
160 West 54th Street New York, NY (across from the London hotel)
Presented by the King Brothers
Business (5 Hours)
This course is divided into three sections: a) Business Development, b) Business Systems, and c) Industry Standards and Development. Business Development includes overviews of business structures; guidelines on defining a market; sales systems and methods; setting gross margins; compensation models; and development of resources. Business Systems will include selling techniques; delivery and follow through; and profit considerations. Industry Standards and Development will include ethics; customer service policies; and industry involvement.
OFFERED AGAIN IN JANUARY 2020
Blue Pencil (3 Hours)
This course is meant to help you understand how the measurements and posture descriptions you send to your CMT shop affect the garments they make for you. The course will cover common pattern changes, including explanations and recognition of different postures which warrants the changes. Blue pencil is a step that is taken before the garment is made.
OFFERED AGAIN IN JANUARY 2020
Custom Shirts (1.5 Hours)
SUNDAY, July 21, 2019 AT 10 AM
This course covers understanding the elements of style as it relates to shirts – including color, fabric, anatomy of/ a shirt and collars, cuff styles, trims and appliqués, and balance.
Taught by CTDA Past President, Mitch Gambert, Mel Gambert Shirts
THIS CLASS IS FULL. It will be offered again in July 2020.
Fabric Knowledge (1.5 Hours)
SUNDAY, July 21, 2019 AT 2 PM
This course covers an understanding of the quality of fabrics, fabric care, uses, performance, weights, yarn dyes and production processes. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in fabric principles, and a better understanding of how to help clients select the right fabric for the right reasons. This course includes extensive printed materials.
Taught by CTDA Vice President, Luke Mayes, of Dormeuil
THIS CLASS IS FULL. It will be offered again in July 2020.
Fitting & Alterations (5 Hours)
This course will help you recognize and correct problems with finished garments. You will also learn to properly communicate these adjustments to your CMT house to help eliminate problems with finished garments. Marking for alterations should be done succinctly and using standard markings that are universally understood. This course will address the most common fitting problems, the solutions, and proper marking techniques for each.
OFFERED AGAIN IN JANUARY 2020
Measuring (3 hours)
SATURDAY, July 20, 2019 AT 9 AM
This course covers measuring for all custom garments including jackets, pants, and shirts. The time will be divided between classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Standard measurement ranges, recognition of posture problems, illustrations of “putting the goods where they belong”, and guidelines on establishing clear understandings on allowances with your CMT house will all be included.
Taught by Paul Perry, Mel Gambert Shirts
Style (1.5 Hours)
SATURDAY, July 20, 2019 AT 2 PM
This course deals with recognizing silhouettes and details and understanding how to apply them appropriately to each body type. From jackets, pants and overcoats to shirts, the clothier must be an expert at manipulating style for the customer.
Taught by Master Tailor & CTDA Past President, Manuel Martinez, Martinez Custom