Combining tradition with innovation, the Online Academy Tailoring Pathway™ makes learning tailoring simple and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re just starting or refining advanced techniques, the Pathway evaluates your skill level and guides you through a personalized learning journey tailored to your needs. Our expertly designed micro-learning modules break down each concept into easy-to-follow steps, while real-time feedback ensures you’re always improving. With a flexible online platform, you can learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. 

As you progress, you’ll meet clear benchmarks outlined by the ABTA Sartorial Standards of Excellence™, reinforcing the precision and artistry needed for true bespoke mastery. This seamless, structured approach makes it easier than ever to develop world-class tailoring skills—all while honoring the time-honored traditions of the craft.

Skill Assessment & Placement

You begin your journey with a Online Academy Personalized Skill Assessment, a proprietary tool developed by the ABTA that evaluates your experience, knowledge, and goals. Based on the results, a pathway is recommended that aligns with your current skills and aspirations.

Personalized Learning Plan

We then create a personal learning plan recommending courses and modules within the Pathway and suggest additional resources and tools to enhance your learning

Real-Time Feedback & Support

As you progress, you will receive personalized guidance through live sessions, video critiques, and progress reviews, to adapt learning plans as your skills and confidence develop.  You will also have access to a supportive online community for peer collaboration and inspiration. 

Completion & Advancement

To celebrate your accomplishments and prepare you for the next steps, you will receive awards for completed tiers and gain advanced placement into higher levels or more specialized programs.

Sebastian began his career in finance, co-founding a hedge fund with his brother, but found himself drawn to a more creative path. In 2021, he came to the ABTA to pursue his passion for tailoring, immersing himself in the craft. After graduating, Sebastian launched Basti Bespoke, a classic yet modern clothing brand that he now runs successfully in Mexico City.

Sebastian Serrano, Basti Bespoke

Audrey, graduated from the ABTA in 2022 and was one of only six students who were accepted into the University of North Carolina School of the Arts costuming program. Building on the skills she developed at ABTA, she will graduate in May 2025 and has already secured a summer position with the Santa Fe Opera. With a passion for both modern and historic costume design, Audrey is well on her way to a thriving career in theatrical costuming.

Audrey Pugh, The Next Edith Head

Jon has been serving clients with custom garments since 2013. To broaden his expertise and offer bespoke tailoring as part of his services, Jon joined the ABTA to refine his craft. His commitment to quality and attention to detail continue to set his work apart.

Jon Mallen, Monck Mason Clothiers

Jordi came to the ABTA with a strong foundation in men's suiting sales, ready to take his expertise to the next level. After graduating in 2022, he joined Enzo Custom Clothiers, where his talent and dedication earned him a promotion to showroom manager in their Chicago location. Jordi later secured a position with Ralph Lauren as a bespoke tailor and is now working toward his ultimate goal of owning his own tailoring house.

Jordi Avalos, Bespoke Tailor
1.
Enthusiast

Perfect for beginners, this level focuses on teaching the foundational skills necessary to begin your journey in bespoke craftsmanship.

2.
Apprentice

Build on your foundational knowledge with intermediate techniques in garment construction with particular emphasis on pattern drafting, cutting, and hand-tailoring garments with precision.

3.
Craftsman

Achieve key sartorial standards, including drafting, cutting, and hand-tailoring a British bespoke coat while executing refined hand-finishing techniques.

4.
Tailor

Achieve mastery in bespoke tailoring. Perfect your skills to create custom-fitted and hand-tailored garments. This is the ultimate level for artisans ready to set the standard in tailoring excellence.

Marlene Franke is one of the nation’s leading bespoke tailors and a pioneer in tailoring education. As the founder of the American Bespoke Tailoring Academy (ABTA) and the visionary behind the ABTA Sartorial Standards of Excellence™, Marlene has inspired a new generation to appreciate the artistry and elegance of bespoke clothing. Through her innovative and inclusive online learning model, she is setting the benchmark for tailoring excellence in the United States, ensuring students meet the highest sartorial standards at every stage of their journey.

Assessible & Inclusive Flexible & Engaging Skill Building for success A supportive global community
Assessible & Inclusive Flexible & Engaging Skill Building for success A supportive global community

Ready to discover your path?

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