The demand for custom tailoring in Pakistan surges during Eid, yet there is a notable shift towards ready-to-wear fashion due to convenience. Tailors like Muhammad Shafiq experience reduced bookings, influenced by the ease of purchasing off-the-rack garments. Nevertheless, a segment of customers still favors bespoke clothing for its personalized fit and tailored service, ensuring the continued relevance of traditional tailoring.
In Pakistan, tailoring businesses experience significant demand during the festive seasons of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha as many women seek custom-made clothing. As the festivities approach, tailors like Muhammad Shafiq work diligently to meet the needs of clients who prefer personalized garments. However, there is a noticeable shift towards ready-to-wear fashion due to its practicality and convenience, which affects traditional tailoring operations.
Shafiq, a seasoned tailor, recalls thriving business with advance bookings usually made a month prior to Eid, but now he only receives orders about ten days in advance. He explains that many clients opt for boutique-made outfits instead of traditional stitching due to time constraints related to busy schedules.
Ready-to-wear clothing offers accessibility and reflects the latest trends, allowing consumers to buy fashionable pieces quickly without the hassle of fittings or alterations. Designer boutique manager Arslan Haider notes that while the market sees increased sales around Eid, many older customers still prefer bespoke clothing for a precise fit.
Haider emphasizes that stitched garments save time and multiple visits to a tailor, as ready-to-wear options allow customers to acquire standardized items promptly. He further states that the convenience of ready-made clothes is a significant factor in consumer choice, especially for younger shoppers.
Customer Farida Qureshi, visiting from the UK, shares that she prioritizes ready-to-wear options due to the time-saving aspect, which includes eliminating the need to match various accessories when getting custom items stitched. Despite the allure of ready-made clothing, Qureshi acknowledges the personalized fit of tailored outfits, highlighting why some still choose traditional tailoring services.
Shafiq reports maintaining a loyal clientele that returns annually, valuing the expertise tailored to their specific measurements. His dedication during the busy Ramadan period includes long hours to ensure all Eid orders are completed satisfactorily.
The landscape of fashion in Pakistan is shifting towards ready-to-wear clothing, particularly during festive seasons like Eid. Tailors like Muhammad Shafiq continue to meet the demand for custom pieces, although their bookings have decreased due to the rising preference for the convenience of ready-made garments. While many consumers appreciate the efficiency of purchasing off-the-rack clothing, there remains a significant demand for tailored outfits that guarantee a perfect fit, sustaining a niche market for traditional tailoring.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
