The article discusses the increasing demand for ready-to-wear clothing in Pakistan during the Eid festivals, leading to a decline in custom tailoring services. While convenience and immediate availability play vital roles in this trend, traditional tailors still cater to clients seeking personalized garments for a perfect fit, particularly during the busy Ramadan season.
In the lead-up to the significant Muslim festivals of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, the demand for custom clothing in Pakistan’s tailoring shops escalates, particularly in cities such as Islamabad. Tailors like Muhammad Shafiq experience heightened activity as women seek uniquely styled dresses tailor-made to their precise measurements. However, the trend toward ready-to-wear clothing is gaining momentum, attributed to its convenience, affordability, and ease of access through local stores and online platforms.
The increase in ready-to-wear fashion poses challenges for traditional tailors, as earlier trends of pre-booking custom orders have shifted. Shafiq notes that advance bookings have reduced from nearly a month prior to Eid to merely ten days, with many clients opting for boutique-made outfits. This shift indicates a preference for the swift acquisition of fashionable clothing without the necessity of a time-consuming trip to a tailor.
Arslan Haider, a designer and store manager, explains the evolving fashion landscape during Eid, identifying an influx of new trends that boost business for boutiques and designer brands. While contemporary shoppers may gravitate toward readily available pieces, there remains a segment of the older population that appreciates tailored items for their precise fitting and personalized attributes.
This preference underscores the advantages of stitched clothing, which typically offers stylish designs and eliminates the need for repeated tailor visits. Haider indicates that custom pieces often necessitate lengthy production times, whereas ready-to-wear items provide customers with immediate access to standardized fashion.
Farida Qureshi, a customer from the UK visiting Pakistan, emphasizes the time-saving benefits of choosing ready-to-wear attire. She articulates the complexities involved with tailored clothes, such as sourcing matching accessories, which can make the process arduous. Despite her inclination toward convenient options, she acknowledges the importance of tailored clothing for a perfect fit.
Nonetheless, many tailors, such as Shafiq, continue to thrive, particularly during the busy Ramadan period. He shares his commitment to fulfilling customer demands, working up to 16 hours daily to deliver precisely fitted Eid attire. His loyal clientele appreciates the personalized service, knowing that Shafiq keeps their measurements on file to ensure satisfaction with every order.
The evolving fashion landscape in Pakistan, particularly during the Eid festivals, reveals a notable shift from custom tailoring to ready-to-wear garments. While convenience and affordability often guide consumer preferences, many individuals still value the personal touch and precise fit that bespoke tailoring offers. As the industry adapts, both tailors and boutiques continue to play integral roles in satisfying diverse consumer needs, highlighting the coexistence of these fashion approaches.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
