The article discusses the rising demand for ready-to-wear clothing in Pakistan as consumers prioritize convenience over custom tailoring, especially during Muslim festivals. Tailors, like Muhammad Shafiq, have observed a decline in advance bookings as more individuals choose ready-made outfits instead of custom pieces. Despite this trend, some customers still prefer the personalized fit that tailoring can provide, suggesting a continuing role for bespoke services.
In Islamabad, the demand for custom-made clothing significantly increases preceding the Muslim festivals of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Tailoring shops across Pakistan are bustling with activity as women seek to have their dresses crafted in time for the celebrations. This process often involves extensive shopping for various fabrics and prints, which clients then provide to tailors for custom fitting.
However, the landscape of fashion is shifting, as many consumers are gravitating towards ready-to-wear clothing due to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility. Tailoring businesses are now experiencing a drop in demand, with tailors like Muhammad Shafiq noting a decrease in advance bookings from one month to merely ten days prior to Eid, as clients increasingly opt for ready-to-wear options available in boutiques and online.
Ready-to-wear garments can be easily found in local stores and online platforms, providing immediate fashion solutions that align with current trends. The shopping experience is streamlined, as customers can try on and purchase items without the lengthy wait for custom stitching. Arslan Haider, a designer, acknowledges that while tailored options still exist, especially for those desiring an ideal fit, the younger demographic tends to favor ready-made clothing for its practicality.
Farida Qureshi, a customer visiting from the UK, favors ready-to-wear outfits for their time-saving benefits. She points out that commissioning custom clothing not only requires shopping for fabric but also for matching accessories—activities that can be laborious and time-consuming. For many, the efficiency of purchasing pre-made garments outweighs the lengthy process associated with tailoring.
Despite the convenience of ready-to-wear clothing, there remains a portion of the population that values the personalized experience offered by tailors. While Qureshi acknowledges the ease of ready-made fashion, she also recognizes the custom fit that a tailor provides as a significant advantage. As such, dedicated tailors like Shafiq continue to thrive by catering to those who prioritize precision and customization, often working extended hours to fulfill Eid orders, maintaining a loyal customer base that appreciates their craftsmanship.
In summary, while ready-to-wear clothing is increasingly dominating the fashion landscape in Pakistan due to its convenience and current trends, a significant market remains for bespoke tailoring. Customers value the personalized fit and specific styles that skilled tailors offer, especially during festive seasons like Eid. Thus, the tailoring profession continues to hold relevance amid changing consumer preferences, with many tailors adapting to these trends by accommodating the enduring demand for custom garments.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
