In the 1980s and 1990s, it was common for people to bring fabric to tailors to have new clothes made. However, with the rise of the term “clothing,†many tailor shops didn’t shut down or transform into modern retail stores. Over time, only a few managed to survive through innovation. As the Spring Festival approached, people began searching for new outfits. Recently, reporters noticed that while many still shop at malls, some “tailor shops†have taken on a new identity — seen as almost “old-fashioned†by younger generations. Yet, in reality, these shops are quietly making a comeback, especially among those who value style and personalization.
During this season, Ms. Jiang spent her time browsing online, eventually finding a wool coat design she liked. She brought the image to a tailor shop on Henan Road, where the owner customized it to her taste. When she picked up her new coat, she found that the shop had more customers than ever, including middle-aged individuals and young professionals looking for unique pieces. The owner said that orders have been full for years, and most of the clients are returning customers.
Young people are now following trends online, often using fashion magazines or internet images to guide their custom requests. Master Cheng, a seasoned tailor, has seen a shift in clientele. Younger customers, whether students or white-collar workers, come in with specific designs and ask for custom-made clothing. She uses various fabrics, offering cost-effective alternatives to branded items. Many customers prefer to “imitate†brand styles but at a lower price, making customization an attractive option.
At the Chantilly Fashion Design Studio, a small yet vibrant space, trendy women are drawn in by the variety of fabrics and styles. This shop, which has grown from a tiny 9-square-meter store to a place employing four tailors, offers a range of winter styles that cater to individual tastes. A 20-year-old customer explained that mass-produced clothes from malls often look the same, lacking personality. Custom-made options allow her to stand out, and she finds the process both satisfying and practical.
Zhang Yan, the shop’s manager, noted that the customer base has evolved over the years. While initially focused on older generations, the shop now attracts a broader audience, especially young women aged 20 to 30. These customers seek not just fashion, but uniqueness and quality. Some even travel from other cities to take advantage of the limited availability of such personalized services.
The trend of customization is growing, driven by a desire for individuality and better value. According to Zhang, about 90% of customers choose custom-made clothes to express their style or because they struggle to find well-fitting ready-made options. The cost is also a big factor — a high-end brand might sell a coat for several thousand yuan, while a custom version could cost just 600 yuan.
Fabric selection plays a key role in the customization process. The shop stocks imported materials from Shanghai and Guangzhou, ranging from 60 to 800 yuan per meter. The cost is split between fabric and labor, with labor fees being the main expense. For example, a short coat may cost around 180 yuan in labor, while a long coat could be 280 yuan.
Despite the challenges, some tailors continue to thrive by focusing on quality and personal service. At a shop on Feixian Road, the owner emphasized that she no longer accepts raw material processing, as it’s not profitable. Instead, she focuses on custom work, ensuring each piece meets the customer's expectations.
As prices for clothing continue to rise, especially with increasing cotton costs and labor expenses, more people are turning to tailors for better value. Thermal underwear and other cotton-based items have seen significant price hikes, prompting consumers to seek alternatives.
While traditional tailors may be fading, a new generation of design studios is emerging. These shops blend fashion and craftsmanship, appealing to both young and old. From high-end suits to casual wear, customization is becoming a viable alternative to mass production.
In places like Taitung and West Town, tailor shops remain popular, especially among older customers who need custom-fit clothing. Some elderly individuals, due to their body shape, find it difficult to buy suitable clothes in stores. Others, despite being in good health, seek trendy outfits that match their age and style.
The future of tailoring looks promising, with a growing demand for personalized, high-quality clothing. Whether through traditional methods or modern design studios, the industry continues to adapt, ensuring that the art of tailoring remains relevant in today’s fashion world.
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