The rise of ready-mades led to the collapse of the tailoring business
Photo: Barta24.com
The art of tailoring has long been considered an essential part of the livelihood and art of many. In this colorful market, tailoring shops have been offering customers a unique solution for everything from festive wear to everyday wear. However, recently the demand for tailoring garments is decreasing due to changing fashion demands and advancement in technology. This shift is not only changing the course of the fashion industry, but also having a profound impact on the livelihoods of many tailors and the future of their industry.
As a result of the rise of the ready-made garment market, the traditional tailoring industry of Bangladesh is facing a deep crisis. Due to this change, many small and medium size tailoring traders are losing their career and livelihood.
Every year before Eid-ul-Fitr, tailors do not have time to catch their breath due to their busy schedule. But this time the picture is completely different. The ever-familiar busyness is no longer in Darjipara. Even at the end of the Eid market, the tailor traders of Rajshahi could not overcome their pain.
They say that every year from the beginning of Ramadan, there was a rush to make new clothes for Eid-ul-Fitr in Darjipara. As Eid approaches, the busyness of the artisans of the tailors also increases. But with the touch of modernity, the demand for tailoring clothes has decreased.
Traders said that ready-made garments are becoming more attractive to buyers due to availability of good quality fabrics at affordable prices. Besides, the cost of sewing increased due to increase in yarn and wages of employees, which forced traders to raise costs. This has affected the number of buyers. And because of the establishment of tailors everywhere, almost everyone is losing customers. However, excessive load-shedding is causing serious problems for many.
Visiting the tailors of Saheb Bazar, Ganakapara, New Market and Station Market in the city, it was found that the work speed of the employees is slow due to low order pressure. At other times, where you have to cope with the pressure of sewing through the night, this time there is no such pressure. Most of the owners and employees are returning home between 10 and 12 pm. Also, many are waiting for customers despite the scorching heat.
Rafiqul Islam, a tailor of Modern Tailors in Sahebbazar area of the city, said that the busyness is relatively less this time. Earlier it used to be relentless work from morning till dawn the next day. But now, working from 11 am to 12 midnight maximum. A lot of work for tailors has come down a lot in the last two years, not as much as before. Despite all the various tailoring jobs, the demand for pant tailoring has declined tremendously. Almost nil.
Talked to Habibur Rahman, owner of Dresco Tailors in Ganakapara area, he said that earlier, if the 15th fasting passed, new orders were not accepted. However, this time even after the 25th fasting, new orders are being accepted. The price of every ingredient has gone up, the price of yarn and the wages of labor have gone up making many people turn to ready-made garments.
On the other hand, some unscrupulous sellers cheat and offer low-quality fabrics, resulting in substandard stitching. Due to this, many people are losing confidence in tailor-made clothes. However, branded clothing is not a concern for buyers. Due to problems in various aspects, the interest in tailoring clothes is declining.
Lipon Saha, the seller of Dolphin Tailors in New Market, said that this year the sales are almost negligible. As it turns out, every shop is almost empty. Right now, the work speed is average, neither too fast nor too slow. Compared to previous years, orders have fallen by a third. Less than half of our normal target order was received. We have almost no business outside Eid, only some business during winter. Nowadays, tailoring has increased everywhere. Even small markets now have many tailoring shops and markets. Earlier, people used to come from outside the city. But now, with services available everywhere, they don't come from far.
Bithi, who came to make clothes at this Rajshahi tailors, said that Eid is coming, so I came to make clothes for myself and the child. If the clothes are not made in time before Eid, they do not want to take them due to work pressure. Besides, ready-made clothes are not suitable. So I gave it to tailors to make clothes as per my heart. The artisans are working day and night to deliver the clothes on time.
In this regard, Manjur Hossain, General Secretary of New Market Business Owners Association and tailor businessman, said that the price of everything has increased, as a result of which people are not able to buy many things despite their desire. Where they used to buy five items, they are now taking only one, and tailoring products are selling fairly well compared to other clothes. Those who come to the shop are mostly jobbers, and are often picking up two to three orders. However, the sales this time are very low compared to the previous bars.
