The evolution of tailored Eid clothes

An indispensable part of Eid-ul-Fitr is new clothes, and getting them tailored gives one more freedom to customise the look and fit. With the familiar noise of scissors and sewing machines welcoming customers, tailor shops are bustling as Eid knocks on the door.

Last week during a visit to New Market, tailors were seen marking designs with colourful chalks, and the cacophony of clients explaining what they want and craftsmen working could be overwhelming to the iuninitiatited.

Despite the resounding success and massive popularity of readymade clothes from big brands and online shops, women’s demand for customised clothes is still high, said tailors.

Sadia Afrin, a homemaker from Tikatuli area, said, “I prefer tailored clothes as the fit is as close to perfect as it gets. I can also pick out the best quality fabrics for myself.”

Tailors work hard to finish all orders before Eid-ul-Fitr. The photos were taken at New Market recently. Photo: Prabir Das

Monira Binte Hasi, a private university student, was explaining the design of her kameez using a laptop. “I want a unique neckline and cutting, so I brought the design on my laptop to explain it better to the tailor. I love wearing dresses designed by myself on Eid day,” she said.

The busiest tailors of the city are in Gausia, New Market and Chandni Chowk. Irin Zaman, a banker from Arambagh was visiting a tailor shop in Gausia. “Whenever I see a good design online, I save it on my phone and get it made.”

Md Muslim runs a tailor shop in Dhanmondi’s Mohammadia Super Market, and spoke about how the process of tailoring clothes has changed over the years. “I have many loyal customers. While they used to pick out designs from the catalogues in my shop before, today they either have everything planned out in their phones, or they bring a complete picture of the design provided with the three-piece.”

Nazneen Sultana, a customer at Gausia, said it was simply more convenient to find inspiration online and bring it to life. “It’s easier to explain, and we have more design options to choose from,” she added.

This year’s Eid-ul-Fitr will fall in the middle of summer, and cotton is the best choice for this hot weather. “To make up for the simpler choice of fabric, customers are using laces, applique work, and embellishments to glam up cotton outfits. Palazzo pants were trendy the past few years, but this year A-line and pencil pants are more popular,” said Sohel Hossain, master tailor at Majestic Ladies’ Tailors in Chandni Chowk market.

During the last two weeks of Ramadan, most tailors had stopped taking new orders. Some of the busier shops stopped taking orders as soon as the first week of Ramadan ended.

Tailoring clothes prior to Eid is a long-standing tradition among Bangladeshi women, and technology has made the process easier for both parties.

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