Spools spin slowly as tailors in Dhaka wait for Eid boom

Tailors typically turn down new orders due to their strenuous workload at this stage of Ramadan. This year paints a slightly different picture

Tailors in Dhaka typically grapple with a gruelling workload by the middle of Ramadan, often turning down new orders.

This year, however, paints a slightly different picture. Even on the 19th day of fasting, many are happy to accept more work.

Some tailors cite a reduced workload for the unusual turn of events, while others say they’re receiving orders as usual. A few remain hopeful for more work with Eid-ul-Fitr on the horizon.

Nazrul Khandakar, cutting master at VO Tailors on Mirpur Road No. 12, believes the current economic climate has put the clamps on people's purse strings, affecting orders for men’s clothing in particular.

"Every time the country faces economic hardship, I notice a drop in orders for men’s clothes. Women’s orders remain steady. This year, instead of the usual 20-25 pants, I’ve received only 8-10 orders," Nazrul said.

Although tailors usually stop taking new orders by this time, that has not been the case this year as the workload is comparatively lighter, according to him.

EID RUSH SLOWER THAN USUAL

A similar trend pervades tailor shops in areas like Keraniganj, Sutrapur, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, and Rampura. While tailors are still busy, the usual last-minute Eid rush has yet to materialise. Most are still taking orders.

Tailors are juggling between taking new measurements, cutting fabrics, sewing, adding buttons, and ironing. Many have hired extra staff, working from early morning till late at night to meet deadlines.

"We’ve got a decent number of orders, but the workload is slightly lower than last year. Still, we’re working hard to deliver on time. Orders might pick up as Eid nears," said Selim Reza of Sagar Tailors in Lakshmi Bazar.

Tailoring charges vary depending on the garment, with trousers costing Tk 200-350, salwar kameez Tk 300-1,000, blouses Tk 150-400, petticoats Tk 200, maxis Tk 350-400, gowns Tk 600-1,000, and burqas Tk 800-1,200.

"It’s cheaper to buy fabric and get it stitched than buying ready-made clothes, especially for low-income families," said Asma Akter, a customer at Bismillah Ladies & Gents Tailors in Keraniganj.

Shop owner Siddiqur Rahman said that they remain busy despite the lower volume of orders compared with last year.

"We’re busy enough to work through the night to deliver on time. The real pressure comes from having to deliver everything two days before Eid."

MEN'S ORDERS DROP, WOMEN'S STEADY

Tailoring men’s shirts, pants, or Punjabi costs around Tk 300-500. But tailors noted that orders for men’s clothing are much lower compared to women’s.

Mahmudul Hasan, owner of Zinzira Choice Ladies and Gents Tailors in Keraniganj, said that his shop was striving to cater to the rising demand for custom designs among customers. He noted that women’s orders had outpaced men’s so far this year.

Rahmat Ullah, cutting master at Sutrapur Tailors, said: "Orders are steady, but not as high as expected. We've hired more staff just in case. We’re still hopeful things will pick up."

BESPOKE DESIGNS FAVOURED

Many customers still prefer custom-made clothes for the perfect fit and design.

"Ready-made clothes either don't fit me well or the colour isn't right. That's why I always get my clothes stitched by tailors," said Rokhsana Begum from Old Dhaka.

While some tailors are struggling, others are overwhelmed with work.

Rustam Ali, owner of Khukumoni Tailors in Vatara, said: "We’re fully booked. Work has increased steadily since the start of Ramadan. We’re working until midnight to meet deadlines. Some tailors are even working overtime and earning more.

"I can't take any new orders from today," he added.

Some customers, wary of last-minute chaos, placed their orders early. They are now collecting their clothes.

"Tailors are busiest towards the end of Ramadan, so I placed my order early and came to collect it today," said Lovely Akter from Sutrapur.

Despite the challenges, some large tailor shops are confidently taking new orders, assuring timely delivery.

Habibur Rahman, manager of Confidence Tailors in Sadarghat, said: "We’re almost as busy as last year. There’s less crowding here, maybe because we've expanded our capacity. But if things get busier, we'll stop accepting new orders. But for now, we’re still taking orders."