The pandemic threw us all for a loop and tuned us to amateur chefs, artists, gardeners, and even writers. This pandemic time was a time to reflect, retrospect, adapt, and evolve. But amidst all the chaos and mayhem, one thing that became glaringly obvious is comfort clothing. Let’s understand how the pandemic reshaped the tailoring industry and why they are making a sharp comeback.

POST-PANDEMIC IMPACT ON FASHION: FROM COUTURE TO COMFY

During pre-quarantine, ready-to-wear clothing brands became trendy. The common thought that prevailed among everyone is, Why wait for a tailored suit when I could garb something trendy and disposal? Then, lockdown hits every corner of the world, pausing time for everyone. With this, every social event, gathering, and office meeting got cancelled, and sherwanis and office attire were swapped with pajamas—this sudden transition made the ‘need’ for tailored, custom-made clothing vanish.

But here is the good news: this sudden pause for the world gave many of us a chance to rethink and adapt our consumption habits. People started to realise custom tailoring is sustainable and chic as compared to off-the-rack brands.

Now let’s try to figure out why bespoke brands are making a comeback.

WHY CUSTOM TAILORING IS HAVING ITS MOMENT

1. THE PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT FIT Don’t shy away; I know you also have gained some pounds watching your favourite series with banana breads and ice creams. We all blamed our favourite snacks for those extra pandemic pounds we gained, don’t we? Ready-to-go clothes fail us to give what our post-pandemic body shapes demand—that dampens our spirits and discourages us as those fits don’t fit us like our second skin anymore. To rescue us from this embarrassment, custom tailoring comes with shiny armour that fits so perfectly that it feels like a warm hug. No more shaking our confidence with ill-fitted pants and unsuitable suffocating blazers—hallelujah!

• SUSTAINABILITY IS NEW IN THE TREND The quarantine opened the eyes of everyone to the environmental toll of the off-the-rack fashion world. Custom-made tailoring reduces wastage of fabrics and aids to go you green. Bespoke brands believe in quality rather than quantity. The fast-fashion brands focus on quality to maximize their profits. So bespoke clothing makes your wardrobe go green.

• PERSONAL STYLE TAKES THE LIMELIGHT During the post-pandemic times, bespoke clothing took the spotlight, as custom tailoring lets you choose any fabrics, designs, or patterns you want in your garment. Bespoke clothing brands make sure why to blend when you can stand out in the crowd?

• ONLINE BESPOKE SERVICES: As we all were stuck within the four walls of our homes during the pandemic, virtual tailoring went vogue. Thanks to technological development, you can now get chic, custom-made tailored outfits without leaving the boring four walls of your house. You can have virtual consultations and 3-D body scans to make your outfits fit you perfectly. AI-driven design tools are also making custom tailoring easier for everyone and also accessible to everyone.

HOW BESPOKE BRANDS ARE COPING POST-PANDEMIC ERA

After the pandemic, tailors have adapted various digital tools to serve the “new normal.” The world we live in now has gone through a massive digital revolution to cope with the quarantine. And when the topic of social media arises, the first thing that pops into our minds is viral dances and memes, but that’s not it. Think again! Post-pandemic, the tech boom has tailored a whole new era—from digital payment to online education. Social media has played a crucial role in making custom tailoring more accessible to every corner of the planet.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA HAS SWEEN THE GAP BETWEEN TAILORS AND US?

• SHOWCASING THE CRAFT: Social media like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Pinterest have become the ultimate platform for showcasing fashion—that helped custom tailors to flaunt their intricate designs and artistic stitching styles and creations to every corner of the globe. In the age of reels, it has become easier to mesmerize consumers and draw clients.

• CUSTOMER Intersection, SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY STITCHER: For a loner period of time, tailors or artists relied on aunties tea-party gossip for marketing their product. Fast forward to today: tailors are multitasking—sewing in one hand, answering DMs in the other. The best part? Your favourite lehenga is one text way, ready to make your dreams come true.

• When preference meets promotion: Social media has made it easier for anyone to market anything. Need to find dreamy lehenga? It’s just a Instagram ad away. Tailors have jumped from just sewing seams to surfing steams to market their products. Facebook and Instagram these days work like measuring tape for your marketing goals.

TECH THREAD: TECH IN TAILORING

1. VIRTUAL MEASUREMENTS, NO TAPE REQUIRED: AI-powered apps can now take precise measurements of your curves from miles away with just your smartphone. Virtual measurements not only ensure accuracy but also minimize physical visits—this gained popularity during the quarantine times.

• 3D VIRTUAL FITTING ROOMS: Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), you can now see how an item will fit you in virtual fitting rooms before you purchase it. It’s similar to dressing up, but you can do it comfortably, hassle-free, and in your own space.

• AUTOMATED PATTERN MAKING: Tailors can now create, modify, and perfect patterns digitally without any inconvenience—saving time and reducing fabric waste. It is like sustainability meets efficiency.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND TRENDS

• BEHIND-THE-SCENES CONTENT: Putting reels and videos of the tailoring process on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram helps to increase customer confidence.
• TestIMONIALS: Satisfied customers and clients are encouraged to post, tag, or mention about their outfits and share their experiences on social media reels and posts. This not only builds trust but also credibility.

• MARKETING BY COLLABORATING AND BY INFLUENCER: In the era of viral reels and memes, collaborating and partnering with influencers can boost visibility.

TRENDS IN CUSTOM MADE TAILORING POST-PANDEMIC

1. HYBRID STYLE: In order to satisfy client demands and fit in with their evolving lives, tailors are now experimenting with novel sewing techniques. Comfort and refinement come together in bespoke brands.

• ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY FABRICS: During post-pandemic, the demand for eco-friendly is in high demand all the time—from organic cottons to silk. Custom-made tailoring is bringing their A-game, offering sustainable outfits that not only make you feel comfortable but also help you go green with your wardrobe.

BESPOKE CLOTHING IN INDIA

India is always known for its diversity in culture, craftsmanship, and textiles, and the post-pandemic period amplified its reputation to its peak. The tailors of India are not less than any artists—from traditional sherwanis to modern-day business suits, Indian tailors stitch every garment with magic and intricate craftsmanship that grab global attention.

• Local artists shine: social media has aided local artisans, tailors, and weavers to showcase their masterpieces to the world. It not only supports their arts and products but also contributes to their livelihood and creates jobs.

• BLEND OF WESTERN IN TRADITION: Indian tailors have become more creative with their works—blending western cuts with Indian fabrics, creating chic, stunning outfits for every event and occasion.

• Employment: Usually, local artisans don’t get recognised in the fast-moving world as their masterpieces take time. And no one has any time to spare. Post-pandemic changed the narrative in favour of local artisans and weavers. Posting about them on X (Twitter) or in Instagram reels showcasing their arts and products, creating employment in that sector.

TIPS TO EMBRACE BESPOKE BANDS AS YOUR NEW NORMAL

1. KNOW YOUR CURVES: Knowing your measurements is crucial, as your tailor is not an AI or a magician. It will save time for you and your tailor if you know your curves.

• COMMUNICATE CLEARLY: Don’t shy away; this is not your interview. Be specific about your preferences and choices—from discussing quality of fabrics, styles, cuts, and detailing.

• INVEST WISELY: Bespoke tailoring is a positive investment. Don’t be a fool and prefer high-quality fabrics over quantity that won’t stand the test of time.

TAILORED CLOTHING BRANDS ARE CONNECTED EMOTIONALLY?

We all consider clothing very personal, as it boosts our confidence and aids us to create a good first impression. A tailored cut appreal tells a story—your story and the tailor’s story. Bespoke clothing underlines your curves and camouflages your flaws.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES POST-PANDEMIC WAS NOT AN EASY TASK

The new road that tailors are on is not without its difficulties. For example, the cost of textiles is increasing, making it more difficult for bespoke firms to compete with fast-fashion labels. They also have to adjust to new digital tools and balance the varied wants and needs of their clientele. Every obstacle they encountered was met with creative solutions by tailors.

Custom tailoring is not just a service; it is an art, and the post-pandemic situation redefined the relationship of fashion.