Barishal: Tailor shops across Barishal city are experiencing a significant increase in work ahead of Eid, as customers rush to have their preferred outfits tailored in advance. Despite the popularity of ready-made garments, many buyers are still turning to local tailors for customized designs and perfect fittings for the festive occasion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in the Katpatti area of Barishal city, women shoppers are flocking to stores selling gauze fabric and three-piece materials with lace and other embellishments. After purchasing fabrics of their choice, customers are heading to nearby tailor shops to have their Eid dresses stitched according to their preferred designs and measurements.
Tailors said they begin work after carefully examining the fabric and taking accurate measurements from customers. Once the design and size are finalized, they begin stitching the garments on sewing machines. Local tailors mentioned they will be able to accept new orders only until around the 25th day of Ramadan due to the growing workload. At present, most tailoring shops are operating under heavy pressure as the demand for Eid outfits continues to rise.
Shubrata, a tailor at Jhumur Tailors on Katpatti Road, said that customers have been visiting the shop since the beginning of Ramadan with gauze fabrics and loose three-piece materials. "Work pressure is already quite high and it will increase further as Eid approaches. Most of the orders we are receiving now are for Eid," he said. Another tailor, Geeta Rani, noted that business is currently good, although orders can only be accepted until the 25th day of Ramadan. "Wages usually increase slightly during the Eid season, so we have adjusted our prices a little. Customers have accepted this," she added.
Tailor Ariful Islam said many customers are bringing different types of fabrics to have their Eid clothes made according to their own preferences. "We try to make the dresses beautifully according to the wishes and measurements of our customers," he said. Across Barishal city, tailoring shops are now busy cutting fabrics and stitching garments with various designs.
Even though the prices of ready-made clothes have increased, many people prefer tailor-made outfits for better fitting and comfort. Customers say they feel more comfortable wearing clothes made according to their measurements. Some even bring catalogues or design samples to tailors to ensure the desired style and fit.
Sandia Akhter, a customer, said she bought a three-piece of her choice for Eid and came to the tailor to have it stitched properly. "Eid means joy, so I want my dress to be perfect. I am very happy with the tailoring here," she said. Another customer, Jerin Jahan, mentioned that ready-made garments often do not fit properly. "Sometimes the length or size is not right. That's why I bought fabric and came to the tailor to have it stitched according to my measurements," she said. Adiba Rahman said she visited a tailor to have her dress made exactly as she wanted. "My new dress will make the Eid celebration even more special," she said.
There are around 50 tailoring shops in the Katpatti area alone and more than 100 others across different parts of the city. Tailor shop owners say each shop is currently receiving a good number of orders and they expect demand to increase further as Eid approaches. Meanwhile, markets across the city, including Bipani Bitan and Chawkbazar, are witnessing a growing crowd of shoppers ahead of the festival.
According to the Chawkbazar Business Owners' Association, sales have increased in most shops as Eid approaches. Adequate law enforcement measures have also been taken to ensure that shoppers can visit markets safely and comfortably. Association President Minal Kanti Saha said, "Sales have been good ahead of Eid and most shops are doing well. We expect the number of buyers to increase further in the coming days. Law enforcement agencies are working to ensure a safe shopping environment."
There are more than 500 tailor shops in the city. In addition, around 500 shops sell ready-made three-pieces, veils, than cloths, and sarees in the Chawkbazar and Katpatti areas, making the city's markets vibrant ahead of Eid.