A nationwide shortage of skilled seamstresses and tailors is creating challenges for an industry experiencing unprecedented demand for their services. While fewer professionals enter the field, customers are increasingly seeking custom alterations and clothing modifications.
The growing interest stems from several trends, according to industry professionals. Consumers are looking to modify off-the-rack garments for better fit, update secondhand purchases, and extend the lifespan of their clothing investments.
Kil Bae, an experienced New York tailor, has observed another factor driving business growth. The popularity of weight-loss drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy has brought in customers needing clothing adjustments as their body sizes change. However, finding qualified workers to meet this demand proves increasingly difficult as veteran craftspeople leave the workforce through retirement.
To combat the skills gap, the Fashion Institute of Technology has launched a collaborative training initiative with Nordstrom, hoping to develop the next generation of sewing professionals and address the industry’s staffing challenges.
