Hyderabad’s Ladies Tailors vs. Ready-Made Clothing – Who Wins in Ramadan?
Hyderabad, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, has long been known for its deep-rooted tailoring traditions. While ready-made garments have gained traction in the modern retail sector, Hyderabad’s women, especially during Ramadan, continue to favor tailor-made outfits. The city’s tailoring industry flourishes during this season, as women prefer customized designs, perfect fittings, and traditional attire that ready-made clothing often fails to offer.
Ready-made garments come with several limitations, including restricted design choices, ill-fitting sizes, and high prices. Many branded clothes are not tailored to suit the aesthetic preferences of Hyderabad’s women, who prefer garments that align with the city’s cultural essence. Imported clothes also fail to match the specific taste of Hyderabad’s buyers, making ladies’ tailoring the more viable option.
During Ramadan, Hyderabad’s women favor traditional outfits such as salwar kameez, ghararas, shararas, and long frocks, which require meticulous stitching and design elements. Ready-made attire often lacks the elegance and exclusivity that expert tailoring provides. Many women feel that wearing mass-produced clothing on Eid diminishes the personal touch that a custom-tailored outfit offers.
Sheikh Zubair, the owner of ‘Style Ladies Tailor & Boutique’ in Vijay Nagar Colony, explains that tailor-made garments always hold an advantage over ready-made ones. “Women prefer tailored clothing because it ensures the perfect fit. Most ready-made outfits do not match their exact measurements, leading them back to tailors for alterations. That’s why they choose to get their Eid dresses stitched from scratch,” he says.
The Ramadan Rush at Hyderabad’s Tailoring Shops
As Ramadan approaches, Hyderabad’s tailoring shops, especially ladies tailors, witness an unprecedented surge in demand. Ladies’ tailors work tirelessly to accommodate the influx of customers seeking bespoke outfits for Eid celebrations. Traditional garments, customized to individual preferences, remain in high demand, compelling tailors to extend their working hours.
Muhammad Faisal, owner of ‘Master Stitch Zone Ladies Tailor’ in Malakpet, describes the Ramadan rush as the busiest time of the year for ladies tailors. “We carefully manage our schedules to ensure all orders are delivered before Eid. Most tailors stop taking new orders after the 20th of Ramadan to meet deadlines and avoid last-minute rushes,” he explains.
In Hyderabad’s Old City, home-based tailoring businesses flourish during Ramadan. Many women, who have mastered the craft of sewing, take up stitching assignments from their neighbors, further strengthening the tailoring industry. Areas like Noor Khan Bazaar, Gulzar Houz, and Mallepally remain hotspots for ladies’ tailoring, where skilled workers cater to the high demand for festive garments. The demand extends beyond Ramadan, peaking in Rajab and Shaban as well.
During field visits to Hyderabad’s tailoring hubs, it was observed that several women operate sewing centers from their homes. In areas like Mitti Ka Sher, women-run tailoring businesses thrive. These home-based tailors handle bulk orders during Ramadan, ensuring that customers receive their garments on time. Many of these women acquired their stitching skills informally, often from their mothers and grandmothers, and have successfully turned their craft into a sustainable livelihood.
Despite the thriving tailoring industry, Hyderabad faces a shortage of local tailors. Many well-established boutiques rely on artisans from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Due to their refined craftsmanship, these artisans demand higher wages, making them indispensable to Hyderabad’s tailoring sector. However, experts believe that the lack of locally trained tailors is a growing concern. Industry insiders suggest the need for professional training programs to encourage Hyderabad’s youth to enter the tailoring profession and preserve this heritage.
Ramadan Business in Hyderabad Witnesses a Surge in Sales
Balancing Work and Worship During Ramadan for Ladies Tailors
Managing workload and spiritual commitments during Ramadan remains a major challenge for ladies tailors. Many follow a structured schedule, working from morning until late at night while dedicating time to prayers and Taraweeh. Tailors strategically allocate their time to ensure they do not miss their religious obligations while managing customer deadlines.
When asked about handling the Ramadan workload, a group of tailors at ‘Dream Ladies Tailor’ in Noor Khan Bazaar shared their experience. “We work until late at night but make sure to pause for prayers and Iftar. The workload is intense, but we adjust our schedules accordingly,” said one of the tailors, Anis Fatima. She further explained that post-Iftar hours are crucial for tailoring businesses, as most customers visit to check on their orders.
The pricing of tailor-made garments varies based on design complexity. Simple salwar kameez stitching starts at Rs 400, while outfits with linings cost between Rs 550 and Rs 700. Designer outfits, including elaborate shararas and ghararas, are priced higher based on the intricacy of the design. Women looking for unique, handcrafted designs prefer customized tailoring despite the relatively higher cost compared to ready-made clothes.
The Future of Hyderabad’s Ladies Tailoring Industry
With the increasing popularity of customization, Hyderabad’s tailoring industry is evolving. Many ladies tailors are now offering online booking services, allowing customers to place stitching orders from the comfort of their homes. Some ladies tailors have introduced doorstep delivery services to enhance customer convenience. This modern approach ensures that Hyderabad’s traditional tailoring industry remains competitive in the digital age.
The demand for skilled tailors is higher than ever, and industry experts believe that more investment in training programs can bridge the gap between demand and supply. With proper support, Hyderabad’s ladies’ tailoring industry can expand further and continue to outshine the ready-made garment sector for years to come.
Despite the availability of ready-made clothing, Hyderabad’s ladies tailors continue to hold a special place in the city’s fashion landscape. Their ability to blend traditional styles with modern preferences, while ensuring superior quality and fitting, keeps them at the forefront of the industry. As long as Hyderabad’s women prioritize elegance, uniqueness, and craftsmanship, the city’s tailoring industry will remain unbeatable, particularly during the festive season of Ramadan.
