Tailoring - A Trend Setting History

Thu, 27 Aug 09

The history of tailoring goes back to 1900 - tailor made suits were firmly established by then. The tailor made was called a costume or a suit and made of wool or serge. But the tailored suit as we know it was first introduced in the early 1880s.

The suit as a form of business clothing evolved in Europe, reaching its pinnacle at the famous Savile Row - a shopping street in Mayfair, London, famous for its traditional men's bespoke tailoring. The term "bespoke" is believed to have originated in Savile Row when cloth for a suit was said to be spoken for by individual customers.

By the late 1800's the suit making trade began to spread to other parts of the Europe, particularly Italy. Some of the best suits in the world fashion were produced in this country. Italian suits have today come to represent some of the best quality work in men's tailoring, and bring prestige to the wearer.

Tailors used to search across the world to find the threads and fabrics they use to interpret the trade. This still holds true today as fabric choice separates a superior tailor from a standard one. When we think of tailoring we usually imagine suits, and a market dominated by men, but it actually extends to a wide range of fashionable clothing for both genders.

As people increasingly go after outfits that can best express their taste and individuality, mass-produced ready-to-wear garments can no longer satisfy their needs. This has influenced the tailor-made clothing market and you will begin to see more upmarket boutiques and specialty stores offering custom-made clothing.

While an increasing number of well-known Australian brands are introducing made to measure services, many people are not even aware the service is available. Although the concept is inviting, people are afraid to try something new - but once they try it, they may never want to buy off the rack again!

There is a misconception that tailoring is only for people who have trouble find good fitting clothes, when in fact is also really about the experience. The experience of being your own designer and having a unique garment made to your measurements that's exclusive to you.

Traditionally, clothing is the most common product tailoring is applied to, but these days it can be experienced in wide scope of products, including made to order shoes, hand bags, jewellery, hats, furniture, personalised gifts, and even musical instruments and cars.