Tailors see surge in Raya clothing alterations, fewer custom orders

2026-03-07 - 23:43

Siti Aishah, a tailor at Kedai Jahit Aishah in Taman Bertuah, Ipoh, says many customers buy ready-made or online outfits but often find the sizing does not match their measurements. (Bernama pic) IPOH: In the past, the period leading up to Aidilfitri would be the busiest time for tailors. Today, many of these craftspeople say the bigger rush is for clothing alterations. Helmaliza Isa said the growing popularity of online shopping has led more customers to bring in ready-made garments for adjustments to ensure a proper fit. “Many people buy clothes online now, so the demand for alterations is increasing,” said the 44-year-old. “Slots for alterations fill up quickly, while orders for new clothes seem to be slowing down.” Helmaliza, who runs a tailoring shop here, said she now receives about 20 pieces of clothing daily for alterations, mainly involving sleeve length, shoulder, and waist adjustments. At the same time, she works on around 130 Raya outfits ordered by customers who prefer custom-made clothing. “In the past, I would receive many new orders, but now there are fewer, while alteration requests are rising. As entrepreneurs, we have to follow the trend – to adapt and do both,” she said. The Malim Nawar native began accepting Raya orders in August and closed them in early January to ensure everything could be completed on time. Helmaliza, who is aided by three employees, said alteration charges range from RM2 to RM40 depending on the type of work. Sewing fees start from RM65 for a baju kurung, RM85 for a kebaya, and RM120 for a baju Melayu, depending on the fabric and design. Another tailor, Siti Aishah Norazhar, said she limited Raya clothing orders this year to between 20 and 30 from regular customers, so she could focus more on alterations. Speaking at Kedai Jahit Aishah in Taman Bertuah here, Siti Aishah said many customers now buy ready-made or online outfits but often find the sizing does not match their measurements. “They often find the clothes uncomfortable because the sizes do not fit properly, so they come to us for alterations,” said the 31-year-old, who has over 10 years of experience. Alteration charges at her shop range from RM7 to RM30, while sewing fees for women’s garments such as baju kurung and kebaya start from RM60-RM80 per pair. Siti Aishah conceded that alteration work can sometimes be more profitable than sewing new outfits. “Customers send in trousers and other garments for alterations almost every day, while a new order takes two to three days to complete,” she said.