Rising Demand for US Tailors Amid Aging Workforce

In New York City, veteran tailor Kil Bae pins a vintage Tommy Hilfiger jacket for a customer who bought the reversible garment for $20 at a thrift store and plans to invest $280 in alterations to make it fit perfectly. This scene at Bae's one-man shop, 85 Custom Tailor in Manhattan, illustrates a broader trend across the United States: demand for skilled sewers, dressmakers and tailors is rising even as the profession shrinks due to an aging workforce.

Bae, 63, began his training at age 17 in South Korea and later worked as a pattern maker for brands like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan before opening his own business. He now serves clients seeking custom fits for off-the-rack clothing, revivals of secondhand items and extensions of wardrobe life amid a shift away from fast fashion. Industry experts attribute the surge to younger consumers prioritizing sustainability and personalization. The popularity of weight-loss medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy has also boosted requests for resizing, including adjusted waistbands and tapered sleeves, Bae noted.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports fewer than 17,000 tailors, custom sewers and dressmakers in business establishments...