Has Work-From-Home and Casual Fridays Killed Tailoring?
In recent years, especially with the rise of remote work and casual dress codes, there’s been a lot of talk about whether tailoring has become a thing of the past. So, has work-from-home and Casual Fridays killed the art of tailoring?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: well, sort of…
The Evolution of Tailoring
There’s no denying that the demand for traditional suiting has declined. Long gone are the days when every town had a local tailor, and people would have all their clothing custom-made. These days, fast fashion giants like Primark have become the go-to for many when it comes to affordable, off-the-rack clothing.
But that doesn’t mean tailoring is dead.
While Casual Fridays may have relaxed the rules around formal attire, they didn’t entirely kill the suit. For most professionals, suiting was still the norm Monday through Thursday. However, this cultural shift did start to challenge the idea of the suit as the everyday work uniform, causing a gradual evolution in the way people dressed for work.
The Power Dressing Era
For many, the golden era of suiting was the 1980s and ‘90s. Think bold pinstriped suits, oversized shoulders, and sharp, pointy shoes—the epitome of “power dressing” for city workers. It was a time when your suit made a statement about your ambition, confidence, and position in the business world.
I must admit, I miss those days. But fashion evolves, and so do people’s needs and expectations.
How COVID Changed the Game
Then came COVID. The pandemic forced many industries, including tailoring, to rethink their approach. With offices shut down and formal events postponed, the demand for suits plummeted. Tailors had to pivot.
Some of us shifted to making scrubs and other essential items. After all, if you’ve got the machinery, why not put it to good use during a time of crisis?
Post-COVID, the world changed, and so did people’s attitudes towards clothing.
A New Era: Conscious Fashion Choices
One of the most noticeable shifts I’ve seen since the pandemic is that people are becoming more thoughtful about their clothing choices. Concerns about fast fashion’s environmental impact, as well as the often unethical production methods behind it, have led consumers to seek out higher-quality, longer-lasting garments.
And this is where tailoring has found its new relevance.
People may not be wearing suits every day, but they are still willing to invest in quality, beautifully made pieces that reflect their values—whether it’s for work or casual wear. The shift from fast fashion to conscious consumerism has opened the door for bespoke clothing to evolve beyond formal attire.
Tailoring the Future: Embracing Casual Pieces
At my shop, we’ve adapted to meet this demand. We’re creating more casual pieces than ever before, but the craftsmanship and attention to detail remain the same. Whether it’s a sharp blazer, a well-fitted shirt, or even a pair of tailored trousers, our focus is on producing timeless, versatile pieces that align with today’s lifestyle.
We haven’t abandoned the suit—far from it. But we recognize that the tailoring industry must grow and adapt to the current fashion landscape. While we may long for the days when every professional had a closet full of suits, we’re excited about the new opportunities to bring our skills into the casual wear space.
Final Thoughts
Tailoring hasn’t died; it has evolved. The traditional suit may not dominate wardrobes like it once did, but the demand for quality, ethical, and timeless clothing is stronger than ever. As tailors, we’re not just making suits; we’re making pieces that fit the modern world.
If you’re looking for something beautifully made—whether it’s formal or casual—tailoring is still here, ready to help you look and feel your best.