TAILORS across the kingdom have been working non-stop in recent days to meet an unprecedented demand for Eid orders as Bahrainis rushed to get their traditional garments ready in time for the festivities.
It is common practice for Muslims to wear new attire over Eid and after two years of pandemic restrictions they are ready to splash out on sophisticated and traditionally stylish wardrobes.
Some tailors had had to turn down requests because the demand for their services has been so great. Others were so busy during the holy month that they had to stop taking orders for Eid clothing from the 15th day of Ramadan, which fell on April 16, in order to deliver on time for the festivities.
This year Eid Al Fitr is expected to be celebrated in high-spirits with families once again gathering together in celebration.
The thobe, donned by boys and men of all ages, is traditionally a white, ankle-length robe that is worn both casually and for major occasions while women and girls wear the Jalabiya – or sometimes the thobe nashal – which are long, colourful and glittering gowns.
“There has been an increase in demand this year, especially after restrictions were eased and people were finally relaxed and ready to dress up and celebrate traditional gatherings with their families,” said Gmash owner and founder Sara Ahmed.
“We has to stop taking orders for Eid garments on the second day of Ramadan due to the huge influx of demand which, of course, is something we are really grateful for.
“Since the pandemic struck, 95 per cent of my orders moved online, prior to that most people personally visited their traditional tailor.”
Ms Ahmed added that the market for fancy jalabiyas and abayat remained seasonal which required a focused and organised approach to ensure all customers received their orders on time.
Meanwhile, Wool House and Sharif Garments Factory general manager Jassim Al Kooheji – specialised in customised tailoring and accessories - told the GDN that the company had received thousands of orders for custom-made clothing.
“We have noticed a significant change in the demand during the pandemic and we experienced a steady return back to how things were in the past,” he added.
“We had to stop taking orders for Eid Al Fitr even before Ramadan as people trust in our designs, professionalism and our brand which launched in 1997 after the success of a family business which commenced in 1956.
“What is really beautiful is that even men that traditionally don’t wear thobe get fitted for the traditional attire due to its connection to our heritage.
“Due to the demand we have had to reject double the orders we accepted because we aren’t at the capacity yet to cover that demand.”
He urged Bahrainis to maintain the traditional attire and ensure that it’s passed on to the future generations and also added that pre-customised embroidered children’s thobes and vests for Eid have sold out early in Ramadan.
Mr Al Kooheji stated that the return of normal family gatherings and flow of life demand is gradually rising its original levels.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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