Stitches make memories

Foreign tourists choose fabric - the first step in making costumes. Photo: VU PHAN

Before becoming a provincial traditional profession, Hoi An tailoring left its mark on many people. In a land that once played an important role on the “silk road”, a stopover for large maritime ships in the 16th and 17th centuries, it also meant strong development in suitable forms of trade and services.

Visitors choose designs from the catalogue. Photo: VU PHAN

In the early 20th century, tailors first appeared in Hoi An. In 2006, tailoring was recognized as one of the 50 official tourism products of Hoi An, at the first National Tourism Year hosted by Quang Nam. In the same year, Hoi An was honored by the American Time Magazine as one of the places with the fastest and cheapest tailoring services in the world with diverse designs.

Adjusting the product before delivering to the customer. Photo: VU PHAN

Mr. Le Dinh Thanh, who has spent more than 30 years in the tailoring industry, said that the development of tourism has caused the Hoi An tailoring industry to shift accordingly. From tourism, there have appeared “express tailor shops” - serving tourists with clothes made immediately in the day.

Carefully taking tourists' measurements. Photo: VU PHAN

Hoi An tailor shops have also welcomed domestic and foreign politicians and artists to experience and use their services. The stitches of Hoi An tailors are not only special because of their sharpness, but also because of the dedication of the craftsmen in their costumes. Each tailor has a story. Each tailor shop is a journey of memories of the land.

Meticulous in every seam. Photo: VU PHAN

At the end of 2024, tailoring will be recognized as a traditional profession at the provincial level. As if once again confirming the enduring vitality of folk knowledge...