Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, measures a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a embroidery machine at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on an embroidered shirt at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor, Kil Bae, poses for a photo inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
An embroidery machine works on a decoration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a embroidery machine at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Tailor, Kil Bae, sews a pice inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
A heart-shaped pincushion bristling with needles hangs on the wall inside Kil Bae's store on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Audio By Carbonatix
11:23 PM on Sunday, April 5
By EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ and ANDRES KUDACKI
NEW YORK (AP) — Across the U.S., the number of tailors, dressmakers and custom sewing specialists is declining, even as demand for their work is growing. Industry experts say younger shoppers are turning to these professionals to tailor ready-made clothing, refresh thrifted pieces and get more longevity out of their wardrobes.
Kil Bae, a longtime tailor in New York, notes that the rise of weight-loss medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy has led more people to seek alterations as their bodies change. At the same time, the pool of skilled workers is shrinking as experienced sewers retire. In response, the Fashion Institute of Technology has partnered with Nordstrom to create a training program aimed at addressing the shortage.
___
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
The Investing & Trading Live Radio Show hosted by Josh and Al pulls back the >>The Investing & Trading Live Radio Show hosted by Josh and Al pulls back the curtain on how the financial markets really work. Trading for income potential or investing to become a better steward of your life savings are key topics. We will discuss . . . <<
Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. >>Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. Powered by more than 2700 journalists and analysts in more than 120 countries, Bloomberg Radio's resources are unparalleled. Because the financial markets never sleep, . . . <<
Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. >>Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. Powered by more than 2700 journalists and analysts in more than 120 countries, Bloomberg Radio's resources are unparalleled. Because the financial markets never sleep, . . . <<
Millions listen to The Ramsey Show every day for common-sense talk on money. >>Millions listen to The Ramsey Show every day for common-sense talk on money. Listeners are also tuning in to hear real callers share real stories about their lives and families. They call the show in desperate need of help. They call to celebrate. . . . . <<
Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. >>Bloomberg Radio is the world's only global 24-hour business radio station. Powered by more than 2700 journalists and analysts in more than 120 countries, Bloomberg Radio's resources are unparalleled. Because the financial markets never sleep, . . . <<
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
