A Stitch in Time: Auckland's Master Tailors Fear Industry Is "Ageing Out"

Despite high demand driven by op-shopping and online returns, Auckland's master tailors fear a lack of young apprentices will leave the craft in jeopardy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 4:57 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The High Stakes of Professional Tailoring

For Serena Tan, who has operated Serena's Dressmaking and Alterations in Mt Albert since 1998, the precision required in the trade is what makes it difficult to master. Tan likens the profession to hairdressing but with higher stakes, noting that while hair grows back, a single wrong cut on a customer’s blazer can ruin the garment entirely. Now 60, Tan is looking for a successor to take over her workshop, which houses machines she has maintained for over 35 years. She has even offered to personally train anyone with basic sewing knowledge who is willing to commit to the craft.

High Demand in the "Op-Shop" and E-commerce Era

Paradoxically, the industry is busier than ever. Mahesh Contractor, the 70-year-old owner of Merai Tailors in Onehunga, reports that online shopping and the rise of "thrifting" have created a constant stream of work.

Sizing Discrepancies: Online orders from different countries often arrive with inconsistent sizing, requiring professional adjustments.

Sustainability Trends: More people are buying high-quality vintage items from op-shops for nominal prices and investing in alterations to modernize the fit.