From the runways of Paris to the digital storefronts of global e-commerce, the fashion industry is changing. As consumers increasingly prioritize personalized style, sustainable practices, and the perfect fit, the once-traditional sector is seeing a revitalization of the tailoring and alteration services market. A new report by The Business Research Company reveals, this specialized industry is set to get a boost, due to the very same trends driving the wider fashion world.

The report, titled ‘Tailoring And Alteration Services Global Market Report 2025’, reveals a strong market on the upswing. The market size is projected to grow from $9.4 billion in 2024 to $9.89 billion in 2025, at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent. This growth isn't just a fleeting trend; the report predicts continued rise, with the market expected to reach $11.97 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 4.9 per cent.

The perfect fit for a changing consumer

The report highlights several factors that are catalyst for market growth, many of them rooted in evolving consumer behavior. The demand for personalized and properly fitted clothes is foremost among them. With the rise of fast fashion and mass-produced garments, a well-fitting, custom-tailored piece has become a symbol of both quality and individuality. This is particularly true for segments like formal and professional clothing, where an impeccable fit is essential.

Table: Market drivers for tailoring and alteration services

Perhaps the most compelling factor, however, is the direct link between the flourishing fashion industry and the demand for tailoring and alteration services. As the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) reported in November 2023, the UK's fashion and textile sector contributed $81 billion (£62 billion) to the country's GDP, supporting 1.3 million jobs. This economic powerhouse, led by increased consumer spending and the boom of online shopping, creates a constant flow of garments that need customized modifications to ensure the perfect fit and customer satisfaction.

Alliances and digital threads

The industry is not just growing; it's evolving. Leading companies are forging alliances to meet new consumer expectations. A case study from the UK report is the collaboration between retail giant Marks & Spencer and Sojo, a UK-based clothing repair and tailoring firm. In June 2024, they launched the ‘M&S Fixed by Sojo’ service, which offers online clothing repairs and tailoring with a 7 to 10-day turnaround. This initiative directly addresses a crucial market insight from the report: only 10 per cent of consumers are confident in repairing their own clothes, while 60 per cent are actively looking for more sustainable retail alternatives.

The report also anticipates technological breakthroughs that will further disrupt the market. The advent of 3D scanning, smart tailoring solutions, and virtual fitting rooms are set to revolutionize the way customers interact with tailoring services, making the process more efficient and accessible.

A pattern seen worldwide

While North America held the largest market share in 2024, the report identifies the Asia-Pacific region as the fastest-growing market in the forecast period. The global reach of this growth is reflected in the diverse list of market players, from luxury brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Ermenegildo Zegna to online platforms like Etsy Inc. and specialized services like Sojo and Hemster Inc.

The tailoring and alteration services market is no longer a niche craft; it's an essential component of the modern fashion ecosystem. By providing a perfect fit, promoting sustainability, and embracing technological innovation, this industry is stitching together a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and a tailored future for fashion.