Demand for kandoras soars, tailors stop receiving orders

It was brisk business at men's tailoring shops as demand for kandora (the local loose fitting garment) soared ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
It is customary to mark Eid with new clothes, and following traditions, the youth in Dubai are very particular to have new kandora, perfumes and pair of slippers.
The tailoring shops were overcrowded with customers to either get their kandora - ready-made or stiched - for Eid celebrations.
They finished cutting and stitching more than 200 kandoras on a day, therefore they cannot receive new orders.
A tailor said they had stopped receiving new orders a week ago, so they can deliver the already being stitched on time.
"Most of my customers ask for a large number of kandoras, say more than 7 for one person in addition to their children", he said adding this made the duty very difficult, and agreement is made with some customers that part of the kandoras will be delivered before Eid and the rest after the occasion.
Stitching varies as per the quality of the material and the design of the stitching.
The price of kandora, which is made to order starts from Dh170 and reaches as high as Dh500.
Many youth seemed unhappy due to the price hike and they are unable to get a tailoring shop that accepts stitching as the case with women.
"Kandoras for men do not require much work, but only cutting, which are many."
Even though customers are ready to spend Dh4,000 for a pair of slippers, they complained about price hike during Eid.
They say traders take advantage of the occasion and increase the prices to the inconvenience and suffering of the people, and the problem remain every year unanswered.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai