The tailors of the past make uniforms today.

Established in the 1950s, Duc Hanh tailor shop (23 Hang Trong Street) was once a favorite haunt of Hanoi's stylish fashionistas , the birthplace of countless adorable children's outfits, elegant embroidered pieces, and meticulously tailored garments. Now, following the modern trend, the shop has expanded into school uniform tailoring, but still retains its handcrafted spirit in every stitch. Those who cherish this tailor shop, though no longer young, remain as fond and nostalgic as ever.

Hanoians come to Duc Hanh tailor shop not only to appreciate the needlework but also out of love for the old-world beauty of Hanoi.

Uniform fashion is bringing back the old-fashioned tailoring industry.

Hanoi has over 2,000 schools and millions of students at all levels, resulting in an annual demand for millions of school uniforms. School uniforms need to be neat, tidy, made of comfortable materials and styles, while also reflecting the unique fashion and aesthetic of each school. Consequently, uniform fashion companies have flourished, collaborating in production and creating diverse designs.

School uniforms not only enhance an elegant appearance but also exude confidence.

The trend of uniform fashion is not new, but now traditional tailors, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, are participating, bringing quality and diversity to this clothing market. Strongly handcrafted yet harmoniously blending classic and modern styles, these traditional tailors meet the demand for beautiful, technically sound, and high-quality uniforms, bringing a familiar yet fresh perspective to the Hanoi uniform fashion market.

Speaking with reporters, Ms. Dung (from Duc Hanh tailoring shop) said that the shop's traditional products are embroidered clothing, baby clothes, children's clothing, and summer clothes. Their customers are mainly long-time buyers who are discerning about fashion. They order clothes for themselves, uniforms for their children and grandchildren, and even send them abroad to relatives (those who were once residents of Hanoi). Unlike fashion companies, her shop doesn't mass-produce uniforms; instead, they are custom-made and sold individually by size, which is their main business.

At Duc Hanh school, white shirts and trousers are pre-made in various sizes; parents only need to provide the school name, height, and weight to get the correct size.

A long-time customer of Duc Hanh tailor shop, Ms. Phuong (Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi) said: "I have two sons, and since they were little, they've only worn Duc Hanh clothes. I thought they wouldn't be able to wear their grandmother's clothes to school anymore, but luckily the tailor shop started making school uniforms. They're still meticulous, the materials are good, and the stitching is clean. I have no reason to look elsewhere..."

Hanoians still prefer "the old".

Nestled in a small alley, the Duc Hanh tailor shop has witnessed many changes in Hanoi and the continuous development of the fashion industry for nearly a century. Yet, this establishment has persevered with its "family-inherited" products and developed modern designs, thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional tailoring, the patience and passion of the owner (who is also a craftsman), and the love for the old ways of Hanoi.

The "nostalgic" overlock corner of Duc Hanh tailor shop.

Ms. Phuong said with a voice full of affection: "My eldest son no longer wears a school uniform, but I still come here to order shirts for him. I've been ordering clothes from here for so many years, I'm not used to going anywhere else. The material here is genuine cotton, breathable and cool, so it's very comfortable, unlike anywhere else."

Ms. Huong (from Lang Thuong, Hanoi) said that both her mother-in-law and her own mother are regulars at Duc Hanh. "So even though I'm young and a fan of designer brands, I always come here when buying clothes for children. That way, the mothers can rest assured that their grandchildren are wearing good quality clothes," Ms. Huong shared.

Traditional tailor shops like Duc Hanh are not only places where many Hanoians go to get well-fitting, beautiful clothes, but also places of nostalgia for a bygone era, where they can express their affection for old values. They commission tailoring for their children and grandchildren, as a way of passing on their love for the beautiful things of the past. Each uniform is meticulously crafted, showcasing the skill of the tailor and carrying within it the memories of the customers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-trang-tre/nha-may-xua-may-dong-phuc-nay-185240922161415743.htm