Gen z’s meticulous shift: why tailored clothings are more than just a trend

Paris Fashion Week’s frenzy for Chanel’s new shoes masked a quieter, more deliberate trend: Gen Z’s burgeoning obsession with bespoke garments. It began with a simple mission – a made-to-measure nightshirt at Charvet – and quickly revealed a deeper desire for tangible experiences and personalized style.

The algorithm’s echo, but with a twist

The weeks following my Charvet expedition saw a surge of interest in custom-made clothing online. Instagram and TikTok were saturated with hero shots of individuals meticulously crafting their wardrobes, but this wasn’t merely algorithmic mimicry. A recent Vogue Business and Archrival survey, “Gen Z Broke the Marketing Funnel,” highlighted a key differentiator: this generation isn’t passively consuming trends; they’re actively demanding details.

Beyond price tags: a craving for craftsmanship

Forget the broad strokes of influencer marketing. Gen Z wants to know the price, the fit, the materials, the construction. Designers, like Chava Studio’s Olivia Villanti, are responding, noting that this heightened scrutiny is “amazing, because those are details that are embedded in tailoring.” The emphasis on traditional craftsmanship – a skill often deemed ‘dying’ – is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a generation seeking something beyond the ephemeral allure of digital trends.

Intimacy and community: the human element

This desire for a more tactile connection isn’t confined to the workshop. Isiah Magsino, who commissioned a suit from Huntsman on Savile Row, describes the process as “purely personal.” He adds, “You’re going out to dinner with them, you’re having conversations with them.” This level of intimacy fosters a community that transcends the digital realm, a sentiment echoed by mending shop owner Bjorn Eva Park, who observes a genuine excitement amongst clients discussing their garments.

Nostalgia’s stitch

What’s driving this revival of bespoke tailoring? A significant portion is rooted in nostalgia – a longing for a time when craftsmanship held a higher value. Carter Altman, introducing MTM to his clients, notes that references often reflect this sentimental pull. “I think nostalgia is certainly informative in terms of the imagery people are looking at, but I think a lot of it—in my experience—comes down to people being unable to articulate what it is that they like about those references.” Unlike older generations who associate tailoring with a daily uniform, Gen Z views it as a connection to heritage and a means of self-expression.

A counterpoint to the swipe

The story of Audrey Kalman, who grew up witnessing her great-grandmother's sewing skills, beautifully encapsulates this shift. “It’s important to feel like you’re doing something new,” she states. “I’m someone who was born in 2000 [who] can still do original things. There is actually some handiwork going into our lives still, it’s not all behind a screen.”