Established in the 50s of the last century, Duc Hanh tailor shop (23 Hang Trong) was once a destination for Hanoi’s trendy fashionistas, the birthplace of countless lovely children’s outfits, elegant floral embroidery items, and meticulously cut and sewn outfits. Now, following the modern flow, the shop has transformed into a school uniform sewing business, but still maintains the handmade spirit in every needle and thread. Those who love this tailor shop, although no longer young, are still as passionate and nostalgic as they were in the past.
Hanoians come to Duc Hanh tailor shop not only to appreciate the stitches but also to love the old beauty of Hanoi.
Uniform fashion “pulls” old tailors back
Hanoi has more than 2,000 schools and millions of students at all levels, the annual demand for uniforms is up to millions of sets. School uniforms need to meet the criteria of neatness, tidiness, comfortable material and shape while expressing the fashion style and aesthetics of each school. Uniform fashion companies have also developed accordingly. They have joined in, coordinated production, and created diverse designs.
School uniforms not only enhance elegance but also exude confidence.
The trend of uniform fashion is not new, but now there is the participation of traditional tailors, famous for their exquisite craftsmanship and meticulousness in every detail, bringing quality and diversity to this clothing market. With a strong handcrafted character but a harmonious combination of classic and modern styles, the old tailors meet the demand for beautiful, technical, quality uniforms and bring a breath of fresh air to the Hanoi uniform fashion market.
Talking to reporters, Ms. Dung (Duc Hanh tailor shop) said that the traditional products of her tailor shop are embroidery, baby clothes, children’s clothes, and summer clothes. The customers are mainly long-time buyers and are meticulous in fashion. They order clothes for themselves, uniforms for their children and grandchildren, and even send them abroad to relatives (old Hanoians). Her family’s uniforms are not mass-produced like fashion companies, but are tailored and sold retail by size, which is also the main business.
White shirts and trousers at Duc Hanh are made in different sizes. Parents only need to read the school name, height, and weight to get the size.
A long-time customer of Duc Hanh tailor shop, Ms. Phuong (Tran Hung Dao street, Hanoi) said: “I have 2 sons, who have only worn Duc Hanh clothes since they were young. When they went to school, I thought they would no longer be able to wear her clothes, but luckily the tailor shop also made uniforms for them. They were still meticulous, the material was good, the stitches were clean, I had no reason to look elsewhere”…
Hanoians still prioritize “the old”
Located in a small alley, over nearly a century, Duc Hanh tailor shop has witnessed many changes in Hanoi and the constant development of the fashion industry. However, this establishment has remained steadfast with its “family heirloom” products and developed more modern products, thanks to the sophistication in the traditional tailoring art, the patience and passion of the owner (also a craftsman) and also thanks to the love for old things of Hanoians.
“Nostalgic” overlock corner of Duc Hanh tailor shop
Ms. Phuong said with a voice full of attachment: “My grown son no longer wears uniforms, but I still come here to order shirts for him. I have been ordering clothes here for many years, I am not used to going elsewhere. The material here is cotton, airy, cool, so it is very comfortable, there is no place like it.”
Ms. Huong (in Lang Thuong, Hanoi) said that both her mother-in-law and her mother are familiar with shopping at Duc Hanh. “So even though I’m young and a brand-name fan, I always come here when I buy clothes for my children. That way, the grandmothers can rest assured that their grandchildren will be wearing good clothes,” Ms. Huong shared.
Old tailor shops like Duc Hanh are not only places where many Hanoians come to have a beautiful, well-fitting outfit, but also a place to reminisce about a bygone era, where they can express their feelings for old values. They order clothes for their children and grandchildren, as a way to pass on their love for the beautiful things of the past. The uniforms are carefully crafted with every stitch and thread, showing the talent of the tailor and also carrying with them the memories of the customers.
