As students are set to resume classes soon for the new school year after the long summer holidays, tailoring shops at Al Ali Market have been enjoying brisk business to finish the orders for school uniforms and thobes (Qatari traditional dress for men) and other accessories.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that a number of Qataris have stressed their keenness to accompany their children to the tailors' shops to have new uniforms tailored and purchased, noting that prices are generally stable compared to the previous year.
A considerable number of tailors and shop owners confirmed that the price of a thobe varies depending on whether it is ready-made or custom-tailored, in addition to the type and quality of fabric, whether it is light or heavy.
They pointed out that some shops work until late at night during this period of the year to deliver thobes and school uniforms before the start of the academic year. They also noted the availability of different types of accessories, pointing out that the price of a thobe ranges between QR70 and QR140 depending on the size and quality.
Mohamed Abdullah, owner of a tailoring shop in Al Ali Market, noted that many prefer to have thobes custom-tailored for their children so as to get a proper and comfortable fit.
As for the most popular fabrics, he said that certain types of Japanese fabric, suitable for high temperatures during most months of the year is sought after by customers. He added that shops work until late at night to ensure timely delivery of the thobes, while demand increases significantly just a few days before the start of the school year, as many parents have returned recently from vacation.
Mubarak al-Mansouri, a parent, confirmed that he has been going to the same tailoring shop in Al Ali Market for almost 15 years, noting that fabric prices vary depending on the type. He added that tailoring a thobe usually takes between three to four days.
Mohammed Bu Rashid, who came with his children to have school thobes tailored in preparation for the new academic year, explained that the market offers all types of fabrics used for tailoring thobes. He added that prices have remained stable and affordable.
He pointed out that people generally prefer light, bright white fabrics as they are most suitable for the hot weather. In addition, the appropriate accessories are selected for each child according to his height and preferences.
