Bahrain Tailors: Fabric Quality Assurance And Standards

Bahrain is known for its fabric souk and tailors on every corner, making it a haven for those seeking custom-made clothing. The country's textile and apparel market is also supported by its participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which has facilitated regional trade through the implementation of a unified customs tariff. When it comes to the quality of fabrics sold in Bahrain's tailor shops, there are varying opinions. Some sources recommend purchasing fabric from specialised fabric shops rather than tailors to ensure the best quality. Sharafali and Marhaba Textiles are popular fabric stores in the Manama Souk, offering a range of options from mid-range to high-end fabrics. On the other hand, some tailors in Bahrain, such as Barakat Bespoken Tailors, pride themselves on using the highest quality fabrics and employing skilled master tailors to create durable and comfortable garments.

Common fabric scams

Fabric scams are a prevalent issue, with many fraudulent websites and misleading product labels deceiving consumers. Here are some common fabric scams to watch out for:

• Mislabelling: One of the most common fabric scams is mislabelling. In recent years, there have been several instances of fabrics being mislabelled as more expensive or desirable materials. For example, in 2016, it was discovered that sheets and pillowcases labelled as Egyptian cotton were not authentic. Similarly, in 2020, a significant amount of Indian cotton was incorrectly certified as organic. Mislabelling can also extend to synthetic materials, such as fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, which may actually be made from virgin plastic.
• Fake websites: Scammers often create fraudulent websites that appear legitimate, offering popular electronics or other goods at low prices. These websites may use stolen images, fake reviews, and complicated return procedures to entice and deceive unsuspecting customers. It is important to thoroughly research a website's reputation and look for red flags, such as a recent creation date or a lack of contact information, before making a purchase.
• Non-delivery of goods: In some cases, fabric retailers may accept orders and payments but fail to deliver the goods. This can result in significant losses, especially when large orders are placed. It is important to research the reliability of a retailer before placing an order, and to be cautious when dealing with new or unfamiliar websites.
• Poor quality or counterfeit goods: Some scammers may sell low-quality or counterfeit fabrics, misleading customers about their authenticity and durability. It is important to purchase from reputable sources and to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar suppliers.
• Complex supply chains: The textile industry often involves complex and fragmented supply chains, with different stages of production occurring in various countries. This complexity can make it difficult to track the origin and authenticity of fabrics, providing opportunities for scams and fraudulent practices.
• Forced labour: In certain regions, human rights abuses, including forced labour, have been reported in the production of textiles. Unethical practices may be obscured by complex supply chains, making it challenging for consumers to ensure that the fabrics they purchase are ethically sourced.

To protect yourself from fabric scams, it is important to be vigilant, conduct thorough research, and only purchase from reputable and transparent suppliers.

Recommended fabric shops

Al Shakar Tailoring House

Al Shakar Tailoring House has been in the business of creating men's clothing since 1952, when they opened their first shop in Bab Al Bahrain. They have since expanded to three locations in Bahrain, including a shop in Gudaibiya, Riffa, and Moda Mall. Al Shakar specialises in providing classic and high-quality traditional clothing, suits, and shirts. They also manufacture uniforms for hotels, schools, hospitals, and government and defence forces.

Barakat Bespoken Tailors

Barakat Bespoken Tailors is located in the heart of Bahrain in Sh Ali bin Khalifa. They offer bespoke tailoring services for men and women, combining modern style with classic tailoring techniques. Barakat uses state-of-the-art technology, such as their 3D designer tool, to create unique and personalised garments. They work with a careful collation of fabrics and offer a wide range of designs to complement their clients' styles and personalities.

Al Noureen

Al Noureen is a fabric and stitching shop located in Hoora, Manama. They offer a range of fabrics suitable for various purposes, including upholstery and curtains.

Ahmad Sharif

Ahmad Sharif is a fabric shop located in Sehla, Manama. They offer a wide collection of fabrics, including upholstery and curtain fabrics, within the price range of 5-15 BD per meter.

Recommended tailors

There are many tailors in Bahrain, and the quality of the fabrics they sell varies. Here is a list of some of the most recommended tailors in Bahrain, based on online reviews:

Trico Tailoring

Located on Rd No 301, Al Hidd, Trico Tailoring has received 32 reviews, with many customers praising the quality of the cotton material and the comfortable fit of the masks they sell.

Shakar Tailoring House

Shakar Tailoring House on Qudaibiya Ave in Manama is another popular choice, specialising in uniforms for schools. While some customers have expressed disappointment with the final product, others have praised the quality of their suits and shirts, saying that they fit like a glove.

Hilton Bespoke

With 13 reviews, Hilton Bespoke on Shop Z61 Road in Manama is a highly-rated tailor. One customer review highlights their satisfaction with the results, recommending them for their quality.

Ghulam Jilani & Son

Located in Manama, Ghulam Jilani & Son has 26 reviews and is described by one customer as " [s]imply the best". The reviewer goes on to say that " [e]very suit I own from Jilani fits perfectly. Attention to detail is evident throughout."

Akbari Tailoring House

Akbari Tailoring House in Manama is praised by one reviewer as being " [o]n another level of fashion and really professional". The reviewer also notes that their style is "hip and youthful", and their prices are reasonable.

Barakat Bespoken Tailors

Barakat Bespoken Tailors, located in the heart of Bahrain, offers a unique experience. They combine modern technology with traditional tailoring methods, allowing customers to design their own garments using a 3D designer tool. They also offer a wide range of custom sartorial options for both men and women, including suits, shirts, overcoats, tuxedos, gowns, dresses, and ethnic wear.

Fabric types and their characteristics

There are two initial categories that fabrics fall into: the fibres used (natural vs. synthetic) and the production processes (woven vs. knitted).

Natural Fibres

Natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals. Cotton, for example, comes from plants, while silk comes from silkworms. Natural fibres are generally strong, whether wet or dry, and can be dyed easily. They are usually dense, heavy fibres that are absorbent, but they don't wick moisture or dry quickly.

Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are entirely man-made. Synthetic fibres don't shrink and are usually resistant to water-based stains. They are also varied in their characteristics and origins. For example, nylon is known for its strength, flexibility, and resilience, while polyester is strong, durable, and wrinkle and stain-resistant. However, it is not breathable and doesn't absorb liquids well.

Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics are made up of two pieces of yarn that interweave horizontally and vertically on a loom. The fabric consists of a weft (when the yarn goes across the fabric) and a warp (when the yarn goes down the length of the loom). Woven fabrics are usually tauter and sturdier than knitted fabrics.

Knitted Fabrics

Knitted fabrics are formed by interlocking loops of yarn, which allows them to stretch significantly. They are known for being elastic and keeping their shape.

Fabric and garment lengths

Fabric length is a crucial consideration in the textile industry, especially in garment production and other sectors like home furnishings and upholstery. It involves measuring the linear extent of a fabric piece, typically in meters or yards. This measurement is fundamental to several stages of the manufacturing process, including cutting, sewing, and determining the required fabric quantity for a project.

The standard length of a fabric bolt, or the amount of fabric wound on a roller, typically ranges from 50 to 100 meters or yards. This length standardisation facilitates handling, storage, transportation, and efficient utilisation in production. For instance, a standard width of 54 inches is used for many projects, including curtains, pillows, cushions, clothes, bedding, and headboards.

To calculate the required fabric length for a project, several factors come into play. These include the width and length of the finished product, the shape of the piece, the pattern of the cloth, and any additional design elements such as pockets, collars, or cuffs. For example, when creating a simple curtain for a window, the length of the fabric will cover the window's height, while the width of the fabric will accommodate its breadth.

In pieced projects, such as patchwork or quilts, determining the fabric length involves several steps. First, find out how many pieces can be cut from the fabric's width by dividing the width of the fabric by the width of one piece. Next, determine the number of rows needed by dividing the total number of pieces by the number of pieces that fit into the width. Then, multiply the number of rows by the length of each piece to find the total length required. Finally, convert this length into yards to calculate the fabric amount needed.

Accurate fabric length measurements are essential for optimising material utilisation, reducing waste, and streamlining production operations. They enable manufacturers to efficiently plan and estimate costs, ensuring that production quantities meet demand and desired inventory levels.

Frequently asked questions