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Savile Row Tailors Adapt to Clients' Dramatic Weight Loss
17 Nov
Summary
- Boom in weight loss drug use causing major changes for tailors
- Customers losing up to 25 kg, requiring suits to be remade
- Bespoke tailoring struggling to keep up with rapid weight changes
As of November 17th, 2025, a boom in the use of weight loss drugs is having a major impact on the tailoring industry, particularly on Savile Row in London. Sean Dixon, the co-founder of tailor Richard James, reports that his cutters are having to make significant adjustments or completely remake suits for many of their male customers in their 40s and 50s.
These customers are losing considerable amounts of weight, often up to 25 kilograms, in a relatively short period of time. This dramatic weight loss is a result of the growing popularity of weight loss drugs, which Mr. Dixon says is a "positive thing" for health reasons. However, it is creating major logistical challenges for bespoke tailors.
Bespoke suits can take up to 3 months to complete, but customers' measurements can change drastically between the initial fitting and the final delivery. Mr. Dixon explains that this "has massive repercussions" for the tailoring business, as they can no longer simply alter the suits - they have to start from scratch and remake them entirely.
The rapid weight loss trend is forcing Savile Row tailors to find new ways to adapt and accommodate their clients' changing needs. While they are "absolutely considering" solutions, the business must balance avoiding additional charges for customers while remaining sensitive to their transformations.
