Savile Row boss says weight loss drugs are having ‘massive repercussions’ on industry
A boom in the use of slimming pills is having “major repercussions” on the tailoring industry, a Savile Row boss has said.
Sean Dixon, co-founder of tailor Richard James, said some customers have had to make major adjustments to their cutters or completely redo dresses due to rapid weight loss.
The businessman pointed out that this trend is experienced among male customers, most of whom are in their 40s and 50s.
“Our male customers are obviously taking these drugs and losing quite a lot of weight in the process… probably for health reasons, so that’s a positive thing,” he told the PA news agency.
“It’s not just half an inch here, maybe an inch there, there’s a significant amount of weight loss and that means a whole new wardrobe – tailored.”
Mr Dixon explained that bespoke orders can take up to three months, meaning people’s measurements can change significantly between the first and final fittings.
“This has huge implications,” he said, adding: “Custom tailoring is done to fit perfectly.”
“People lose up to 25 kilos in a relatively short period of time, and it completely changes what you need to do.
“You can’t just change a costume; you have to redo it, start from scratch.”
Mr Dixon said the business, which dresses stars including Sir Elton John, Stormzy and the Gallagher brothers, was “definitely considering” ways to work around the problem by avoiding charging more and remaining responsive to its customers.
Latest estimates suggest that around 1.5 million people in the UK are taking GLP-1s, the scientific term for weight-loss vaccines that work by reducing desire to eat.
A recent survey by anti-obesity drug provider CheqUp found that more than a tenth of Brits expect to host someone using the GLP-1 drug this Christmas.
Half of those surveyed said they would reconsider giving clothes to friends and family out of concern for weight loss.
More than half of GLP-1 users said they would eat smaller portions and skip more treats this holiday season.
