Tailoring Shops in The Gambia: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Tailoring is a big part of Gambian culture. Whether for weddings, naming ceremonies, Friday (Jumah) prayers, church programs, or Koriteh (Eid Al Fitr) and Tobaski (Eid Al Adha) celebrations, people often turn to tailors instead of buying ready-made clothing. But while the tailoring industry is thriving, it comes with both highs and lows.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Side of Tailors in The Gambia
The Good: Tailors in The Gambia can be highly skilled in customizing outfits. Many can recreate designs from photos or sketches and add a local flair using African fabrics. Tailoring is often affordable, and you get clothes that fit you perfectly, or near perfectly.
The Bad: Some tailors overpromise and underdeliver. It’s not uncommon for tailors to accept multiple jobs with the hope of completing them all—often resulting in late delivery, rushed work, or poor finishing.
The Ugly: In worst-case scenarios, tailors disappear with clients’ fabrics, close shops without warning, or return completely different designs. These experiences can ruin special occasions and leave lasting frustration.
How to Prepare for an Important Event
If you have an important event—like a wedding, Eid, or graduation—make sure you:
- Book early (at least 5–7 weeks before the event).
- Check their track record by asking around or reading reviews.
- Have a backup outfit just in case.
- Visit regularly for fittings and progress checks.
Communication and reminders can go a long way in keeping your tailor on track.
Cases That Have Gone Bad
There are numerous stories: brides left without dresses on the morning of their weddings, incomplete Eid garments, or customers receiving unfinished outfits hours before an event. In some instances, community groups, and the police, have had to step in to mediate between tailors and clients.
Why Good Tailors Are Hard to Find
Good tailors are always busy. Their skill and reliability mean they’re constantly booked, especially during festive seasons. They juggle large workloads and often lack proper assistants or time management systems, which causes delays.
Events That May Need a Tailor
Tailors are commonly used for:
- Weddings
- Eid Celebrations
- Engagements
- Graduation ceremonies
- Naming ceremonies
- Friday prayer gatherings
- Or other traditional events, and even general day to day clothing
Why Tailors Are Preferred Over Off-the-Rack Clothes
In The Gambia, tailored clothes are often more affordable, stylish, and culturally appropriate. Ready-made clothes may not fit well or reflect the local style. Tailors provide the personal touch that mass-produced outfits cannot match.
Tailoring in The Gambia is here to stay—but it’s wise to be prepared.
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Areas covered:
| Kombo North | Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, Bijilo, Brusubi, Brufut, Tanji, Manjai Kunda |
| Kombo South | Sanyang, Gunjur, Kartong, Batokunku, Jambanjelly |
| Kombo Central | Brikama, Busumbala, Farato, Lamin, Yundum, Mandinary, Banjulinding |
| Kombo East | Sibanor, Kafuta, Bulock, Bwiam, Kanilai |
Areas covered: Abuko Bakau Banjul Banjulunding Bansang Basse Santa Su Bijilo Brikama Brufut Brusubi Bundung Busumbala Dippa Kunda Farafenni Farato (West Coast) Gimara Bakadaji Gunjur Janjanbureh (Georgetown) Jufureh Kalagi Kanilai Kerewan Kololi Kotu Kuntaur Lamin (North Bank Division) Lamin (Western Division) Latri Kunda German Latri Kunda Sabiji Manjai Kunda Mansa Konko Nema Kunku Serekunda Soma Sukuta Tabokoto Tallinding Tanji Yundum. Tailoring Shops In Gambia
If your location is not shown above do not hesitate to contact us, our coverage area is fairly expansive.