KUCHING: As Hari Raya approaches, the age-old question arises once again: should one opt for the convenience of ready-to-wear (RTW) clothing or the personal touch of tailor-made outfits?
With fashion trends evolving and online shopping becoming the norm, more people are leaning toward RTW for its affordability, accessibility and evolving quality.
However, some still swear by the uniqueness and perfect fit of tailor-made attire.
To get a closer look at what celebrants are choosing this year, Sarawak Tribune spoke to several individuals about their preferences, shopping habits and predictions for the festive fashion trends.
The Rise of Ready-to-Wear Convenience
For Allisa Affanddy, the decision is clear.
“This year, I’m going for ready-to-wear clothes. It’s just easier and there are so many nice designs out there without the hassle of tailoring,” she said.
The Takaful planner pointed out that fast-paced nature of modern life makes the lengthy process of tailoring less appealing for many.
She said many local and international brands have stepped up their game by offering high-quality fabrics and trendy designs that make RTW an attractive option.
“Convenience and style matter most to me. Tailor-made outfits are great but RTW has improved so much that I can find something I like without the long wait,” she said.
Similarly, Nur Liyana Khirudin is also opting for RTW this year.
The asset executive said RTW are often budget-friendly with many options available as price plays a huge role in her decision-making.
“Price is the unifying factor across all choices. Once I set my budget, I go for style. If you have been online shopping for a while, you would already recognise RTW brands that suit your personal preferences and know whether their sizing charts fit you,” she said.
For Azreen Octavious, RTW is a no-brainer as practicality is a driving factor behind the success of RTW especially among those with busy lifestyles.
The principal consultant of Arun Arumi SMM2H Sdn Bhd said he prioritises price, convenience and comfort when purchasing RTW.
“It’s just easier—find something that fits, looks good and you’re done. No waiting, no unnecessary hassle,” he said.
The Online vs Offline Shopping Dilemma
Online shopping has revolutionised the way people shop for their festive outfits, with many opting for the convenience of browsing from their phones rather than navigating crowded malls and bazaars.
Allisa said she would often shop online and in stores but she prefers online for the variety available.
She also said this hybrid shopping approach ensures she gets the best of both worlds—convenience and quality assurance.
“Having said that, I still check out physical stores to feel the fabric and see the outfit before deciding,” she said.
Nur Liyana, on the other hand, is an advocate for online shopping but admitted that online shopping requires careful planning.
“I prefer online because some platforms, like Zalora, even offer returns so it’s fine to purchase and try the outfit once it reaches you. The only downside is you can’t shop at the last minute if you’re buying online,” she explained.
Azreen, however, prefers the in-store experience for Raya shopping.
“This year, I’m buying from a local boutique. I prefer seeing the material in person and knowing exactly what I’m getting. Online shopping is fine for everyday stuff but for Raya? I’d rather not deal with sizing issues or unexpected surprises,” he said.
Is Tailor-Made Still Relevant?
Despite the growing preference for RTW, tailor-made outfits still hold a special place for some.
Mohamad Nizam Abarahim, a groom stylist, believes that nothing beats a custom fit.
However, he acknowledged the growing shift towards RTW due to practicality.
“Tailor-made is the way to go because the cutting follows my exact measurements. Ready-to-wear often has fitting issues. Unfortunately, tailoring is becoming less common because the cost keeps rising. Online shopping is cheaper, has more choices and is faster,” he explained.
Azreen also agreed that tailor-made outfits are slowly fading.
“People want things fast and online shopping makes it too easy to just pick, click and wait for delivery. But I think bespoke will always have its place—when you need something that fits you perfectly, nothing else really compares,” he said.
What Colours Will Dominate This Raya?
Every year, certain colour trends take centre stage during Hari Raya and this year is no different.
While last year’s top colour was brick orange, this year’s predictions vary among interviewees.
Allisa is betting on pale yellow, describing it as “classy and elegant.”
Meanwhile, Nur Liyana predicts teal blue and wine red as the standout colours of 2025.
Azreen believes brown and beige will be the go-to choices while Mohamad Nizam expects to see more rich brown and lilac shades dominating the fashion scene.
Colour trends for Raya are often influenced by global fashion runways, social media influencers and even cultural and religious symbolism.
Many opt for softer, elegant hues to maintain the essence of tradition while others go bold with vibrant, eye-catching tones.
The Verdict: RTW is Here to Stay But Tailor-Made Has Its Place
While RTW continues to dominate the market due to its affordability and ease of access, tailor-made outfits remain a beloved choice for those who prioritise a perfect fit and exclusive designs.
The rise of online shopping has made RTW even more appealing but for some, visiting boutiques and feeling the fabric firsthand remains a crucial part of the shopping experience.
At the end of the day, fashion is about personal expression.
Whether RTW or tailor-made, the most important thing is feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear.
And with this year’s Hari Raya colour palette ranging from pale yellow to teal blue, wine red to lilac, there’s no shortage of stylish options to choose from.
No matter the choice, one thing remains certain—Hari Raya fashion is all about celebrating culture, tradition and individuality in style.
