Back-to-school rush drives demand for tailored thobes

As Qatar's academic year commences at the end of August, an uptick in demand for tailored school thobes has emerged at Souq Al Ali's tailoring shops. Parents are taking proactive measures to avoid the summer rush, securing their children's garments well ahead of the new school term. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has already implemented preparatory steps for the 2026-2027 school year, anticipating the addition of seven new government schools and kindergartens, raising the total count to 236 government schools and 67 kindergartens.

Upon arrival at Souq Al Ali, many families bring their children to tailor shops for precise measurements and bespoke thobes, alongside purchasing complementary items like ghutras, agals, traditional caps, and footwear. Some shop owners report a consistent trend of early preparation among families seeking to circumvent congestion and ensure timely garment delivery.

Prices for school thobes remain relatively stable, influenced mainly by fabric type, tailoring specifications, and whether garments are ready-made or individually crafted. Lightweight, light-colored fabrics such as Japanese and Indonesian varieties are favored due to Qatar's hot climate, commanding strong demand. Tailors at the souq note that the rush for school thobes typically begins about a month prior to the academic year, intensifying in late August when families return from summer vacations.

Mohamed Jamal, a local tailor, highlights the preference for tailored garments over ready-made options, as they allow parents to choose fabric, measurements, and design specifics according to their children's needs. Ready-made thobes generally range from QR70-100, while tailored garments start at approximately QR110 and can increase to QR140 based on fabric and specifications. Luxurious fabrics like Lexus and Shakibo, however, come at higher prices, beginning around QR150.

Delivery time ranges from one to three days, extending up to four days during peak periods. To meet the surge in orders, some tailors extend their working hours until after midnight. Customers often opt for two thobes per child to reduce wear and tear and provide flexibility during frequent laundering, especially during the hotter months.

Customers typically prefer garments crafted according to individual measurements rather than standard sizes. Popular fabrics like Japanese shikibo and Lexus are noted for their lightweight, breathable qualities suited to Qatar's climate. Tailoring shops often personalize details such as pleats, collars, and sleeves to ensure comfort and ease of movement throughout the school day.

Factors such as fabric weight, quality, and measurements like pocket design and collar type significantly impact the final price. Parents emphasize the importance of new measurements at the start of each school term, as children's growth rates are rapid.

The market also attracts visitors from other Gulf countries who capitalize on Qatar's local tailoring services before departing. With over 137,000 students in government education and more than 228,000 in private education, the demand for tailored thobes is a significant aspect of the back-to-school preparations in Qatar.