Tailors

Rural tailors usually did not have their own workshops but visited homes when invited. The profession was respected but not particularly well-paid. Almost all rural people made their own clothes. Priests, officials, merchants, and the heads of large farms might have their Sunday clothes and official uniforms made by professionals. A complete suit could be made in about fifty hours of work. The household women took care of making and repairing everyday clothes.

The sewing machine was invented in England at the end of the 18th century, and industrial clothing production became widespread in the 19th century.

Caption: Tailor Mettinen with assistants. Workshop in Loimaa market town in the 1930s.
Photo: Collection of the Loimaa Society.
Donor: Matti Pulli.