Narrative Analyses of Korean Master Tailors and Incoming Tailors’ Ways of Thinking and Behavior Patterns

Abstract

To contribute to the revitalization of menswear custom-tailoring, narrative analyses were conducted to study the ways of thinking and behavior patterns of Korean tailors. Two master and two incoming tailors were interviewed. The interview results were analyzed applying Labov and Waletzky’s six elements of narrative plots, yielding the following findings. First, in relation to occupational perceptions, tailors pursued good appearance, made efforts for self-development, felt both pride and shame in their works, and pursued craftsmanship. Second, in terms of training process, tailors agreed on the necessity of a systematic training. It was also observed that trust between the master and the apprentice almost disappeared nowadays. Third, in relation to work environment, few incoming found a place to experience field practice while receiving a reasonable wage. The older generation was reluctant to share know-how, while the incoming tailors exchanged information. The interviewed tailors were frustrated by consumers’ ignorance of the value of bespoke tailoring. Based on these results, pursuit of high-end image and craftsmanship, improvement in social perceptions of bespoke tailoring and economic conditions of incoming tailors, vital information exchange between the tailors, and the promotion of bespoke tailoring publicity could be suggested for the revitalization of bespoke tailoring in Korea.