Kurdish clothing sales soar as Newroz approaches in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH — Demand for traditional Kurdish clothing is surging ahead of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, prompting local tailors to stop accepting orders weeks in advance as they struggle to keep pace.

“I stop accepting additional demands a month before Newroz because I can’t keep up with it,” said Wasta Omar, an 80-year-old tailor in Sulaymaniyah who has been making Kurdish men’s attire since childhood.

Newroz, celebrated annually on March 21, usually boosts demand for traditional Kurdish outfits. This year, tailors say sales are higher than usual because Eid al-Fitr—the holiday marking the end of Ramadan—follows closely, less than 10 days after Newroz. Many locals wear Kurdish attire during both holidays, further driving up business.

“There’s always more demand for Kurdish clothing before holidays and feasts,” Omar said, noting that economic conditions significantly influence customers’ buying habits. “If people have money, they buy more traditional outfits.”

Omar, who has worked as a tailor for decades, said attitudes toward clothing have changed noticeably over the years. In earlier decades, financial hardship meant clothing choices were simpler and less focused on style.

“Now they care more about the appearance and beauty of their outfits,” he said.

Generational differences also shape current clothing trends, according to Omar.

“Young men prefer tight, fitted outfits, while older men like loose and traditional styles,” he said.