Skilled sewers in demand as tailors and dressmakers age out, in photos

NEW YORK (AP) — Across the U.S., the number of tailors, dressmakers and custom sewing specialists is declining, even as demand for their work is growing. Industry experts say younger shoppers are turning to these professionals to tailor ready-made clothing, refresh thrifted pieces and get more longevity out of their wardrobes.

Kil Bae, a longtime tailor in New York, notes that the rise of weight-loss medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy has led more people to seek alterations as their bodies change. At the same time, the pool of skilled workers is shrinking as experienced sewers retire. In response, the Fashion Institute of Technology has partnered with Nordstrom to create a training program aimed at addressing the shortage.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on an embroidered shirt at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

A heart-shaped pincushion bristling with needles hangs on the wall inside Kil Bae's store on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor, Kil Bae, sews a pice inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a embroidery machine at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

An embroidery machine works on a decoration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Tailor, Kil Bae, poses for a photo inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, speaks during an interview at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Tailor, Kil Bae, works inside his shop on Friday, March 27, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, works on a embroidery machine at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Tailor Marco Lema, 35, of Ecuador, measures a denim alteration at Nordstrom headquarters in New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

STUART, Florida--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 6, 2026--

APP Jet Center, a leading provider of aviation services, announced today the appointment of Eric Hietala as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Hietala will lead all aspects of the company's FBO operations, as well as supporting the growth of the network. Eric will also join the company's Executive Leadership Team.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260406311348/en/

Mr. Hietala brings deep sector knowledge of the business aviation industry, and an exceptional track record of leadership through a strong focus on safety, customer service and employee well-being. These skills perfectly align with the execution of APP Jet Center’s long‑term strategy and value creation.

“We are delighted to welcome Eric as our new COO,” said Mark Johnstone, CEO of APP Jet Center. “In the few short weeks since we closed the acquisition of APP Jet Center on March 10 th, and with Eric joining the team, we now have an exceptional leadership team in place to deliver operational excellence, and growth.”

Prior to APP Jet Center, Eric most recently served as a consultant to the business and general aviation industry. Previously, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Signature Aviation, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Airport Property Development and Senior Vice President of the West Region, overseeing 68 FBOs and more than 1,500 employees.

Eric earned his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and his Juris Doctor from San Francisco Law School while working full time in the business aviation industry. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1989 and initially practiced insurance and tort law before transitioning his career focus to business aviation.

Eric is a private pilot, holding a SEL rating.

“I’m truly excited to be joining APP Jet Center at the start of our growth journey. I’m looking forward to partnering with Mr. Johnstone, Bain Capital and the entire APP Jet Center team as we look to grow to a 30+ location network,” said Eric Hietala.

Last month, APP Jet Center announced its acquisition by Bain Capital, and two weeks ago also announced the hire of Sharyar Aziz at CFO.

About APP Jet Center

APP Jet Center is an aviation company of fixed-based operations (FBOs) and airport real estate. It serves corporate and private air clients in strategically convenient and efficient locations within major U.S. markets including Stuart, Fl. (at Stuart Witham Field; SUA), Washington D.C. (at Manassas Regional Airport; HEF); San Francisco (at Hayward Executive Airport; HWD); and Fort Pierce, Fla. (at Treasure Coast International Airport; FPR); APP Properties also owns and operates 65,000 square feet of aircraft hangars at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver, Colo. For more information, visit www.appjetcenter.com.

Eric Hietala joins APP leadership team.