CHIATECH JOURNAL · Registered Version of Record

Tailoring Techniques for Special-Occasion Dresses in Berom Land: A Case Study of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

1. Lydia Kachollom Akila
   ¹Department of Home and Rural Economics, Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Berom special-occasion dress sits at the intersection of indigenous textile identity and made-to-measure garment engineering. Purpose: This study examined culturally responsive tailoring techniques for special-occasion dresses in Berom land, using Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, as a case study. Methods: A convergent mixed-method field-audit and documentary case-study design combined a criterion-based audit of 17 tailoring/fashion enterprises conducted on 16 August 2026 with structured coding of eight directly relevant empirical cultural and apparel sources. Frequencies, percentages, mean, median and structured content coding were used; the field and documentary evidence streams were kept analytically distinct. Results: Thirteen of the 17 enterprises (76.5%) were categorized as fashion designers. Ten enterprises (58.8%) displayed public-profile ratings; among rated listings the mean was 4.99/5 across 61 visible reviews, with a median of four reviews. Fitting/alteration was the most recurrent documentary technique theme (6/8), followed by digital/3D support (5/8); body measurement and pattern development each appeared in four sources. The integrated evidence supported an eight-stage quality-controlled workflow: cultural/occasion briefing, verified body measurement, design and material selection, pattern and toile/drape development, cutting/preparation, sewing and seam control, live movement-based fitting, and final embellishment/finishing. Conclusion: High-quality Berom special-occasion dress depends on treating cultural consultation and technical garment production as one controlled process. Digital tools can support measurement and visualization, but they should strengthen rather than replace skilled pattern work, live fitting and culturally informed decision-making.

Keywords: Berom; Ne’dod; special-occasion dress; tailoring techniques; garment fit; made-to-measure; cultural heritage; Jos South

Licence: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published by CHIA TECH SOLUTIONS AND RESOURCES LIMITED. ISSN assignment remains pending.