Fewer young Americans are pursuing sewing careers. These Chicago tailors think they know why.

Chicago Tribune / by Audrey Pachuta / April 21, 2026

Figo Topal has plenty of room to alter clothes in his Lincoln Square storefront, but he chooses to keep his sewing machine in front of the window.

Most people think he sits there for the good natural light, but for him, being spotted by passersby on the residential Rockwell Street sidewalk is much more important.

“People need to see you work,” he said, his red-framed glasses sliding down to the bridge of his nose as he focused intensely on hemming a pair of beige pants. “That’s the key in this business.” Read More Here.