This biennial competition showcases the tailors of the future.  Tailoring students and apprentices from throughout the country vie for the coveted Golden Shears awards.  Each entrant makes a tailored outfit for first stage judging by well-respected bespoke tailors. Marks are awarded for technical skill – design, cutting and tailoring.

Silver Shears Winner - Military Inspired Frock Coat & Overalls by Dionne Reeves at Huntsman. (c) Jon Bradley

The History of Golden Shears competition 

In 1974, Robert Bright, then President of the Federation of Merchant Tailors, founded the Golden Shears competition to search for the best tailor in the UK. The design of the trophy is Golden Shears, a pair of traditional cutting shears mounted on a mahogany base – the shears used by cutters and tailors while the mahogany represents the benches on which they work.

In 1998 as part of its traditional support for education, the company and the trade agreed the Award would focus on students on dedicated tailoring courses and trades apprentices. This saw the introduction of the ‘Silver Shears’ for second place and the ‘Rising Star’ for third place. The winners also receive a cash prize:

Golden Shears winner -£3,000

Silver Shears – £2,500

Rising Star- £2,000