What are the Golden Shears Awards and why do they matter?
The Golden Shears Awards are widely seen as the most respected bespoke tailoring competition in the UK. Often called the “Oscars of tailoring”, they highlight the skills, creativity and dedication behind British tailoring. First held in 1974, the awards welcome tailoring apprentices and students working or studying in the UK. The event offers national recognition and a real platform for young professionals to prove their ability. Judged by leading names in the industry and hosted at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London, this UK tailoring award stands as a meaningful milestone in any early career. It remains a key part of the wider British tailoring industry.
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How the Golden Shears Awards started
Robert Bright MBE created the Golden Shears Awards to shine a light on young people learning the tailoring craft. With backing from the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors and institutions like the Savile Row Bespoke Association and the Pollen Estate, it quickly gained respect across the trade. Held every two years, the event reflects both tradition and forward movement in the tailoring world. It continues to support tailoring education by connecting training with industry recognition.
How to enter the Golden Shears Awards
To take part, entrants must either be working in or studying a recognised tailoring course or apprenticeship within the UK. The competition is designed for individuals still in training or in the early stages of their career. Entry typically opens the year before the event.
Applicants are asked to submit design sketches with technical details that explain how the garment will be made. A panel selects a shortlist, and finalists then create their pieces by hand. Both technical skill and creativity are considered during judging. This part of the process also gives insight into the full garment design process, from concept to completion.
Details on how to apply and relevant deadlines are published on the official Golden Shears or Merchant Taylors’ Company websites.
Pro Tip 1:Judges care just as much about balance and proportion as they do about flair. Always check your shoulder line and lapel roll.
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How the competition works
What is the full journey for a tailoring apprentice?
The process starts with a design sketch, backed by technical drawings showing the garment’s intended construction. Finalists are chosen based on originality and feasibility. Those selected move on to build their garments by hand, often with guidance from mentors or within tailoring workrooms. This stage tests pattern cutting, garment construction, fabric control and finish. These are essential components of bespoke tailoring techniques.
What happens at the final showcase?
Final garments are reviewed by a panel of experienced professionals, including senior cutters and bespoke tailors from houses such as Huntsman and Connock and Lockie. The garments are then presented in a live catwalk show at Merchant Taylors’ Hall. This event is not only about design but about how the garment performs under scrutiny, movement and close inspection.
An AI Image of a model walking down the catwalk in a tailoring competition (Not representative of the Golden Shears Competition)
Pro Tip 2: Keep your canvas structure stable but soft, stiffness ruins a silhouette in motion.
Golden Shears 2025 highlights and this year’s winners
The 2025 edition marked fifty years of the Golden Shears Awards. Held at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London, it brought together top apprentices and students from across the country. Joanna Spreadbury of Huntsman, Tilda Jonathan from the London College of Fashion and Kasia Hughes of Connock and Lockie earned top recognition.
Each finalist brought something different. Whether through clean execution, smart innovation or thoughtful design, their entries captured the balance of tradition and originality. The 2025 awards showed why this event continues to define the future of British tailoring.
Why the Golden Shears still inspire tailors
For many apprentices, the Golden Shears is more than a competition. It marks a turning point, offering visibility and a sense of belonging in a craft that values precision and pride. Win or lose, taking part opens doors and builds confidence.
Many finalists go on to join respected tailoring houses. Some are mentored by judges or recognised by future employers. But the influence extends further. The event reinforces why apprenticeships matter and why skilled training still holds value. It also underlines the importance of preserving traditional tailoring skills in an evolving trade.
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What judges look for in an award winning garment
How are tailoring entries evaluated?
Judges examine every entry on its build quality, fit, shape and finish. Technical accuracy is essential, but a strong idea and visual impact also count. The best garments combine function and flair.
Judging criteria:
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Accuracy and balance of the garment pattern
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Sleeve pitch and armhole setting
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Shoulder line and dart placement
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Lapel shape, collar roll and canvas structure
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Overall fit, finish and silhouette
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Creative design that works in practice
Glossary of judging terms
Sleeve pitch – The angle at which the sleeve meets the armhole. It affects how the sleeve hangs and feels when worn.
Lapel roll – The curve where the lapel folds over the chest. A clean roll shows control and shape.
Shoulder balance – The way the garment sits across the shoulders. Good balance means it looks even and feels right.
Dart placement – Darts help shape the garment. Correct placement gives better contour and fit.
Canvas structure – The inner foundation of a jacket that gives it shape and strength without stiffness.
How do the Golden Shears compare to other tailoring competitions
Fashion design contests are common, but very few focus purely on bespoke tailoring. The Golden Shears is one of the few that values structure, fit and the deep skill of tailoring. It is judged by working cutters and tailors, not just designers or stylists.
This makes it one of the most important platforms for UK tailoring apprentices. One hand built garment can lead to lasting opportunities.
Final thoughts from the workroom floor
Ask any tailor who has followed the Golden Shears over the years and you will hear the same thing: it matters. It respects the quiet work, the early starts and the patient hours behind each stitch.
Whether you are just beginning or showing someone else the ropes, these awards remind us what the trade is really about. In a world rushing toward shortcuts, the Golden Shears still gives space for real skill, real pride and real tailoring.
An AI Image of models walking down the catwalk for a tailoring competition (Not representative of the Glden Shears Competition)
