V. Jothi Rao, 62, has been in the business since the 1960s. He set up his shop on Commissary Bazaar in 1977.

“There were several tailors who specialised in making police uniforms then. I used to stitch the short pants in khaki,” he recalls.

Several orders used to come from Police Training College and Police Recruit School personnel. Inside his shop is a picture of his with Panchapakesan, former DIG of Vellore, his customer. He has also stitched the ceremony dress worn by the police official who presides over the Independence Day parade. “The shirt is stitched like a coat with long sleeves. I have stitched uniforms for all, from trainee Sub-Inspectors to Superintendents of Police,” he says.

V. R. Rajan, who has a shop at the Jawans Market, has also been stitching police uniforms since 1975.

“Earlier, we used to get a plenty of orders. Now, we stitch only one or two sets a day,” he says.

Stitching the uniform needs special skills. The straps are special as the stars are fixed there, which differentiates the ranks.

Mr. Rao adds: “Earlier, there used to be only one brand, one colour and only cotton fabric. Now, the shades vary. Government recognition for tailors will help us immensely.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com  / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Serena Josephine N./  Vellore – September 23rd, 2014