No, the competition welcomes entrants of all ages. However, all entrants must be either enrolled in a university course or apprenticed to a tailoring house and have less than seven years' relevant experience in fashion and tailoring.

Relevant experience counts as any fashion or tailoring courses an entrant has undertaken, or experience gained as an apprentice tailor.

All applicants must be enrolled on a university course or apprenticeship. Students who are due to graduate in 2026 are also eligible to apply to the 2027 competition.

No, university students can apply at any time while enrolled on their university course, including those who are graduating in 2026 or 2027.

Yes. We welcome applications from past entrants competitors. However, previous winners of one of the three awards are not eligible to re-apply for the competition.

No, there is no fee to enter the competition. However, applicant must be aware of the cost to create their chosen garment and its delivery to the Hall. Information on financial support is included in subsequent questions or by sending an email to thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk.

Yes. All applicants are asked to check timeframes to ensure the technical judging and Grand Final do not overlap with any final year shows. Contact thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk for further information.

Please contact thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we can accept a submission into the competition if it arrives after the deadline window has passed. All competitors should notify us as soon as possible to ensure garments can be received safely and within the deadline window.

If a candidate wishes to change or make amendments to their written application, please contact thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk to allow for us to make amendments to your original application, instead of submitting a new entry.

A competitor can seek advice or guidance, including from their tailoring master or course leader, but all work on the garment must be undertaken by the candidate alone.

Some mills have offered assistance to provide fabric to entrants who do not have access to materials. Please email thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk to be put in contact with a partner mill.

No, not at all. As part of The Golden Shears, we ask competitors to bring their own creativity and flair when creating their garment. Competitors are encouraged to do this however they like, with the proviso that they are able to work with the fabric to ensure the high standards of tailoring are maintained.

All garment submissions should be sent to Merchant Taylors’ Hall in a sturdy box, or package, with the garment carefully stored (a garment bag may be best suited), with clear labelling, and should include a sturdy coat hanger. For any questions, please contact thegoldenshears@merchant-taylors.co.uk.

The garment(s) submitted are judged in a technical judging round against a set of criteria that take in the skill, complexity and craftmanship of the piece. The top 20 competitors will progress to the Grand Final.

On the application form, accessories such as hats, bags and shoes, which may or may not have been made by the competitor must be specified and can be included. However, due to model availability, production and styling, while every effort will be made to ensure they can be included, we cannot guarantee this will be the case.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the technical judging round, with judges following set criteria, The Golden Shears competition does not provide feedback.

Yes, all items are returned to competitors following the technical judging if competitors do not progress to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final will be held in London at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in spring 2027. Further details will be shared before the end of 2026, with full details sent to competitors directly.

All competitors whose work is being exhibited in the Grand Final must be able to attend and are invited to bring one guest. Unfortunately, due to space, any additional tickets must be purchased.