How to Buy Custom-Tailored Clothes in Asia

Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and other Asian countries are known for having tailors and seamstresses who make exquisitely crafted custom-tailored clothes in a few days (or even a few hours) for unbelievable prices. An evening dress can be as cheap as $15, while suits start as low as $20.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Photographs
• Items of clothing

1. Pack any item of clothing that you want copied and bring magazines and clothing catalogs that show designs you want made. A talented tailor can copy many garments swiftly and skillfully.
2. Ask other travelers, locals, longtime foreign residents or the hotel concierge to recommend a tailor. A good recommendation will save you time and money.
3. Browse fabrics, either at the tailor's shop or in fabric stores. In addition to the variety of silks in Asia--such as raw silk, print silk, patterned silk and brocade--you can buy cotton and other fabrics. Flip through swatches in the store and show them the fabrics and patterns. A tailor will charge for any fabric or trims you do not supply.
4. Give the tailor adequate guidance. If you're using a picture for reference or duplicating an article of clothing, explain any modifications you want to the piece. For example, perhaps you like a dress shirt in a photo, but you don't want the chest pocket, or you may want a slit up both sides of a skirt, not just the left side.
5. Discuss price in advance. Expect to pay a flat rate that includes measurement and fittings. Prices drop when you select a tailor who designs the garment but contracts out for cutting and sewing. Be aware that Hong Kong is not a bargain for custommade clothing; an upscale tailor may charge $500 to $800 to design and sew a man's suit.
6. Get the agreed-upon price in writing with a description of all design options and any additional charges, to eliminate any unpleasant surprises when you pick up your clothes later. Typically, you don't have to pay anything upfront, although some shops require a 50 percent deposit.
7. Find out when the clothes will be ready. Remarkably, clothes are sometimes ready the same day or the following day. However, make sure you allow enough time. It may take three or more visits to order, be fitted and pick up your garment.
8. Try on the finished garment and check both construction and fit. Allow sufficient time to correct any problems.

What to Look For:

• Clothing you want copied
• Magazines and catalogs
• Trusted referrals
• Quality fabrics
• Adequate guidance
• Upfront price agreement

Tips & Warnings

• The Vietnamese cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and especially Hoi An are known for beautiful tailor-made clothing at bargain prices.
• You can have clothes custom-made for friends and family if you have their measurements. Ask if the tailor will continue the relationship via mail, if you want future garments created. Inquire about having shoes copied, too.
• Often what is called "silk" in Asian countries is actually a synthetic. That said, this replacement looks just as good, doesn't wrinkle and wears better than the real thing.