How to Get Great Tailored Clothing in Hong Kong

One of the great shopping attractions in Hong Kong is the ability to get beautiful, custom-made clothing in a short period of time. Here are some tips on finding a great custom tailor or dressmaker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hong Kong dollars
• Favorite clothing to be copied
• A map of Hong Kong

1. While the Internet is usually the best place to get tourist information, a great tailor might be a word-of-mouth enterprise. Check with the concierge of your hotel, as well as shop owners in the area. If you get the same name more than once or twice, this is a person to seek out.
2. You get what you pay for. There are dozens of tailors in Hong Kong that can turn out a custom suit or dress in a day for cheap, but you might find loose seams, bad fabric and an overall "shiny" quality to the garment. If you take the time to get something made---spend for it.
3. When you find a tailor to consider, check the fabric stock. Do they have more than a couple of options for your needs? Do they have lots of options for detailing (cuffs, buttons, thread, silk linings)? How are these options presented to you? In fine tailoring, details are everything.
4. Does your tailor order in the beginning of your trip so you can pick them up before you leave or have final fittings. It's always better to leave with the garment than to have it shipped so you avoid paying unnecessary shipping and duties.

Tips & Warnings

• Go by reputation. Hong Kong has some of the finest tailors in the world.
• Get your orders in early during your trip.
• Be specific about details and fitting requirements.
• Don't haggle with upscale tailors.
• Don't accept bad work. If you are unhappy, most tailors will make changes.