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A Beginner’s Guide to Custom Tailoring in Hoi An
Mar
Hoi An, a precious gem of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its ancient streets and the glow of lanterns at dusk but also as an ideal destination for fashion enthusiasts looking to acquire custom-tailored outfits. For those just beginning to explore the custom tailoring services in Hoi An, the process can be both fascinating and somewhat overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. This article, “A Beginner’s Guide to Custom Tailoring in Hoi An,” will serve as a guiding light, helping you navigate the traditional art of tailoring, from selecting fabrics and design styles to finding skilled artisans, thereby making your quest for the perfect outfit both easy and enjoyable.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring Custom-Made Clothing in Vietnam
Vietnam is the mecca of tailor-made clothing, and Hoi An, in particular, shines as the premier destination for those in search of bespoke garments or tailoring services. The variety can be astonishing – almost too much so – yet, with a little digging and a few days at your disposal, it becomes an exciting adventure to acquire custom pieces tailored specifically for you. Our hotel pointed us towards Bebe Tailor, a name that stands out among the rest in the city. They operate a well-known and reputable business, though their prices are notably higher compared to other tailors we explored. Bebe Tailors is a place I’d suggest if you’re on the lookout for something for a special occasion, like an elegant dress or a men’s suit. I consulted with their team about crafting a skirt I’ve been dreaming of since pinning it on my Pinterest board years ago. When the price was quoted at “75”, I was puzzled if it was in Vietnamese dong or US dollars, leading to an awkward moment of clarification – it was, indeed, in US Dollars.
My quest was for more casual, everyday pieces rather than attire for special events, so the premium fabrics (and corresponding prices) were not what I needed. I kept looking until I stumbled upon a place that caught my eye with its styles and a designer who was a delight to collaborate with. Enter Lana Tailor, an ideal find for quick, tailor-made clothing in Hoi An. The entire process took roughly two days and included several visits, but it was straightforward and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end! Below, I’ll detail the process of getting tailor-made clothing in Hoi An, including what to anticipate and how to prepare.
Start with a Vision
Many tailoring shops display their creations as a source of inspiration, which can serve as a good starting point if you find something appealing among their designs. However, I believe a more effective approach is to arrive with your own ideas in mind. Organize a Pinterest board filled with designs that catch your eye, providing a clear vision for your tailor. You’ll be surprised at the craftsmanship they can offer when given specific guidance and visual references. Although I had shared some Pinterest inspirations with our tailor, I realized I was somewhat unprepared, not fully anticipating going through with the process. Additionally, I brought in a favorite skort of mine, aiming to duplicate it in a different material, and left it with them as a pattern because it was a perfect fit.
For my next visit, I plan to compile a board full of high-end designs that catch my interest but which I would typically hesitate to invest in due to their high cost. Tailors here can recreate these designs at a fraction of the price, custom-fitted to your physique. As I noted earlier, even if you arrive without a clear idea, the shops usually have a range of designs on display and a catalog of designs to browse through.
Witness Your Ideas Transform into Reality
Once you’ve discussed your concepts and preferences, you’ll collaborate with a designer who will draft sketches of your envisioned pieces. In my case, I selected a few styles from their catalog and requested modifications to better suit my figure, such as altering necklines and adjusting lengths. The designer meticulously incorporated these details into her drawings.
Select Your Materials
Now that you’ve finalized your designs, the next stage involves choosing your fabric. The shop typically presents an array of fabrics for you to examine and feel, although visualizing the final product can be somewhat challenging at this stage. I found the quality of all the fabrics offered to be excellent. While you’ll need to select from the materials available in-store, they often have additional solid color fabrics that may not be on display, which they can assist you with as well.
Discussing Costs
The more items you order, the more leverage you’ll have in negotiations, but it’s important to understand that custom-tailored clothing in Hoi An comes with a price tag. While it’s reasonably priced considering the personalized service and attention to detail, don’t anticipate rock-bottom prices like $5 skirts. In my experience, most items ranged between $20 and $30 each, but prices can vary depending on factors such as design complexity, fabric selection, and craftsmanship involved. Once you’ve settled on the prices and determined how many pieces fit within your budget, you’ll typically be required to provide a deposit to commence work. Although I can’t recall the exact amount, I believe my deposit was approximately 50%, with the remaining balance due upon completion and collection.
Fitting Session
Now it’s time for the fitting! The skilled tailors will swiftly take your measurements, covering key areas such as your bust, shoulders, ribcage, waist, hips, and inseam. With my measurements in hand and some insights into the desired fit, they set to work on crafting my garments for the initial fitting. I visited in the early afternoon and was informed that they would have the first samples of my clothing ready for a trial run that same evening around 7 PM, allowing for final adjustments. It’s remarkable how quickly they work.
We returned that evening before dinner to try on the initial versions of my outfits, and to my surprise, they were already quite close to perfection. Some pieces were already finished without requiring any alterations, while others needed only minor adjustments to achieve a better fit. This initial fitting session is your opportunity to provide feedback. If something doesn’t feel quite right or if you desire a specific alteration, communicate with the designers so they can make the necessary changes. At Lana Tailor, we had a dedicated contact who was incredibly accommodating, offering valuable suggestions on how the clothing could be tailored to fit me better. Remember, this is just the first trial, so be sure to express your preferences to ensure you’re satisfied with the final outcome.
Collecting Your Completed Garments
The following day, you’ll return to collect your completed garments – simple as that! If any minor adjustments are needed, the tailors will gladly assist. Otherwise, your attire will likely be ready for collection, and you’ll be strolling through Hoi An in your brand-new pieces. From my trip, I acquired a romper, three skorts, a long skirt, and a jumpsuit, most of which have become staples in my wardrobe.
It’s worth mentioning that custom-made shoes are also available in Hoi An. On our last morning, I spotted a pair of loafers that seemed perfect for Scott, only to discover that size 12s aren’t commonly stocked in Vietnam. However, the shopkeeper eagerly informed us that they could be custom-made! Keep in mind that shoes require at least a couple of days to craft, so if you’re considering tailor-made footwear, plan ahead and begin your search early in your trip to ensure they’re ready before you depart.
For those seeking custom-designed everyday attire, my experience at Lana Tailor was exceptional from start to finish! I hadn’t anticipated designing so many pieces initially, but once the creative juices started flowing, it was hard to hold back. My only regret is not putting more thought into it beforehand to arrive with more designs in mind. Nevertheless, the team at Lana Tailor was fantastic to work with, offering guidance every step of the way. Chances are, you’ll find yourself bringing home something special from Hoi An – why not something you’ll wear time and time again?
