Bangkok is famous for its tailoring industry, which provides global tourists with the chance to get their suits tailored by their body shape and size, without the steep rates that are commonly found in large metropolitan areas in the West. However, there are many shops to choose from and finding the right tailor can be a challenge, especially when you don’t have much time in the city.
This will depend on your budget, your preferred style, your fabric requirements and how much time you have for fittings.
What Makes a Good Bangkok Tailor for Tourists?
Tourists should not be deceived by a nice facade or a low price. A good tailor should provide a clear consultation, precise measurements, quality fabric choices and at least one fitting before the finished garment is collected.
Turnaround time is also key. Unfortunately, many visitors have limited time in Bangkok and hence it is important to check the expected completion date before placing an order. As of now, there are a number of local tailoring shops in Bangkok that have a regular service of several days’ delivery and a number of fittings.
Is Bangkok Good for a Custom Suit?
If you’re not looking for an off-the-rack look, Bangkok can be a good place to look for a custom suit. Normally, any jacket style, lapels, buttons, pockets, lining, trousers and the overall cut can be discussed with the tailor.
This is especially true of first-time buyers. Don’t just say, “I want something fashionable”. Do not just state, “I want something fashionable”. Business attire might demand a unique style and feel compared to attire for weddings or evening gatherings.
What About a Bespoke Suit?
If you prefer a fit and personalisation, you might want to consider a bespoke suit. The term is generally used in a broadly in Bangkok, so visitors should be specific about what is required in the process of making the suit.
A good service would include the measurement, fabric selection and fittings so that adjustments can be made prior to finishing of the garment. Some established Bangkok tailors offer basted or intermediate fittings as part of their process.
Can Tourists Order a Wedding Suit in Bangkok?
Bangkok can also be a practical option for anyone looking for a wedding suit. You could have a traditional 2 or 3 piece suit or a formal dinner style suit, but whatever that is, just discussing the wedding venue and colour scheme with your tailor can help you get it right.
Don’t wait until the last day of your holiday to do your wedding fit-up. Give sufficient time for the suit to be adjusted, especially if it is new or being made from scratch.
Where Should Tourists Look for a Tailor?
Sukhumvit is one of the most popular tailoring districts in Bangkok and is home to many well-known stores catering to international clientele. Another area to consider is the shopping area of MBK, which has a number of tailoring shops, and another is Silom.
There are many professional tailors in Bangkok that make it convenient for tourists to choose from a wide range of fabrics, designs and styles.
How Can Tourists Avoid Poor-Quality Tailoring?
Avoid opting for a tailor just because the costs are very low or because you are assured a suit within 24 hours. Often, this rapid production results in fewer chances for fittings or less consideration given to construction.
Make sure you inquire about the fabric, construction and number of fittings and the alteration policy before making a deposit. It’s also wise to read the reviews from other sites and make multiple trips to the store.
How Much Time Should You Allow?
Ideally, you should go to your selected tailor’s early on your trip to the city. This allows the tailor to take measurements, make adjustments after the first fitting and prepare the garment.
There are some local tailoring guides that report the time as about three to five days for reputable tailoring shops, but it depends on the type of garment, the construction and the tailor.
Final Thoughts
One thing to keep in mind is that no one tailor fits all tourists. The best choice is one that understands your requirements, gives you clear reference to the fabrics and construction, has enough time to finish the garment within your travel time and offers enough fittings.
Taking time to find out more about the tailoring process, instead of just the price, can make you feel better about leaving Bangkok with a garment that fits and looks the way you want it to when you get a wedding suit or a bespoke suit.
