Introduction: Hoi An Tailor Guide
Hoi An Tailor Guide is your survival tips for navigating the myriad tailor shops in this charming Vietnamese town. Among the numerous tailor shops in Hoi An, how do you find the one that best suits your needs? Tailor shops in Hoi An are divided into multiple categories: low-class, middle-class, and high-class.
This Hoi An Tailor Guide will address the crucial question: “What is the difference between the average shops and high-class shops?”. Hi, I’m Vincent from Hoi An Fairy Tour, a person that have spent years in Hoi An to find the fun. By comparing the suits I made at two different shops—one average and one high-class—I will provide a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.
Brief About the Two Tailor Shops
The names of the shops will remain anonymous in this article. The average shop I visited is located in the old town and has received good reviews on Google but hasn’t invested much in TripAdvisor. From my experience, I don’t fully trust TripAdvisor reviews because, having worked in the hospitality industry for years, I believe many reviews are bought by the hosts. The main reason for this distrust is that TripAdvisor reviews require a minimum length, which discourages many users from leaving a review. In contrast, Google reviews are easier to leave due to their connectivity with Google Maps, which users often employ to find the shop in the first place.
The premium shop I chose is a well-known establishment, consistently ranking in the top 10 tailor shops in Hoi An. This shop boasts excellent reviews on both Google and TripAdvisor and has a website that makes it extra convenient for customers to book appointments.
Hoi An Tailor Guide: Tailor Shops Comparison
Location
Both shops are centrally located in Hoi An. The premium shop is larger and features a spacious front yard for parking. Conversely, the average shop is situated on Hoi An’s walking street, requiring you to park your vehicle (bike or motorbike) about 15 meters away and walk in. Result: Premium shop wins.
First Impressions and Employee Rating
Employees in both shops are polite and professional, offering tissues and water upon arrival. The premium shop staff attended to me immediately due to fewer customers, whereas at the average shop, I waited for about 10 minutes before being consulted.
While the premium shop’s staff was professional, they were slightly “cold,” sometimes speaking to me in English despite our conversation being in Vietnamese. I didn’t like this and felt the distance between me and her. This likely stems from their predominantly foreign clientele. In contrast, the average shop’s staff was very friendly and smiling. They treated me like a friend, though they were sometimes overly pushy in trying to make me buy more. I also didn’t like it.
Result: Draw.
Fabric Selection
The premium shop excelled in fabric selection, offering a broader variety due to their larger space. They provided a comprehensive tour and explanation of different fabrics and their characteristics. The average shop also had a good range of fabrics, though slightly fewer due to space constraints. However, they assured me that any specific fabric could be sourced as all shops in Hoi An generally use the same suppliers.
Result: Draw for personal preference as I found my favorite fabrics in both shop. But the premium shop wins for convenience if you want everything to be at your sight.
Service and Turnaround Time
Both shops completed my suit in about two days. At the premium shop, I had two fittings as the tailor found areas for improvement, whereas the average shop delivered my suit after the first fitting since everything was satisfactory.
Result: Average shop wins
Hoi An Tailor Guide: Quality of the Suit (Shop reveal)
First Look
I ordered two suits in the same style but different colors, each costing around $140. The premium shop’s suits were 20-30% more expensive, so I chose the cheapest wool fabric to stay within budget. In contrast, the average shop provided a suit made from cashmere for the same price. The initial appearance of both suits was comparable, with excellent stitching on both. However, the cashmere suit from the average shop looked more luxurious and was less prone to wrinkling.
Result: Average shop wins due to better fabric.
Interior Quality
The interior quality of both suits was similar. The premium shop offered a more elegant color combination, while I opted for a contrasting texture at the average shop.
Result: Draw.
Wearing the Suit
Fabric
The average shop’s cashmere suit was superior, being both flexible and comfortable for all-day wear. In contrast, the wool suit from the premium shop was less comfortable, offering no stretch and making movements like the Asian squat difficult.
Result: Average shop wins.
Tailoring Skill
The average shop’s suit fit me better, suggesting superior measuring skills. However, the premium shop might have intentionally made the suit looser due to the non-stretchable nature of the wool fabric. Result: Average shop wins.
Overall Feeling
Despite liking the color of the suit from the premium shop, the average shop’s suit felt more comfortable and suitable for everyday wear. The fabric quality was the deciding factor, as $140 at the premium shop bought the worst fabric, while the same amount at the average shop provided a high-quality, wearable suit.
Result: Average shop wins if your budget is only $140 due to the outstanding fabric and similar tailor’s skill. But if money is not the problem, I would choose premium shop for wider range of fabric, fitting room with AC and the credit of the brand
How do you think about the suits from the two shops? Share your thoughts! Did you find the fabric quality and tailoring skills at the premium shop worth the extra cost? Or did the average shop impress you with its affordable yet high-quality craftsmanship? Your feedback is invaluable, whether it’s about the fit, fabric, or overall experience. Leave a comment below and let us know which shop you prefer and why. Your insights will help others make the best choice for their tailoring needs in Hoi An!
Tips for tailor in Hoi An
Allow Sufficient Time for Tailoring
In the Hoi An Tailor Guide, it’s crucial to understand that you need at least two days to get custom-made clothes. Tailor shops in Hoi An are very competitive and will do their best to work with your schedule, but two days is the absolute minimum. A two-day turnaround is feasible but tight, often forcing smaller shops to work overtime.
For better results, it’s more ethical and beneficial to give tailors three or more days. This additional time allows them to conduct more rounds of fittings and make necessary adjustments, ensuring your clothes fit perfectly.
2. Have a Clear Idea of What You Want
Before stepping into a tailor shop, having a clear idea of what you want is essential. This Hoi An Tailor Guide recommends being prepared to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Shops like Tuong Tailor have three floors worth of fabrics and numerous lookbooks, which can be time-consuming to navigate without a clear plan.
Consider the following before your visit:
- Type of Clothing: Formal dresses, jumpsuits, three-piece suits, etc.
- Basic Design: Halter top, asymmetrical, flare, etc.
- General Color and Pattern: Navy blue, stripes, flowery patterns, etc.
Bringing one to three visuals can be very helpful. I bookmarked some dresses online to show my tailors, making the process smoother and faster.
3. Understand the Price Ranges
According to the Hoi An Tailor Guide, prices at Hoi An tailor shops vary widely, scaling with skillsets and customer service. With over 500 tailor shops mainly around Tran Hung Dao Street, you’ll find options ranging from budget to high-end.
Most shops can handle casual clothes, but for formal wear, it’s best to reserve high-end shops. Here’s what you can generally expect to pay:
| Clothing Piece | Budget Tailors | High-End Tailors |
|---|---|---|
| Button-down shirt | $10 – $30 | $30 – $50 |
| Short dress | $15 – $40 | $70 – $100 |
| Long dress | $20 – $50 | $90 – $150 |
| Three-piece suit | $90 – $150 | $200 – $400 |
These prices reflect the wide range of options available, making it essential to choose a tailor that fits your budget and needs.
4. Be Flexible with Your Time
The Hoi An Tailor Guide emphasizes the importance of flexibility in your schedule. The time required for each tailor visit varies depending on how busy the shop is, the number of pieces you want, and how much guidance you need.
Fitting appointments can be quick or take up to 45 minutes. The duration depends on how many pieces you need to try on and how many adjustments are required. To manage your time effectively, budget extra time for these visits and be patient. My little tip is to tell the tailor a slightly earlier departure time to ensure they complete your suit faster.
5. Consider Payment Methods
Most shops in Hoi An charge a 3% credit card fee, which can add up, especially if you’re getting multiple pieces or shopping at a higher-end tailor store. If your total cost exceeds $200, consider taking out cash to avoid this fee. Shops typically accept cash in US dollars or Vietnamese dong. Most also allow you to pay in full or make a roughly 50% deposit during your first visit.
How Much Do Tailored Clothes Cost in Hoi An?
In Hoi An, tailor shops charge a wide range of prices, from as low as $5 to as high as $300 for a custom-made piece. If you’re visiting from a more affluent country, you’ll find these prices very reasonable. In fact, hundreds of online reviews suggest that you can get a dress or bespoke suit for 10% to 30% of the cost you would pay in the United States.
Average Prices at Hoi An Tailors
Here’s a detailed comparison of what you can expect to pay:
| Custom-Made Piece | Price |
|---|---|
| Short dress #1 | $80 |
| Short dress #2 | $90 |
| Long dress | $35 |
| Suit jacket & trousers | $230 |
| Suit vest | $80 |
| Dress shirt | $40 |
| Tie #1 | $10 |
| Tie #2 | $10 |
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to visit, and custom clothes can easily become one of your biggest expenses. You can see a detailed breakdown of my expenses in my Vietnam trip cost report.
How Prices Are Determined
According to the Hoi An Tailor Guide, the price of tailored clothes depends on several factors:
- Type of Tailor Shop: Budget vs. high-end.
- Complexity and Material Needed: Simple designs cost less than intricate ones.
- Fabric Quality: Higher quality fabrics are more expensive.
Suggested Services at www.hoianfairytour.com
For a seamless Hoi An experience, consider utilizing the services offered by Hoi An Fairy Tour. They provide excellent options such as:
- Taxi services for easy transportation around Hoi An.
- Guided tours and shows to explore the cultural richness of the town.
- Motorbike rentals for those who prefer to navigate the town independently.
- Sleeper bus services for comfortable travel to other destinations.
- Boat trips to Cham Island for a memorable adventure.
Outbound Links
- Learn more about the top Tailor Shops in Vietnam.
- Knowing more about Hoi An
Conclusion: Hoi An Tailor Guide
This Hoi An Tailor Guide has provided an in-depth comparison of two tailor shops—one average and one premium. While both shops offer excellent service and quality, the average shop stood out in terms of fabric quality and overall value for money. When choosing a tailor in Hoi An, consider your budget and fabric preferences. Utilize the services at Hoi An Fairy Tour to enhance your stay, and don’t forget to explore more about Hoi An through the suggested links. With this guide, you are well-equipped to make the best choice for your tailoring needs in Hoi An.
From Vincent – the Author
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