Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TDR]

I'm heading up to Seoul this weekend and was thinking of having some shirts made, probably in Itaewon. I've had a few made at both GG Kangs and Houston tailors before but I found their colour selection quite limited (all white/gray/black and variations there of). Keep in mind, though, that this was a few years ago.

I've read the other shirt threads but I was just wondering if anyone had any recent experiences that they might share. Adding a cost range to your reply would help also. I'm looking to spend 40K-60K per shirt but if you have a place that's a bit out of this range, please share.

Cheers,

-TDR-

[VanIslander]

[Solarian]

I went to one, and I was disappointed with the fit. For a custom job, they really should fit better. I didn't bother going again, since Korean ones fit me really well.

[Captain Corea]

I didn't like GG kang's much.

I've been ordering from various locations of Hamilton Shirts for years - never a problem.

[eamo]

Too much trouble. Unless you're an unusual size it's quicker, cheaper, easier and maybe even better quality to just buy reputable brand name shirts in a department store.

Itaewon tailors aren't really that well known or respected in the way that Hong Kong, Singapore or European tailors are. Itaewon has always been low-cost, cheap and cheerful. It sure ain't Bond Street.

[ThingsComeAround]

We all have "our tailors". Eamo is right, though- if you are a regular size with regular tastes then you are better off just going to the department store and having minor adjustments made (they have tailors at New Core Outlet here in Ilsan, probably at other places too).

But if you are a big size, then 40-60K won is way too much. I am taller than average and I pay 26-30 for my shirts. And my tailor is great, for me. He may not be okay for you. Take a full day to window shop with a friend. Don't let a salesman push you into buying anything, the pushy ones you don't want. Get a tailor that listens to you. One that you feel good with. And make sure the price is right (under 40)

[TDR]

Thanks to VanIslander and CC.

CC, is Hamilton Shirts associated with the Hamilton Hotel or is it a separate business? If it is separate, could you tell me roughly where it is?


Solarian, would you care to elaborate on the name of the business that you received your shirts from? Then I and others can know to avoid them.


eamo, I hear what you're saying. Shirts off of the racks in Korea often don't fit me well in the arms. Either that or end up shrinking just enough that they look stupid with my suits. Also, more to the point about size, one of my arms is longer than the other because of an old skiing accident.

Plus, I'm not going to find myself in any of those places soon. Hell, I'd take a trip to Bangkok over Itaewon but that's not happening mid-semester.

ThingsComeAround, thanks for your advice. Maybe I will listen to you and eamo and take a department store trip tomorrow just to see if things have changed. After a few botched purchases, I just gave up. Is your particular tailor in Itaewon or over in Ilsan?

[cali]

Hamilton does a great job on shirts. 35,000won-48,000won. I've had 6 made and will go back for more. Their suits are quite pricey though. Go out exit 4 and walk a block. You will see it on your left (if you hit Subway you have gone too far). There are 2 stores, Hamilton shirts and Hamilton suits. They have the same shirt selection.

Gotta take advantage of Korean factory workers.

[suwonteacher]

The guys at Alpha do a really nice job... you can find them near the shoeshine hutch/booth/kiosk/thingie on the corner across the street from Xanadu. One night I was out wearing a custom made shirt and I went to a dinner party. There was a guy whom I'd never met before at this party wearing the EXACT SAME SHIRT. He had gone to the same tailor, picked the same fabric, had the shirt made, and chose to wear it on that night. I'm no mathematician but I would say the odds of that happening are astronomically slim. It was really bizarre and I've never seen that guy since. I have to admit I appreciated his fashion sense.

[atwood]

Most of those places use the same factory/sweatshop. Gor for best price and material/color selection.

To get exactly what you want, take a shirt that you like and have them copy it. Otherwise, they'll leave out any details that might take extra time or effort. But if you ask for it, they'll do it.

[Rocktek]

There are also so fine custom tailor shops in Songtan that speak English.

[Captain Corea]

[dirving]

J.J. The Tailor is near the Subway Sandwich Shop. He made 5 cotton long sleeved shirts for me for only 120k back in 2004. The shirts were pretty okay, and he took me out for a couple of brews at Nashville Sports Bar after I paid for the long-sleeved shirts.

[The Gipkik]

Hamilton Shirts? One of the finest shirt makers in the world from Houston, Texas. Expensive, but very high quality. Check out the website.

http://www.hamiltonshirts.com/

[Mr. Pink]