Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NSMatt]

I am going to Kuala Lumpur a the end of Jan and I really want to get a tailored suit. After reading the less than stellar reviews about the tailors in Itaewon I'm committed to getting one overseas.

The average price seems to be about 225-350 US in Kuala Lumpur.

However I've heard that Vietnam is much cheaper, only around 100 dollars.

Does anyone have experience buying tailored suits overseas? Is KL a good bet or should I wait for a trip to Vietnam?

[northway]

I got mine for 3,000 baht on Khaosan in Bangkok and they're pretty dope.

[The Sherriff]

I got a bunch of clothes made in a small shop in Hoi An (Vietnam) last year. You can pick up suits ranging form $50-$300 in Hoi An. The difference in price is due to the quality in the stitching (double/triple vs single stitching which won't last as long), the quality of the material, the reputation of the shop (some shops have been recommended by lonely planet), and by how much you can bargain with the shop owners.

I settled on a random small shop recommended by the guest house I was staying at, and ended up paying about $100 cdn for my suit (negotiated from about $140). I also picked up 2 pairs of trousers ($30 each) and 4 button ups ($10 each).

I've been wearing my trousers regularly for work for the past 11 months, and have been quite pleased with them (they are holding strong). I haven't had an opportunity to wear my suit yet, I hadn't realized until I got back to Canada that they put in shoulder pads, which I still need to get taken out, but overall the quality of the make of the clothes is quite good.

I have a hugo boss suit made in Poland, and there is a big difference in the quality of the material. My boss suit is thinner, lighter and smoother against my skin. I found a lot of the materials in the shop that I was at to be some form of polyester mix with wool/cotton/silk, making them feel more dense and less breathable.

Some smaller details that I've noticed with regard to the make is that the pleat in my tailored pants aren't as stiff as my boss suit pants, and you can see the stitching on the outside of the heel cuff on my tailored pants, while you can't on my boss suit (I dunno if they use glue or have some sort of special sewing technique, but it's not visible on the outside).

I guess that's the difference in buying a tailored COPY of a suit rather than the real deal, but in the end you're paying close to 1/10th of the price for a good fitting suit that looks of high quality to 99% of the people that see it. You can wear it to semi-formal occasions without worrying of ruining/wearing it out.


My recommendations:
- Only get 1 or 2 small articles of clothing made at whatever shop you choose before going all out on a suit, and carefully look over the quality of the stitching/make.
- Choose your materials carefully, look at both pattern and feel/quality. Try to get something that doesn't feel to have a high amount of polyester mixed in, something that's not too dense, heavy and unbreathable. The shop owner will probably swear up and down its cotton and Vietnamese silk, but use your own judgement.
- Bargain, with a smile on your face.
- Go back for alterations if required (It will be included in the price)

[Louis VI]

[Greekfreak]

I second the trip to Hoi An; I went years ago and got 3 suits, tailor made to suit my specifications, 4 pairs of casual pants, another pair of pants for my wife, 3 shirts, and two silk ties for about $400 Canadian.

Years later the suits still look and feel great. The Hugo Boss line in Korea is made for guys with no shoulders, and no thighs, and it's very VERY conservative. Not to mention overpriced. Get a picture (or even better, the very design) of what you're looking for and bring it there.

I would make a trip to Vietnam the next time I want a new wardrobe. Absolutely fabulous work depending where you go.

[young_clinton]

Go to the Atlanta Hotel in Bangkok and ask the Headwaitress/Manager at the Restaurant there. She will tell you the best tailor to go to in Bangkok. She knows all the reputable places in Bangkok.

[machoman]

[asylum seeker]

[quote="Louis VI"]

[Louis VI]

[Caffeinated]

I've gotten compliments on suits I had made in Hoi An. They looked tailor made for me, apparently. They didn't last too long - the stitching came loose and the fabric was looking worn - but I'd say I got my money's worth considering how cheap they were.

The shop will also keep your measurements aside and ship orders abroad just in case you want to re-order without having to visit Vietnam.