Korean Job Discussion Forums

[freddy teacher]

First, I want to say that this is not an advertisement so much as a review.

Second, I wouldn't necessarily call myself a suit aficionado, but I definitely appreciate a well tailored suit. I've purchased many suits over the last 2 years in Korea; I have more suits than pairs of jeans--I know a thing or two...

Moving on, there are 2 places in Seoul that I would recommend getting a suit. Seeing as most people here are on a budget, the first one i recommend is in Itaewon. The second is in the COEX mall.


At first it's hard to chose a good tailor in Itaewon because there are so many and they appear to offer the same stuff. For the most part, the quality is all the same within the relative price ranges. WHY? Because they all use the same tailors. There are many store fronts like Hamilton Shirts that "look" like they will give you a better product, but actually they arent, as there are very few TAILORS in the background. I bought 2 summer suits last year from 2 different places and the same tailor came to size me. Basically, the store takes your measurements and sends it off to the "factory." 90% of the places in itaewon use the same "tailors/factories." What am I saying? Essentially, when it comes to craftsmanship, its all the SAME.

Although, you should be aware that there are 2 types of custom suits offered in Itaewon. There are the 100% HANDMADE suits for around ~450,00w, then there are the partially handmade suits that are mostly GLUED together, not stitched. Yes, they use GLUE. If you plan on keeping your suit for a while, I cant stress how cheap these suits are. You'll be attracted by the price of 250,000w, but there is a reason why it's that cheap...its garbage.

So, how do you chose if they pretty much all offer the same quality product? Easy, look at the service and price. The whole point of getting a CUSTOM suit is to have a PERSONALIZED experience, and there is one place in Itaewon that stands above the rest. Most places offer you the "innitial sizing," a "second fitting", and lastly the "final pickup." It's unlikely that you'll get your best fit with just 1 rough measuring, a rough fitting, and a try on.



1) Manchester Tailor Hands down the BEST place in Itaewon (price vs. service vs. quality)

From the time I spoke to the salesman (Joseph) to the day I picked up my suit and took it home, I was completely satisfied. I am a VERY picky guy when it comes to stuff I buy. Joseph understood that and had exercized much patience with me. Unlike the rest of the places i've been to, he offered me a total of 4 fittings, not 3. First I went to get the measurments taken, then I went for the first fitting, then i went back for another fitting, then I went for the final "try on." He worked with me for 4 weeks for one suit! Not only did he tailor the shape exactlt how I wanted it, he helped me design the pocket shape on my pants so that they wouldnt flare out when I walked. No other place in Itaewon offered me the option to design the minor details on the suit.

I was so impressed with his service that I ordered 3 custom shirts with a single cuff. When I received them, i wanted them to be a little more fitted. When I tried them on I wanted some adjustments to be made and he was more than happy to do it. They came back exactly how I wanted them.

Joseph genuinely cares, not only about your final product, but the WHOLE experience. The best part? The price. Manchester isn't located on the street level, its in the basement level. Therefore, his rent isn't as high and he passes on the savings to the cutomer. Depending on the fabric you choose, his normal prices are 350,000w to 400,000w for a completely handmade custom suit. If you mention my name ("Freddy") he will give you an additional 20,000w off and your final price will be 330,000w.

Now, this sounds like an advertisement. It's just a review for a good shop. He really helped me out and did a couple favours for me, so I promised I'd share my experience with you guys. If you don't believe me, go to the other places, get a model number of the fabric that you want, compare it to all the shops, then go to Manchester and check his price. You wont be disappointed.

Contact Info:
Manchester Tailor
010-3717-5200 (Ask for Ji Min, i think thats his name, he's the owner's son)
www.manchester.kr
Directions: Walk out Exit 4 of Itaewon Station, walk for about 5 minutes until you hit the yellow sign "International Arcade" just before the alley that curves to the left. Go down the steps, and walk to the back left of the underground shop.
Discount: Tell him "Freddy" sent you and he'll give you an additional 20,000w off.


2) Santoria Min (COEX Mall)
He made me one of the best suits i've ever purchased. He studied in Italy, his English is pretty good, the service was great, but the price came to almost 2,000,000w. I won't say much more as I'm not sure how many of you want to drop that much on a suit... If you want more info, please feel free to PM me and i'll answer your questions.


SUIT UP!

[ThingsComeAround]

I had a similarly good experience with Hahn's Tailor at the edge of Itaewon, but it was a bit more pricey. (450-550) They did everything in-house and they even have a presser for dry cleaning your stuff.

I'll give your guy a try tho. Doesn't hurt to have options!

[akcrono]

http://www.gqtailorshop.com/

They are supposed to be really good as well.

[Daniel_D]

I have been going to Manchester for over 2 and a half years. Korea does not have my size clothes except for in rapper style...So.. I have had many pants, suits, and shirts made there. They have all fit correctly after correction from them.

Thumbs up for them.

Then I moved to Jeju Island.. anyone have any suggestions on a good tailor out here.. ..? =.=

[GB]

London Tailor.

A great little father and son run tailors. They have a side room where all the suits are made, in house. I'm very picky with my suits and they paid attention to all the small details I requested.

From the Hamilton Hotel, walk up towards Helios and it's above the Bodyshop on the left.

I'll have a look at Manchester tailor, thanks. It's good to compare.

[freddy teacher]

thanks, i;ll check them out. but, its a little hard to go somewhere else when you find someone that gives u what you want.

i guess a good tailor is kinda like a good woman in that sense....lol

ps. i just want to add that im not saying he's the best out there, im jus saying he offers hands-down the best service and quality for the price.

[goniff]

forget Savile Row
in London (and the world)the best tailors and shops
are actually still to be found in nearby Cork Street
I would say a tailor made suit is an unnecessary luxury unless
you play in the NBA or NFL or have very unusual physical characteristics
(the shape and size of your body)
otherwise you can get perfectly suitable stuff off the rack these days
my tailor was in Roman Road and he was a gem!

[NSMatt]

[blade]

For those of us who can't afford Savile Row prices, Shanghai is good place to have clothes made. I had a couple of shirts made there about two years ago which I still wear daily. I paid the equivalent of 75,000 Won for four shirts which all fitted me perfectly. Compared to other places I gone in Asia, I found the tailors in Shanghai to offer the best value and quality.

[PCRamplified]

Do any of these places make suits for women? I might like to have some things made, but I guess I fit into the "unusual shape" category.

I can't buy slacks off the rack in the US without having to have them altered, and I usually have to go up at least two sizes to get a button down shirt that won't gap, and then it just looks silly. It'd be great if I could get some things made that would fit me decently.

[freddy teacher]

[cragesmure]

[DaHu]

[definitely maybe]

[eamo]

I'm a regular size so I'll stick with department store suits when on sale.

Far more reliable quality than the crap-shoot that is Itaewon tailors. Fashionable, modern styles, and about the same price.