Reflection: Tailors
Xin Chao!
So, several months ago when we were in Hoi An with vague ideas about teaching English in Hanoi, assuming that we would need suits and pretty formal attire, we – you may recall- bought quite a lot of tailored clothes. It turns out that the Just Kids attire is jeans/shorts and t-shirts, and has got me thinking about the “lure of the tailored clothes,” as several suits sit in the cupboard, unworn.
So anywhere in South East Asia you can get cheap clothes specially made for you, Vietnam is no different, however I have with the 20-20 vision that comes with hindsight a few things for you to think about before you get measured up.
Hoi An has more than 500 tailors in a town that takes about 45 minutes to explore completely (by foot), as you walk around the town, you stop thinking “I don’t need any of these clothes” to “well, maybe I’ll just get a jacket, three piece suit, couple of shirts, and skirts made.” I think it happens through some sort of subliminal brainwashing technique.
My first word of advise is do not buy shoes. It is absolutely fun to look through the catalogues to find the style, piles of leather to find the colour boxes of buckles to find just the right one, and mountains of heels to find the right size, fun, fun, fun, however the shop we were recommended (by several people) charge $60.00 US (accepted price around town), and it took four fittings and the shoes didn’t even have instep support, and just didn’t really fit. So FUN, but not really practical/comfortable as a shoe. Though in their defence Sam’s shoes (business ones) have been good. And I think getting flat boots would be fine, just anything with a heel is a bit of a fail.
Now on to the clothes. Again fun, well the fitting is not, but choosing the clothes is fun. However a word of warning, know excatly what you want. Sam was pretty happy with his suit because he knew what he wanted. I however was a bit wishy-washy, as a result I ended up with pants with no belt loops, no pockets, and shirts that don’t fit any single shape I have ever seen.
So,if you are thinking of getting anything tailored in SEA, here are some tips;
- Know what you want
- length
- colour
- material
- How many buttons
- belt loops
- pockets
- waist line
Also have pictures, and don’t leave the place until you are happy. And remember that there are actually ready-made clothes in Hanoi that are on the whole nicer and cheaper. I have heard people say that getting items of clothes that you like copied is a winner, haven’t any personal experience.
So if you want the experience – go for it, but be prepared that once you leave the tailor-town and the magic dust clears from your eyes you’ll be like “why did I ever think that was a good idea?”
Smooches
Rose
Hey Rosie: If Sam had written that the temptation to deliver a “told you so” and a good Kancho would be too much ;-)
I have some weird Hoi An shirts and the oddest trousers in my cupboard that have never been worn and I wasn’t even having fun going through the process of getting them made.
But the girls in the tailor shops were utter eye candy and I keep the clothes in their memory haha!
Hi:
Just back from three weeks in China. I must have found a Vietnamese tailor there. Took Rose’s advice and got them to copy a jacket. Nup.