liliana

So, what about having clothing made. Is it really a bargain. Can you have it done without a follow-up fitting? How long does it take? And most important of all, can you recommend any places in either Bangkok, Hanoi or Hoi An?

liliana

WHOOPS,I am really interested in clothing, not clothint. <BR>

Amy

I love the clothing I got made in Hoi An--a suit and two dresses for a hundred bucks, full linings, fininshed seams, the works. Seemed pretty good to me! Anyway, it's best to know that most of the fabric is not, in fact, silk; if you really want silk, take a little piece out and try it with a lighter. If it melts, it's synthetic.<BR><BR>I ordered one day and picked up the next, with a few adjustments made to the suit while I waited. I'd guess that there's not really a lot of difference in the different shops, and there will be "bicycle girls" pulling you into cloth shops all over HoiAn if you're not careful. (I got silk valances from one shop and the clothing from another, for instance.)<BR><BR>I wish that I had gotten more--it feels great on with the custom fit, it's unique, and everybody seems to love it <BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Kelley

For tailors in Bangkok, I would recommend Manhattan. I don't have their<BR>card with me but will follow up tomorrow. They will send a car to pick you up at your hotel. A follow-up fitting is recommended. Be prepared..it can be overwhelming..take pictures. Considering you are getting custom made clothing, the prices are incredible. Manhattan will keep your stats on file so if you regret not having that red wool suit made, contact them and they will ship the clothes to you. Two years ago my mom got a cashmere blazer; 4 3 piece silk suits; an evening gown and 2 pairs of pants for $1100.

elissa

Has anyone else had trouble with them selling synthetic for silk? Is this true in Bangkok as well as in Viet Nam. I'd love to bring in an old suit and just have them duplicate it. Do they sell silk/wool blends in either Bangkok or Viet Nam?

Sue

How about places in Hanoi? I'll be there for a short visit. Are there places in the Old Quarter where I could have some clothes made? Can anyone recommend a particular shop? Thanks!!

kelley

The address for Manhattan, the tailor in<BR>Bangkok is:<BR>455/42 Rama 6 Road<BR>phone: 6139031-3<BR>It is located opposite the Wat Phayang Temple.<BR>[email protected]

liliana

Thanks for the advice. Now, which city has the best buy and the best workmanship?

Elissa

Do you buy the cloth and have it made at the same tailor, or buy cloth one place and have it made at another, or either?

Sue

Hanoi? Anyone done this in Hanoi?

Linda

Although I didn't have clothes made at this shop, our friends who live in Hanoi have been very happy with their workmanship.<BR>Duc Loi Silk - 78 Hang Gai St(Silk Street) - Hanoi<BR>The address may be 87 rather than 78. It looked very nice inside, and is well known.<BR>Linda

Kelley

The prices will be cheaper in Hanoi and Hoi An (they will accept American dollars), but Bangkok will have a wider selection of fabrics: cashmere, Thai silk, Italian silk, mohair, etc. I prefer the workmanship of the tailors in<BR>Bangkok. <BR>The tailors have their fabric in their shop. I cannot begin to explain how overwhelming the whole process can be if you aren't prepared. If you tell the tailor you want a pair of wool pants made, you have to decide: the type of wool; the color; the style of pants; the location of the zipper; the style and size of pockets; the style and size of buttons, etc. If you see fabric that you like, get it and decide what to do with it once you get back home. I had an evening gown made and didn't think to order a matching wrap. I found similar fabric back home for $39.99 a yard, the dress cost around $60 to make in Bangkok.<BR>The tailors will make things other than clothes. I have ordered curtains; silk sheets; duvets; table clothes; and pillows(stuff them back home..they can take up alot of room in your suitcase).

Sue

Thanks!! =)