We are planning a trip to Hong Kong for Christmastime 2007. I would like to have my husband fitted for some custom shirts. Ascot Chang has been recommended, but from looking at their website they seem quite expensive (about $250-300 US). What should we expect in terms of price? Are there any other tailors that are less expensive?

Any advice is welcome.

Sam's in Hong Kong is very famous and very reasonable.

Big selection of materials expoect to pay about $50-$60 dollars for a shirt. I've had loads of shirts from there sometimes they're great other times they're OK. But the price and choice is excellent.

http://www.samstailor.com/

My husband loves his shirts from Sam. He's sorry he only had two made.

If we're only in HK for 2.5 days, is that enough time to have shirts made? Should we wait until BKK where we'll be for 3.5 days?

2.5 days will be enough time in HK, unless you absolutely need to go to one of the top-of-the line places such as David's who always want 2 fittings for shirts.

I would definitely suggest getting the shirts made in HK as opposed to Bangkok. I've had lots of shirts made in both places, and the Hong Kong shirts are decidedly better. (Especially the collars. All the BKK tailors use a gluing interface for the collars, and they just don't hold up well. I talked to Jack at Il Sarto about this, and he told me that it's the users' fault: "they're not drying the shirts properly." Nope, sorry Jack, you folks aren't making your shirts right.)

Maxwells is also excellent and more reasonably priced. I've given conatct info for them before. It should turn up with a search.

DH and I are both happy with David's shirt, with their office on Kimberly St on Kowloon.
Nice thing about tailored shirts is different choices--cuff shapes, collar shapes, monograms etc. Also we tend to go for higher spec materials.

I recommend you call the tailor and book the first appointment at their store as soon as you get there. Usually they can also come to your hotel for the fitting etc.

I will be in Hong Kong this June, and at Kathie's recommendation, have made an appt with the ladies tailor at Maxwell's Clothiers (of course they also take care of men, which is the majority of their customers). Since I will be staying around the harbor area in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, their location will be convenient for me. I was delighted to learn that they will be able to do my custom shirts and jackets within the 3 days that I will be there (as they are not open on Sunday, which is my first full day in HK). I believe that their prices are much more reasonable than Ascot Chang, and their work is considered to be excellent. You can reach them at [email protected] or at (852) 2366-6658.

Oh, and of course, I want to also give full credit to Cicerone for her help on this subject... as she is our Hong Kong guru on all things essential in HK!! Thank you, Cicerone!