Where to go for tailoring in Vietnam depends really on what you want done and how much time you have. There is really no such thing as a one-stop shop and most tailors are known for a special area of expertise. Keep in mind, you won't find Hong Kong level custom tailoring in Vietnam, so if you plan to plunk down considerable cash for high-end fabrics, always have a sample made first to determine the pattern cut and stitching is exactly what you want. The worst mistake in tailoring is to
assume your tailor knows what to do and what materials to use. Tailors that say they will do this and that, will often forget, as they get numerous requests from clients in a week. Vietnam does a lot of commercial textile manufacturing for retail chains around the world, but keep in mind, the majority of these garments are generally more simple in design and skill. These tailors are listed because there have been actual experiences from expats reporting on them.
Tips to keep in mind for your Vietnamese tailor: Keep the design simple and try to always have a sample.
1. Always have the tailor write down the details of your request, small or large, or expect a surprise when you come pick up your order. Bring in a picture, or even better, an already made-sample fit to your liking. Even better - bring your own list of details (even if it's in English) - because she will refer to it when she starts making the outfit - and she will find translations. Make sure to staple that piece of paper to your fabric or on the bag you brought your fabric in.
2. If you bring in only a cut-out picture of your design, 99% of the time, it will not look exactly like the image
3. Specify threading color and have them write it down (you would be amazed at how many times red or purple stitching is replaced for black thread in women's dresses)
4. Always specify the lining you want and the color - but even better, buy your own lining and bring it in; or have them show you the exact lining they will use for the garment and have them write it down. Ask the tailor how much lining you would need and ask them to tell you what the average width (cau pronounced kho) of the fabric is.
5. Schedule a fitting if you have time and always call a day before or the morning of the fitting to assure they have your item ready and what time they have scheduled you. Some tailors are far away, so save yourself the trouble by following up. Do this as well when you are scheduled to pick up your final product.
6. Smaller, local tailors often reserve Noon to 2pm as their sacred siesta hours, so try not to come during that time for fittings or pick-ups; as your tailor maybe fast asleep!
Business or leisure travelers with 7-10 days or less:
- The concierge at 5 star hotels will generally list a handful of tailors that they find reputable. Just keep in mind, it's all relative.
a.
Loan Ha Silk (214 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1): Loan speaks English, Vietnamese and Japanese. She makes a variety of dresses (western, ao dai, suong sam, etc). She copies samples extremely well. During the high tourist season, she gets quite busy as her shop is located in the backpacker's district. But off season, she turns around outfits quickly and with quality. She charges about 25USD for the labor for simple dresses, but there are extras for complicated accessories, lining, etc. Try to mention you are from Anphu or Thao Dien - which generally means a long-term customer relationship; you'll probably get your orders back with extra care and attention. She used to have a tailoring shop on Dong Khoi street, but was pushed out when the rents begin rising. The quality in her dresses has exceeded my expectations for what I have seen out there - especially when I had a sample she could copy exactly. Ms Loan's mobile 0966279684.
b.
Cao Minh (77 Mac Thi Buoi, Quan 1): specializes in men's suits, tuxedos and shirts. For shirts, you may be able to squeeze in if you have around 7-10 days. Suits and tuxedos generally require two weeks or more. The more simple the cut and design, the more likelihood of success. They have been around for some time and are also well known in Hanoi. They are the only men's tailor I have come across in Saigon that can make a hand-tied bow-tie for tuxedos (though it came out 2-3inches short, so make sure you have them add 2 inches to the neck measurement). They have very specific pics on collars, cuffs, pleats, etc for their men's shirts - unlike any other men's tailor shop I've come across. Their prices are higher than most local tailors and tend to promise only what they can successfully make.
c.
Trish & Verona (39 Dong Du, across from the Sheraton): Only place I am aware of that can turn around your custom men's shirts in 2 days. There are reports of decent expat and business travelers' experience here with men's shirts, though they tend to be quite fitted. When they measure your chest area, always ask them to add 1-3 cm more to the shirt - unless you got that nice six-pack you want to show off. Same with arm length - ask for 2cm addition to what they write down as your official size. Similar to other tailors, I would not bring expensive samples here e.g. silks, delicates, whites, that can be easily stained, as they don't take responsibility for staining your clothes or samples. They also have a decent selection of imported fabrics from Europe. If you can't find it there, visit
Chau Minh fabrics at 223 Le Thanh Ton - which carries a nice line of fabrics for men's shirts, suits and formal wear.
d.
Tailor Danh (41 Bui Vien): Father and daughter shop in the backpacker's area of district 1. Quite a decent experience here for men and women's slacks and suits. They have fabric swatches you can choose from, but you should probably call them to ensure what the turn-around time would be. Generally it's about 4 days for the fitting and final product depends on what it is. Also, you may want to tell them not to line the pockets with the "Made in Italy Wool" labeling from the fabrics - otherwise it's a given. They carry wool swatches that range from 200 to 500,000 vnd per meter. For the really nice stuff, try Chau Minh's (referenced above). Also recently had a tuxedo made here; we supplied the fabric and black satin for the slack trim and lapel. The tuxedo was made from some very detailed photo shots taken from a website and it turned out pretty nice; especially the value for your money.
e.
Ms. Thao who is affiliated with the silk fabric retailer
Toan Thinh on 180 Ly Tu Trong Street. Thao has a team of 10 tailors/pattern cutters/seamstresses in Tan Binh district, but if you want her to meet you at Toan Thinh Silk Retailer to discuss a project - give her a call (0903008292 or 0838644167). She specializes in dresses made from variety of delicate silk fabrics. She can turn a dress around in about five days and her team does plenty of sewing on a wholesale basis. Expect to pay about $40USD for the labor only for a dress. For best results, bring a sample dress or else, keep the design simple if you are working with a picture alone. If you have time, request specifically for a fitting appointment before they finalize the dress, especially if you are using delicate or expensive fabrics that would be difficult to adjust after stitching has been completed. You'll find plenty of delicate silk varieties here as well.
If you have had very good experiences with other tailors, please share them with us and we will send somebody out to verify their quality through market research and mystery shopping.
