Custom Clothes Shopping Spree from the Hoi An Tailors in Vietnam

When in Hoi An, you go shopping!

I am currently in Hoi An, a city in the center of Vietnam that is world renowned for its tailors and custom made clothes. This city is so small that it feels more like a town, yet it is home to more than 200 tailor shops that can create any dress, jacket, suit, shirt, handbag, or pair of shoes that you set before them.

Choose something from a mannequin or bring in a magazine and they will make it for you in any colour or pattern you like – sometimes even overnight!

Even though my backpack has been gaining some weight in the past weeks, I figured I could deal with a few more clothes. I mean, how much can dresses really weigh?

I scouted the town for a few days, browsed the shops and made mental notes of the dresses I liked. Then, it was time to go shopping!

Hoi An Shopping Guide: Finding The Right Clothes On Your Vietnam Trip

My experience was a little different from the way most tailor shops work. Normally, you would choose the pieces of clothing you like, get fitted, and perhaps request a few minor changes in the colour and pattern. You would then pay a deposit while the clothes are being made, and pick them up a few days later.

I, however, was happy with the dresses they had in the store, and because the samples fit me well, the shop-keeper let me walk away with the dresses straight off the mannequins. Only a few minor alterations needed to be made along the inner torso seam on two of the dresses, but that was done in a matter of minutes.

I came in planning to get one, maybe two dresses, and I walked away with three. Between the affordable prices and the shop-keeper’s coaxing, it sure was tempting to get more, but this is what I walked away with in the end:

Dress 1 – Royal Blue

This was the one dress I had my eye on when I walked into the store. I noticed the royal blue on a mannequin from halfway down the street, and I love the intensity of it. But I like the collared neckline paired with the sleeveless cut because it gives the dress a more casual feel. I paired this dress with a braided rope belt that I already owned. Price: $18

Dress 2 – Floral Print

I wasn’t too sure about the floral pattern on this one when the shop-keeper picked it out for me, but I really liked it once I tried it on. It reminds me a bit of the floral dresses that were popular in the 80s. This one zips up in the back, and I paired it with a thin black belt from another dress I own. Price: $18

Dress 3 – Vintage Feel

This one won me over with the round collared neck and buttons in the front. The pattern kind of reminds of butterfly wings, which is kind of a strange pattern to be wearing, but I like it. I just added a little black belt around the waist to give it a bit more form. Price: $18

And those were my purchases in Hoi An, Vietnam! I now feel like a more girly traveller with all these dresses in my backpack and I kind of like it that way!

The Hoi An Tailor Guide: Tips on How to Get Custom Pieces You’ll Actually Wear

Where (and How) to Start Browsing Without Overwhelm

Hoi An’s Old Town is compact. Both a blessing and a “whoa, choices!” situation. You’ll find tailors on the lantern-lit arteries (Tran Phu, Le Loi, Nguyen Thai Hoc) as well as quieter side streets, plus leather ateliers on and around Le Loi and the night market on An Hoi Islet.

My browse-first plan of attack:

• Do a loop at different times (morning for calm, evening for buzz) and note the shops whose samples match your taste—minimalist linens vs. retro prints vs. classic suiting.
• Step inside three shops max on day one. If you like 80% of the racks, stay and chat; if you’re “hmm…maybe,” keep walking.
• Touch everything. Great tailors can sew anything, but nice fabric is non-negotiable. Rub swatches between finger and thumb; true silk feels warm, synthetics a bit cool and slippery.

What to Bring So Your Tailor Can Nail It

• Reference pieces: A dress or shirt that fits beautifully (for measurements + details).
• Inspo images: Screenshots or a magazine tear. Mark the details you care about (neckline, sleeve length, skirt shape).
• Shoes & undergarments: The bra you’ll wear with the piece, and the shoes for hem length.
• Your calendar: Hoi An is fast, but your fittings still need time anchors.

Timeline & Fittings (How Fast Is “Fast”?)

Hoi An runs on tailor time, not tourist panic. Yes, you can do 24 hours, but you’ll get better results with a little padding.

Typical Timelines

• 24 hours: 1 fitting + pickup. Best for simple items: A-line dress, button-down, skirt.
• 48 hours: 2 fittings + pickup. Best for wrap dresses, jumpsuits, sport coats.
• 3–4 days: 2–3 fittings. Best for suits, lined dresses, complex designs.

What Happens at Each Fitting

• Fitting #1 (basted stage): The “shell” gets checked for overall fit. Speak up: shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and length.
• Fitting #2 (refined stage): Final fabric with details attached (collars, cuffs, pockets). Confirm sleeve length and drape.
• Fitting #3 (final polish): Lining sits right, buttons align, hems even. Move: sit, raise arms, climb a step. Comfort is king.

Fabric 101 (So You Don’t Accidentally Order a Sauna)

How Much Should You Pay? (Realistic Ranges)

Prices vary by fabric quality, complexity, and bargaining finesse. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to fair ranges (USD):

Custom vs. Off-the-Rack vs. Bespoke (What Are You Actually Buying?)

Most “custom” in Hoi An is made-to-measure with bespoke flourishes if time allows.

Design Choices That Level Up the Look

• Necklines: V for lengthening, bateau for elegance, square for structure, wrap for curves.
• Sleeves: Cap for casual, bracelet length for polish, ¾ for day-to-night.
• Pockets: Always ask! Side-seam pockets on skirts/dresses are life.
• Lining: Adds weight and polish to structured pieces; skip for hot-weather casual.
• Closures: Invisible zips for sleek lines; exposed buttons for personality (tortoiseshell, fabric-covered, metal).
• Hem length: Try standing + sitting in your shoes at fitting—hems creep up when seated.

Shoes & Leather: Your “While I’m Here” Extras

Hoi An’s leather ateliers can custom-create:

• Sandals traced to your foot (straps adjusted so they don’t bite).
• Low loafers/derbies in soft leather for travel days.
• Simple totes & crossbody bags with your preferred pocket layout.

Check quality: Even stitching, smooth edges, soft but not flimsy leather, solid hardware. Wear your new sandals for an hour in the evening and request strap tweaks the next morning.

Responsible Shopping (Look Good, Feel Good)

• Ask about wages & work hours (kindly). Shops proud of fair practices will share.
• Choose natural fibers when possible; they last and breathe better.
• Order fewer, better pieces. Capsule wardrobes > closet clutter.
• Reuse packaging or ask for minimal wrapping.
• Tip thoughtfully at pickup if the team went above and beyond.

Shipping It Home (Without Stress)

• Hotel desk vs. tailor: Some tailors will ship; others prefer you use a reputable shipper in town. Photograph your parcel + slip.
• Customs basics: Keep invoices itemized (fabric type + “custom clothing for personal use”). Duties vary by country.
• Pad your timeline: If shipping, allow 10–20 business days. If your flight is soon, consider carrying on just your new wardrobe and wearing your bulkiest pieces.

Care & Alterations Back Home

• Save fabric scraps & thread—perfect for future repairs.
• Ask for care instructions and a note of fiber content. When in doubt, cold wash + hang dry for cotton/linen; dry clean for silk/wool/structured pieces.
• Local tailor tweaks: If weight fluctuates, darts and seams can be let out or taken in. Custom clothes are designed to live with you.

Sample Order Ideas (By Traveler Type)

• The Weekender (48 hours): Linen shirt-dress + cotton button-down + leather sandals. Two fittings, easy wins.
• The Event-Goer (3 days): Silk midi wrap dress + backup cotton shift, both hemmed to your heels. One extra fitting for drape perfection.
• The Remote Worker (4 days): Two breathable blouses, one pair tapered trousers, unlined blazer. Mix-and-match capsule for Zoom + street noodles.
• The Suit Upgrader (4–5 days): Wool-blend suit (lined) + two shirts. Confirm armhole comfort and collar roll; get spare buttons.

Mistakes I See (and How to Dodge Them)

• Over-ordering on day one. Start with one piece, learn your fit, then go wild.
• Ignoring lining in humid heat. Lining has a time and place—ask if you’ll roast.
• Choosing fabric by pattern alone. Pretty prints on poor fabric = regret.
• Skipping the “sit test.” Movement reveals what the mirror hides.
• Picking tiny, fussy details on a 24-hour timeline. Keep it clean, chic, achievable.

Your Three Handy Checklists

Pre-Tailor Checklist

• ☐ Reference garment + inspo photos
• ☐ Bra + shoes for true fit and hem
• ☐ Budget range per item and total
• ☐ Calendar windows for 1–3 fittings
• ☐ Space in luggage (or shipping plan)

Fitting-Day Checklist

• ☐ Shoulders sit right, no pulling at bust
• ☐ Waist at comfortable point; can breathe
• ☐ Pockets placed well, not gaping
• ☐ Sleeve & hem length checked standing + sitting
• ☐ Closure easy to manage solo

Final Pickup Checklist

• ☐ Try everything again (buttons/zip smooth)
• ☐ Walk, sit, raise arms, do a little squat
• ☐ Spare buttons + fabric scraps packed
• ☐ Care instructions noted
• ☐ Balance paid, receipt saved (for customs/insurance)

Hoi An Tailoring FAQ

How many days do I really need for custom clothes in Hoi An?

Two full days is the sweet spot for most pieces (two fittings + pickup). For suits or fully lined dresses, plan three to four days. One day works for simple unlined items if you keep designs clean.

Can I get something made from a photo or a Pinterest screenshot?

Yes! Bring clear images, highlight the exact details you love, and ask the tailor to sketch it back to you. Simpler lines translate best on tight timelines.

What’s the best time of day to do my first fitting?

Morning or late morning. You’ll be fresh, the shop is calmer, and it gives the team a full day to make adjustments for an evening or next-day check.

Do I need to bargain hard?

Polite bargaining is expected, but this isn’t a market stall. If you’re ordering multiple pieces, ask for a fair bundle price (5–15% is reasonable). Focus on quality fabrics and finishing over shaving every dollar.

How do I choose between linen, cotton, rayon and silk for dresses?

Think climate and care: linen/cotton breathe best for daily wear; rayon drapes beautifully but can pill if low quality; silk sings for occasions but needs gentle care. Touch, crumple, and trust your skin’s verdict.

Will tailors add pockets if I ask?

Happily! Request side-seam pockets on dresses/skirts and confirm placement at the first fitting so they don’t add bulk where you don’t want it.

Can I get shoes made in Hoi An too?

Yep—sandals and simple loafers are common. The maker will trace your feet and adjust straps at a next-day check. Wear them around the shop and request micro-tweaks before you leave.

What if I don’t like how the piece looks at pickup?

Say so—kindly but clearly. Good shops want you thrilled and will tweak hems, darts, buttons and small details on the spot. This is why trying on again at pickup matters.

Is it worth lining a summer dress?

Only if the fabric is sheer or you want more structure. Lining adds polish but also warmth. For tropical wear, consider a light cotton lawn lining or skip it entirely.

How do I pack custom clothes so they survive the flight?

Ask your tailor to place items on hangers in a garment bag. For suit jackets: turn inside out, fold shoulders together once. For dresses: roll in tissue from hem to neckline and lay on top in your suitcase.

Can I get clothes shipped home from Hoi An?

Yes. Many shops or your hotel can arrange shipping. Keep an itemized receipt, photograph the parcel, and pad time for delivery. If your flight is soon, carrying on your couture is the safest plan.

What’s a realistic budget for a small wardrobe refresh?

For mid-quality fabrics: two dresses ($45–70 each), one blouse ($30–40), one pair of trousers ($35–55), and leather sandals ($25–40) = roughly $180–275. Add a lined blazer or silk dress and you’ll nudge into the $300–450 range.

Have you been to Hoi An?
Have you ever had clothes custom made?