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: How to Get Custom Pieces You’ll Actually Wear

Three dresses and a slightly heavier backpack later, here’s everything I wish I’d known before walking into my first shop — plus what I’ve learned from watching other travellers navigate the tailor experience with more or less success.

Where to Start Browsing Without Getting Overwhelmed

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 around Le Loi and the night market on An Hoi Islet.

How I browse before committing:

• Walk the main streets at different times — morning for calm, evening for atmosphere — and make mental notes of shops whose samples match your taste. This is exactly what I did before returning to buy.
• Step into three shops maximum on day one. If you like 80% of the racks, stay and chat. If you’re uncertain, keep walking.
• Touch the fabric. Good tailors can sew almost anything, but the fabric underneath is non-negotiable. Real silk feels warm to the touch; synthetics feel slightly cool and slippery.

What to Bring So Your Tailor Can Get It Right

• Reference pieces: A dress or shirt that fits you beautifully — for measurements and details.
• Inspiration images: Screenshots or magazine pages. Mark the details you care about: neckline, sleeve length, skirt shape.
• Shoes and undergarments: The bra you’ll wear with the piece and the shoes you’ll wear for hem length.
• Your calendar: Hoi An is fast, but your fittings still need time anchored around your departure date.

Timeline and Fittings: How Fast Is It Really?

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

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, and more complex designs.

What Happens at Each Fitting

• Fitting #1 (basted stage): The shell gets checked for overall shape. Speak up now: 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 are even. Move: sit, raise arms, climb a step. Comfort matters.

A Quick Fabric Guide

How Much Should You Pay?

Prices vary by fabric, complexity and negotiation. Here are realistic ranges in USD:

Custom vs. Off-the-Rack vs. Bespoke

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

Design Details Worth Thinking About

• Necklines: V for lengthening, bateau for elegance, square for structure, wrap for curves.
• Sleeves: Cap for casual, bracelet length for polish, three-quarter for day-to-night versatility.
• Pockets: Always ask. Side-seam pockets on skirts and dresses are genuinely life-changing.
• Lining: Adds weight and polish to structured pieces; skip it for hot-weather casual wear.
• Closures: Invisible zips for sleek lines; exposed buttons for personality — tortoiseshell, fabric-covered or metal.
• Hem length: Try both standing and sitting at the fitting. Hems creep up when you sit, which matters a lot.

Shoes and Leather: Worth Adding While You’re Here

Hoi An’s leather ateliers can custom-create:

• Sandals traced to your foot, with straps adjusted so they actually don’t bite.
• Low loafers or derbies in soft leather that work well for travel days.
• Simple totes and crossbody bags with the pocket layout you actually want.

Check quality before you pay: even stitching, smooth edges, leather that’s soft but not flimsy, and solid hardware. Wear new sandals for an hour in the evening and request strap tweaks before final pickup.

Shopping Responsibly

• Ask about wages and working conditions — kindly. Shops proud of their practices are usually happy to share.
• Choose natural fibres where possible. They breathe better and last longer.
• Order fewer, better pieces. A small capsule wardrobe beats a bag of things you never wear.
• Ask for minimal packaging or reuse what you already have.
• Tip at pickup if the team went genuinely above and beyond.

Shipping It Home

• Some tailors ship; others prefer you use a reputable shipping agent in town. Photograph your parcel and keep your receipt.
• Keep invoices itemized — fabric type and “custom clothing for personal use.” Duties vary by country.
• Allow 10–20 business days. If your flight is soon, carry your pieces with you and wear your bulkiest items on the plane.

Caring for Your New Clothes at Home

• Save any fabric scraps and spare buttons — perfect for future repairs.
• Ask the tailor for care instructions and fibre content before you leave. When in doubt: cold wash and hang-dry for cotton and linen; dry clean for silk, wool and structured pieces.
• A local tailor at home can let out or take in darts and seams if your measurements change. Custom clothes are made to live with you.

Order Ideas by Traveller 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 shoes. One extra fitting for drape perfection.
• The Remote Worker (4 days): Two breathable blouses, one pair of tapered trousers, unlined blazer. Mix-and-match capsule for video calls and street noodles.
• The Suit Upgrader (4–5 days): Wool-blend suit (lined) + two shirts. Confirm armhole comfort and collar roll; get spare buttons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-ordering on day one. Start with one piece to learn your fit, then go from there.
• Ignoring lining in humid heat. Lining has its place — ask if you’ll be wearing this in hot weather.
• Choosing fabric by pattern alone. A beautiful print on poor fabric is a beautiful regret.
• Skipping the sit test. Movement reveals what the mirror hides.
• Requesting fussy details on a 24-hour timeline. Keep it clean and achievable when time is tight.

Three Handy Checklists

Pre-Tailor Checklist

• Reference garment and inspiration photos
• Correct bra and shoes for true fit and hem
• Budget range per item and overall
• Calendar windows available for one to three fittings
• Luggage space confirmed (or shipping plan in place)

Fitting-Day Checklist

• Shoulders sit right; no pulling at the bust
• Waist comfortable; can breathe and move
• Pockets placed well, not gaping
• Sleeve and hem length checked standing and sitting
• Closure manageable to do up solo

Final Pickup Checklist

• Try everything again — buttons and zip smooth
• Walk, sit, raise arms, do a little squat
• Spare buttons and fabric scraps packed
• Care instructions noted
• Balance paid and receipt saved for customs or insurance

Where to Stay in Hoi An

If you’re spending several days in Hoi An for fittings — and given the timeline advice above, two to four days is realistic — choosing the right base makes a difference. You want somewhere close enough to the Old Town tailor district to manage multiple fitting trips without drama, but on a quiet enough street to actually rest between them.

• Hoianese Old Town Boutique Hotel — five minutes on foot from the Old Town, on a quiet side street, with a team that specifically points guests toward good tailors and restaurants. Multiple strong 2025–2026 reviews praise the staff recommendations. Confirmed on Booking.com.
• Lantana Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa — a 4-star option near the Old Town with a pool and spa for between-fittings recovery. Confirmed on Booking.com.

Hoi An Tailor FAQ

Planning Your Tailor Experience

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 plus pickup. Suits and fully lined or complex dresses typically need three to four days. Simple unlined items can be done in about 24 hours if the design is straightforward.

What should I bring to help my tailor get the fit and style right?

Bring a reference garment that fits you well, clear inspiration photos, the undergarments and shoes you’ll wear with the piece, and your calendar to plan fittings around your departure date.

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

Morning or late morning — you’ll be fresh, the shop will be calmer, and the team will have a full day ahead to make adjustments for an evening or next-day follow-up.

How many fittings should I expect?

• Fitting #1 (basted shell): Overall shape check — major adjustments made here.
• Fitting #2 (refined): Sleeve length, drape and closures finalized.
• Fitting #3 (polish, if needed): Lining, hems and closures all checked. The more complex the garment, the more fittings you’ll need.

Design, Fabrics and Construction

Can tailors make something from a photo or Pinterest screenshot?

Yes — bring clear images and ask the tailor to sketch it back to you to confirm neckline, sleeves, pockets and length before they start cutting. Keep designs clean and achievable if you’re on a tight timeline.

Which fabrics work best for Vietnam’s climate?

• Linen and cotton: Best for breathability and daily wear.
• Rayon/viscose: Drapes beautifully but can pill if low quality.
• Silk: Elegant but delicate — best for special occasions.
• Wool blends: Good for structured pieces like blazers, but not for peak summer. Avoid shiny low-grade polyester.

Should I ask for lining?

Line structured pieces like blazers or formal dresses. For hot-weather daywear, go unlined or choose a lightweight cotton lawn if the fabric is sheer.

Will tailors add pockets if I ask?

Absolutely — request side-seam pockets at the first fitting and confirm placement so they don’t add unwanted bulk.

Can I request specific sleeves, closures or hem lengths?

Yes — necklines, sleeves, closures and hem lengths are all your call. Do the sit-and-raise-arms test at fittings to confirm everything is comfortable in real movement.

Pricing and Bargaining

How much should I expect to pay?

• Cotton/linen dress: $25–70
• Silk dress: $45–120+
• Shirt/blouse: $18–60
• Skirt/pants: $20–80
• Blazer: $60–220
• Two-piece suit: $150–350
• Leather sandals: $22–45
• Leather bags: $45–200+

A small refresh — two dresses, one blouse, trousers, sandals — typically runs $180–275. Adding a lined blazer or silk dress can push that to $300–450.

Do I need to bargain?

Polite bargaining is expected. Ask for a modest bundle discount (5–15%) if ordering multiple pieces, but focus on quality of fabric and craftsmanship rather than just the lowest price.

Shoes, Bags and Accessories

Can I get shoes made in Hoi An?

Yes — sandals and simple loafers are common. The maker will trace your feet and adjust straps at a next-day fitting. Walk around the shop and request tweaks before paying.

What about custom leather bags?

Many ateliers offer totes, crossbodies and backpacks with customisable pockets and closures. Check stitching, leather softness, edges and hardware carefully before paying.

Shipping, Packing and Aftercare

How do I pack my new clothes for the flight home?

Ask for hangers and a garment bag. Turn jackets inside out and fold shoulders once. Roll dresses with tissue from hem to neckline and place them on top of your suitcase.

Can I ship clothes home from Hoi An?

Yes — many shops or hotels can arrange shipping. Photograph the parcel, keep an itemised receipt, and allow 10–20 business days for delivery. If your flight is soon, carrying everything with you is the safer option.

How should I care for my custom garments at home?

Cold wash and hang-dry cotton and linen. Dry clean silk, wool and structured pieces. Keep spare buttons and fabric scraps for future tweaks, and ask the tailor for fibre content before you leave.

Troubleshooting and Quality

What if I’m not happy with the fit at pickup?

Say so, politely but clearly. Good shops will tweak hems, darts and closures on the spot. Always try the garment on and move around — sit, raise arms, walk — before you pay.

What are the most common mistakes travellers make?

• Over-ordering on day one without testing fit first.
• Choosing fabric based only on the pattern.
• Ignoring lining decisions in humid weather.
• Skipping the sit and movement test at fittings.
• Requesting overly complex designs on a 24-hour deadline.

Timing and Availability

When’s the best time of year to get clothes made in Hoi An?

Tailoring is available year-round. Visiting outside peak holidays — Tet especially — means faster turnaround and more tailor availability. Low season (November through March) often brings quieter shops and more flexible pricing.

How busy are the tailors, and should I book ahead?

Walk-ins work fine for most of the year. During peak tourist months (December through April) or if you’re planning multiple suits or dresses, visit your chosen shop on arrival day and lock in fitting times immediately.

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