The Complete Guide to Getting Clothes Made in Hoi An

Getting custom clothes made in Hoi An is one of the defining experiences of visiting central Vietnam. Here is everything you need to know, from choosing a shop to picking up your finished garments.

Step 1: Choose Your Tailor

Research before you arrive. Check Google reviews, compare ratings, and look for shops that specialize in what you want. If you need a suit, look for shops where suit reviews dominate. If you want dresses, find shops with strong dress feedback. Our tailor directory lets you filter by product type and area.

Step 2: Visit on Day One

Your first tailor visit should happen on day one of your Hoi An stay. This maximizes fitting time. Even a two-night stay gives you enough time for two fittings if you start immediately. Morning visits are best: shops are quieter, tailors have more time, and you avoid the afternoon heat.

Step 3: The Consultation

At the shop, you will:

• Browse fabric options displayed on the walls
• Discuss style, either from the shop's catalogue or photos you bring
• Choose your fabric (the staff will explain the differences)
• Get measured (takes 10 to 15 minutes)
• Agree on price, timeline, and number of fittings
• Pay a deposit (typically 50 percent)

Step 4: The First Fitting

Usually 12 to 24 hours after your consultation, you return for the first fitting. The garment will be roughly assembled. Check the overall shape, length, and fit. This is the time to request changes: sleeve length, shoulder width, waist taper, hemline. The tailor will pin adjustments and take notes.

Step 5: The Second Fitting

After adjustments, you return for the final fitting. The garment should be nearly complete. Check all details: buttons, lining, stitching, pockets. If everything looks good, confirm the pickup time. If adjustments are still needed, most shops will do another round.

Step 6: Pickup and Payment

Try on the finished garment one last time before paying the balance. Check under good lighting. Look at the seams, the fabric pattern matching, and the overall finish. If satisfied, pay the remaining balance and ask for a receipt.

What to Bring

• Photos of garments you want made (front, back, detail shots)
• A garment that fits you well (for the tailor to use as a reference)
• The shoes you will wear with the garment (for accurate hemlines)
• Appropriate undergarments for fittings

Shipping Options

If you leave Hoi An before your garments are ready, most established shops offer international shipping for US $20 to $50. However, this means no final fitting, which carries risk. The best approach: plan your trip with enough time to complete all fittings in person.

Ready to start? Browse our full directory or compare suit prices across 40 shops.

Planning Your Tailoring Schedule

The ideal timeline for custom tailoring in Hoi An is 3 to 5 days. This allows for the initial consultation and measurement session (day one), first fitting and adjustments (day two or three), final fitting and pickup (day four or five). Rushing the process into 24 hours is possible but increases the risk of fit issues. If your trip is shorter than three days, focus on simpler items (shirts, ao dai) that require fewer fittings rather than complex garments like tailored suits.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Reference images are invaluable. Save photos on your phone of styles, cuts, and details you like. Bring a garment that fits you well if possible: a shirt or jacket with the shoulder width, chest fit, and length you prefer. This gives the tailor a concrete reference rather than relying solely on measurements. Know your fabric preferences before you walk in. Our fabric guide covers the main options available in Hoi An.

Pricing Expectations

Hoi An tailoring prices are remarkably affordable by global standards. Custom shirts start from US $15 to $35. Suits range from US $100 to $400. Dresses cost US $50 to $200. Custom leather shoes run US $40 to $120. For detailed pricing by garment type, see our comprehensive price guide.

Shipping and Taking Clothes Home

If you order multiple items, getting everything home requires planning. Most garments can be packed flat in your suitcase. Suits should be folded carefully (fold the jacket in half lengthwise, then fold once across the middle) and packed on top of your other clothes. If you are checking a bag, wrap suits in a dry cleaning bag to reduce friction. For large orders (10+ items), some shops offer international shipping at your expense. DHL and EMS are the most common carriers, with delivery to Australia taking 5 to 10 business days. Shipping costs approximately US $30 to $80 depending on weight. Most visitors prefer to carry their items rather than ship, but shipping is a reliable option for bulk orders.