How Tailoring Works in Hoi An

Step 1: Choose Your Tailor

Hoi An has over 400 tailor shops. The quality varies enormously. Start by researching online: Google reviews are the most reliable indicator. Shops with 1,000+ reviews and 4.8+ ratings have been consistently delivering quality for years. Avoid choosing a tailor based on hotel recommendations alone, as commission arrangements can steer you toward shops that pay the highest referral fee rather than those that do the best work.

Walk Old Town's main tailoring streets (Lê Lợi, Trần Hưng Đạo, Nguyễn Thái Học) and visit at least three shops before committing. Look for sewing machines and staff working on garments inside, a sign of in-house production. Our directory of 40 verified shops is a good starting point.

Step 2: Bring Reference Photos

The clearest way to communicate what you want is with photos. Save images on your phone of the exact style, cut, and details you are looking for: lapel width, collar shape, hemline, button placement, pocket style. Pinterest boards work well for collecting references. If you have an existing garment you love, bring it with you so the tailor can examine the construction.

Be specific about details. "I want a slim-fit suit" means different things to different people. A photo eliminates ambiguity. The more specific your references, the closer the result will match your expectations.

Step 3: Select Your Fabric

Most Hoi An tailor shops display hundreds of fabric bolts on their walls. The tailor will help you choose based on your garment type, budget, and climate needs. Common options include:

• Vietnamese linen: lightweight, breathable, affordable. Best for casual wear and warm climates. Wrinkles easily.
• Cotton: versatile, comfortable, holds shape well. Good for shirts and casual trousers.
• Silk: luxurious drape, available locally at competitive prices. Excellent for dresses, ao dai, and dress shirts.
• Wool: imported, more expensive. Best for formal suits intended for cooler climates. Available in various weights.
• Cashmere: premium option, significantly more expensive. Soft, warm, lightweight. Verify authenticity with a burn test.

The fabric you choose is the biggest factor in your final price. A linen suit costs roughly half what a wool suit costs. Ask the tailor to explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific garment.

Step 4: Get Measured

The tailor takes detailed measurements: chest, waist, hips, inseam, arm length, shoulder width, and more. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Wear clothes similar to what you plan to wear under the finished garment (e.g., the shirt you would wear under a suit jacket). Discuss fit preferences: do you want a slim fit, relaxed fit, or somewhere in between? This is also the time to confirm all design details: number of buttons, lining colour, pocket style, monogramming.

Step 5: First Fitting

Your first fitting is usually scheduled 12 to 24 hours after measurements. At this stage, the garment is roughly assembled: seams are basted (temporarily stitched), and the overall shape and fit can be assessed. This is the most important part of the process.

Be honest about what needs adjusting. If the shoulders are too wide, the waist too loose, or the length too long, say so. Tailors expect adjustments at this stage. Point to specific areas rather than general comments. "The left shoulder drops slightly" is more useful than "it does not fit right." The tailor marks the adjustments with chalk or pins.

Step 6: Final Fitting and Pickup

After adjustments, the tailor finishes the garment: final stitching, pressing, and detailing. A second fitting confirms the final result. Check the garment carefully:

• Try it on with the shoes or undergarments you will wear with it
• Check the fit while standing, sitting, and moving your arms
• Inspect stitching quality, button alignment, and lining finish
• Verify the fabric matches what you selected
• Check the garment in natural light (not just shop lighting)

If anything is off, ask for corrections. Reputable shops will adjust on the spot or within a few hours. Do not accept a garment you are not satisfied with. Payment of the remaining balance happens after you approve the final product.

Typical Timelines

• Shirts: 4 to 8 hours (same-day collection common)
• Dresses: 6 to 24 hours depending on complexity
• Suits (two-piece): 24 to 48 hours with two fittings
• Suits (three-piece): 48 to 72 hours with two to three fittings
• Wedding dresses: 3 to 5 days with multiple fittings
• Leather shoes: 24 to 48 hours

Plan to visit the tailor on your first day in Hoi An. This gives you maximum time for fittings and adjustments without pressure. If you are staying two nights, you have comfortable time for a suit. Three nights or more is ideal for multiple items or complex garments.

What to Bring

• Reference photos saved on your phone (styles, cuts, details you want)
• An existing garment you love the fit of (optional but helpful)
• The shoes or undergarments you plan to wear with the finished item
• Cash (VND preferred) or a card (many shops accept cards but may add a surcharge)
• Patience and flexibility. Custom tailoring is a collaborative process.

For tips on avoiding common issues, read our Trust and Scams Guide. To compare shops, browse our full directory of 40 verified tailor shops.