Andrew Aigner-MuehlerHoi An tailors
April 28th 2008 06:49
A trip to Hoi An requires a mandatory visit to a tailor. You are spoilt for choice here as there are so many to pick from. How do you know who to visit or trust?
Prior to this trip I visited Hoi An back in 2005 and had lots of clothes made at Thu Thuy. They had come recommended to me as trustworthy, incredibly helpful and offering wonderful workmanship. I had to see this to believe it. So, in 2005 I had a few suits made. They were gorgeous and made to measure and the fabric choices were overwhelming.
On this trip, although I had been given the names of several other tailors, I returned to Thu Thuy. It was like going home....the staff were friendly, eager to offer a refreshing towel, cold water and a seat. A gift when you have been walking around all morning in the hot sun!
The large, inviting entrance displays floor to ceiling stacks of fabric and manniquins wearing different designs to provide inspiration. I already knew what I wanted made on this visit (it pays to have a trip under your belt already - I was prepared) so I cut to the chase with the staff. Invest the time in getting to know the staff as you will be returning several times for fittings and it will make it easier to bargain. There is no such thing as a fixed price here!
Interestingly, when I mentioned I had visited back in 2005 they were able to fish out my details (paper based - there is no computer filing system here) and measurements.
Here are a few of my purchases from my recent trip:
A winter black cashmere coat with black/ white polka dot lining:
Cotton summer dresses (OK, I'll confess, I had 6 made in a range of colours and styles...):
Thai silk reversible formal jackets (blue/ black and red/black):
This is really only a snap shot of my purchases - I returned home with 10kg of extra luggage if that gives you an idea of how much I bought! Other bargains to be had in Hoi An include dvd's ($1 AUD each) soap stone, art, pashmina's, laquer ware, cheap polo tops, wood carvings etc.
Prior to this trip I visited Hoi An back in 2005 and had lots of clothes made at Thu Thuy. They had come recommended to me as trustworthy, incredibly helpful and offering wonderful workmanship. I had to see this to believe it. So, in 2005 I had a few suits made. They were gorgeous and made to measure and the fabric choices were overwhelming.
On this trip, although I had been given the names of several other tailors, I returned to Thu Thuy. It was like going home....the staff were friendly, eager to offer a refreshing towel, cold water and a seat. A gift when you have been walking around all morning in the hot sun!
The large, inviting entrance displays floor to ceiling stacks of fabric and manniquins wearing different designs to provide inspiration. I already knew what I wanted made on this visit (it pays to have a trip under your belt already - I was prepared) so I cut to the chase with the staff. Invest the time in getting to know the staff as you will be returning several times for fittings and it will make it easier to bargain. There is no such thing as a fixed price here!
Interestingly, when I mentioned I had visited back in 2005 they were able to fish out my details (paper based - there is no computer filing system here) and measurements.
Here are a few of my purchases from my recent trip:
A winter black cashmere coat with black/ white polka dot lining:
Cotton summer dresses (OK, I'll confess, I had 6 made in a range of colours and styles...):
Thai silk reversible formal jackets (blue/ black and red/black):
This is really only a snap shot of my purchases - I returned home with 10kg of extra luggage if that gives you an idea of how much I bought! Other bargains to be had in Hoi An include dvd's ($1 AUD each) soap stone, art, pashmina's, laquer ware, cheap polo tops, wood carvings etc.
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