What should I know before going to a tailor in Hoi An?
Bring reference photos, know your measurements, budget 48–72 hours for proper fittings. Research tailors beforehand — read reviews, compare prices. Don't rush: good tailoring takes time. Expect to pay 30–50% deposit. Test fabric with a burn test (silk smells like hair burning). Never pay 100% upfront.
Before you walk in
Do your research. Not all tailors are equal. Some are tourist traps charging 3x fair price. Others are legitimate craftsmen.
- Read Google Reviews (look for recent reviews, not 2019)
- Check TripAdvisor threads (search “Hoi An tailor scam”)
- Ask your hotel — they know which tailors deliver quality
- Get quotes from 3+ shops before committing
Know what you want. Walk in with:
- Photos of the garment (front, back, collar, buttons, pockets)
- Fabric preference (silk, cotton, linen, wool)
- Your budget range
- Your timeline (when you’re leaving Hoi An)
Know your measurements. If you have them, write them down:
- Chest (around fullest part)
- Waist (natural waistline)
- Hips (around widest part)
- Shoulder width (seam to seam)
- Inseam (crotch to ankle)
- Sleeve length (shoulder to wrist)
If you don’t know, the tailor will measure — but having your own numbers helps you catch mistakes.
At the tailor
The fabric test. If they claim it’s 100% silk, ask to test it. Cut a tiny thread, burn it:
- Silk: Smells like burning hair, turns to ash
- Polyester: Smells like plastic, melts into a bead
- Cotton: Smells like burning paper, turns to gray ash
This is not rude — it’s standard practice in Hoi An.
The deposit. Standard is 30–50% upfront. Never pay 100% before receiving the garment. You lose leverage.
The timeline. Confirm:
- When is first fitting?
- How many fittings included?
- What time on pickup day?
- Can they deliver to your hotel?
Get this in writing (WhatsApp message counts).
Red flags
Walk away if:
- 100% deposit required: You’re being scammed.
- No fittings allowed: They’re cutting corners.
- “One price fits all”: A suit and a shirt don’t cost the same.
- Pressure tactics: “Today only discount” is a scam.
- No portfolio: Ask to see photos of finished work.
Green flags
Good tailors:
- Show you their workshop (if on-site)
- Explain the fitting process clearly
- Speak English well enough to discuss details
- Have a WhatsApp number for follow-up
- Offer free minor alterations after pickup (within 1 week)
Budget expectations
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt | 300–450k | 500–800k | 900k–1.5M |
| Pants | 400–600k | 700k–1M | 1M–1.5M |
| Dress | 500k–800k | 1M–2M | 2M–4M |
| Suit | 1.5M–2.5M | 2.5M–4M | 4M–8M+ |
| Áo dài | 500k–1M | 1M–2M | 2M+ |
Labor only (your fabric): 200k–400k for shirts, 500k–800k for suits.
The fitting process
First fitting (Day 2): Garment is basted (loose stitches). Try it on. Tailor marks adjustments with chalk. This is where you speak up: “Too tight here,” “Sleeve too long,” “Waist needs taking in.”
Second fitting (Day 3): Alterations done. Fit should be 90% there. Minor tweaks only. If major issues remain, the tailor messed up the first time.
Final pickup (Day 3–4): Garment finished. Check: buttons secure, seams straight, no loose threads, fit matches what you discussed. Pay the balance.
After pickup
Try everything on at your hotel. If something’s wrong, bring it back immediately. Good tailors fix issues same-day.
Keep the tailor’s WhatsApp. Email them photos if you’re leaving town. Many will mail alterations for free (you pay shipping).