How much do tailors cost in Hoi An and how do I avoid scams?
Realistic 2026 tailor prices in Hoi An: shirts 300,000–600,000 VND, dresses 500,000–1,500,000 VND, suits 1,500,000–4,000,000 VND, áo dài 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND. Turnaround is 24–72 hours. Reputable shops: Yaly Couture (mid-range), A Dong Silk (budget), Be Tailor (custom). Red flags: pushing expensive fabric, refusing your fabric, demanding 100% deposit upfront.
Price ranges (2026)
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt | 300k–500k | 500k–800k | 800k–1.2M |
| Dress | 500k–800k | 800k–1.2M | 1.2M–2M |
| Áo dài | 1.5M–2M | 2M–2.5M | 2.5M–3M+ |
| Suit (2-piece) | 1.5M–2.5M | 2.5M–3.5M | 3.5M–4M+ |
| Pants | 250k–400k | 400k–600k | 600k–800k |
| Skirt | 250k–400k | 400k–600k | 600k–800k |
Notes:
- Prices are for labor + basic fabric. Premium fabrics (Italian wool, silk) cost extra.
- “k” = thousand VND. 1M = 1,000,000 VND.
- High-end shops include Yaly Couture, Be Tailor. Budget: A Dong Silk, local street shops.
The process
Step 1: Choose your tailor
Yaly Couture — 5 floors, English-speaking staff, established reputation
- Prices: Mid to high-end
- Turnaround: 24–72 hours
- Best for: First-timers who want guidance
A Dong Silk — Trần Hưng Đạo street
- Prices: Budget-friendly
- Turnaround: 24–48 hours
- Best for: Simple items, quick jobs
Be Tailor — small shop, word-of-mouth reputation
- Prices: Mid-range
- Turnaround: 48–72 hours
- Best for: Custom work, complex fittings
Step 2: Pick fabric
You have two options:
Buy fabric from the tailor: Convenient, but markup is 30–50%. Staff will push expensive options.
Bring your own fabric: Saves money, but some tailors refuse. Call ahead. Good for replicating a specific garment.
Step 3: Get measured
Measurements take 15–30 minutes. The tailor will measure:
- Chest, waist, hips
- Shoulder width, arm length
- Inseam (for pants)
- Neck circumference (for shirts)
Tip: Wear the undergarments you plan to wear with the finished garment. It affects fit.
Step 4: First fitting (24–48 hours later)
Try on the半成品 garment. The tailor pins adjustments:
- Sleeve length
- Waist suppression
- Pant length
- Shoulder fit (hardest to fix later — get this right)
Speak up: If something feels wrong, say it now. Alterations after pickup are difficult.
Step 5: Final fitting & pickup (72 hours+)
Final check, pay, collect. Most tailors accept cash (VND) or card (3–4% fee).
Red flags to avoid
🚩 Pushing expensive fabric without explaining why
- “This Italian wool is best” — ask for price per meter, compare elsewhere
🚩 Refusing to let you bring your own fabric
- Legitimate tailors allow it. Refusal = they’re making margin on fabric.
🚩 Demanding 100% deposit upfront
- Standard is 50% deposit, 50% on pickup. 100% upfront = risk of disappearing.
🚩 No written receipt or order form
- Get everything in writing: fabric type, price, delivery date, number of fittings.
🚩 Rushing you to decide
- “Today only discount” = pressure tactic. Walk away.
How to give measurements remotely
If you’re ordering before arrival:
- Chest: Measure around fullest part, tape level, breathe normally
- Waist: Narrowest part (usually at navel level)
- Hips: Widest part, tape level
- Shoulder: Edge to edge across back
- Arm length: Shoulder to wrist, arm slightly bent
- Inseam: Crotch to ankle bone
Send measurements in centimeters. Include a photo of yourself in fitted clothing (front, side, back).
Payment tips
- Cash (VND): Preferred, no fee
- Card: 3–4% fee typical
- Deposit: 50% standard, never 100%
- Haggling: Acceptable at budget shops, not at established stores like Yaly