So... I'm going for my first visit to China with my other half: a bit of a whirlwind tour in 10 days (PVG,HKG, and PEK).

I've been researching the price of bespoke tailoring in China, and it seem like it is often even cheaper than what I can find off the rack in the UK (let alone bespoke). Since I'm only in PVG for 3 full days, and don't want to spend the whole three days in the Fabric Market (which I understand is where the good bargains are), does anyone have any suggestions about getting measured up where I live in London, and sending my measurements ahead of time, and then just going for a fitting when I'm there? Would it even work?

I'm just looking for some shirts, a suit and possibly (if the price is right ) a tuxedo too.

Any help appreciated...

Can't actually answer your question -- but having had one bespoke suit in my life (in the UK, my wedding suit) -- no way you should even think of this being possible in three days. And unless you pay a tailor to measure you, wouldn't trust self measurement either.

And generally, I've heard (and would believe) that the tailors in HK are much better than SH, but of course, more expensive. I think it can be done in a week, so if you are not doing an open jaw: i.e. in and out of PVG, you could get measured up, have one fitting, then travel, come back for second fitting and then fly out...??

tb

Amit, I get all my bespoke stuff in HK. Can be done in 3 days (if you push them). can reccomend one. Never even looked into it in SH (I will be there tomorrow....)

I guess my main question was if I go to a Jermyn Street tailor to get measured, can I send those measurements to a Chinese tailor ahead of time? Then it'll be ready by the time I get there in 4 weeks, and they only need to do alterations (which shouldn't take more than 3 days)...

I'm interested in Shanghai particularly, because I've heard stories of people walking out with 14 shirts, 2 suits and a few ties for around the 3200RMB mark.

Incidentally, whom would you recommend in HK?

Good cloth for one suit will set you back that much -- you really would get what you pay for in this case: which is a load of rubbish, tbh. For sure, though, you will probably find someone in SH that will be willing to sell you all of the above for that price...but don't be surprised if your 10 day trip lasts longer than the clothing!

I've not gotten round to getting a suit made in BJ, partly because I don't want somewhere 'cheap', but the 'not cheap' is still fairly pricey. I think aiming for around 3-5kRMB/suit would be about right. A shirt in not great fabric (but decent cut) will set you back about 100-130 RMB, but a bulk purchase might get you a decent discount. You can also check the HK 'tailor' thread for an idea about current price ranges for recommended tailors.

tb

Just go to the fabric market twice (for two fittings), and have them kuaidi your goods to your hotel before you head out. I really love the shirts I buy there.

I am only chiming in to this thread because I want to be able to say that I have used the word "bespoke" at least once in my life.

Actually, moondog's suggestion is bang on. I had to have two fittings and the third time was to pick it up but I wasn't able to so they shipped it to me.

I have been looking for the tailor's business card but I can't seem to find it. If I find it, I will send you the information.

Thanks, Taiwaned, that'll be much appreciated.

I can't seem to dig up my most recent receipts, but #265 continues to resonate in my head (for the shirts).