To get a suit made of high-quality material in Bangkok, expect to pay anywhere between 6,000 and 14,000 baht. Trousers can cost 2,000 baht and up, depending on the material, and shirts around 1,000 baht. For women, custom suits should run around the same price as men’s, and you can pick up a custom evening gown for 6,000 baht and up, and even a custom-made silk wedding gown for around 20,000 baht.
To get the most out of the experience, make sure to give the tailor enough time. All of the good tailors in Bangkok will refuse to make anything if you can’t come in for at least two fittings.
At the first fitting, you’ll pick out the fabrics and the tailor will take all of your measurements. If you’re not already, you’ll become well versed in terms such as flat front, spread collar, slim cut, and notch because you’ll be choosing all of the specifications of your suit and shirt. If that’s all too confusing, most good tailors can offer advice and let you know what’s likely to look most flattering on your body, or you can even bring in your favorite suit for guidance.
When you go in for your second fitting, the clothing won’t be finished but you’ll try on the rough pieces for fit. If you’re really in a rush, or the clothing fits perfectly at the second fitting, any tailor can arrange for the items to be delivered to your hotel when they’re done. But it is always better to try everything on one last time.
Tailors are also expert at copying existing clothing. If you have a dress that fits you perfectly and you’d like to have it in different colors or materials, pack it with you and bring it in. They can even work off of a picture if you’ve fallen in love with something you saw in a fashion magazine. Whether they’re copying or designing from scratch, expect to go in for two fittings as well.
130 Sukhumvit Rd. near Soi 4
Skytrain: Nana
tel. 02/255-3714
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
COST: suits start at 9,000B
The favorite tailor for diplomats, visiting dignitaries, and even U.S. presidents is Rajawongse Clothiers. Jesse and Victor say that they don’t have to advertise their busy little shop in Nana because they have such a good reputation for quality work, and the pictures and business cards of former customers lining the walls (including George Bush Sr. and Tom Ridge) seem to be proof of that fact. The father-and-son duo who run the shop will shepherd you through the process, offering advice on their extensive selection of fabrics and letting you know tactfully whether something is likely to be flattering. If you have to wait—and you might, given their popularity—you’re likely to be offered a beer and a comfortable seat.
Raja’s Fashions
1/6 Sukhumvit Soi 4
Skytrain: Nana
tel. 02/253-8389
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
COST: suits 9,000B
Another favorite, and just slightly cheaper, is Raja’s Fashions right around the corner. Interestingly, Raja is related to Jesse and Victor, although the two shops seem to be in tight competition for the best tailor in the city. Raja’s shop is slightly bigger, but you can expect the same quality and personal service.
N and K Pinky Tailors
888/40 Mahatun Plaza Bldg.
Skytrain: Ploen Chit
tel. 02/252-9680
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
COST: women’s suit with slacks and skirt 6,000B
Unfortunately, neither shop does a lot of women’s clothes. A few blocks away at the far end of a little outdoor shopping mall is N and K Pinky Tailors, another popular shop with diplomats and visiting dignitaries. Pinky has three floors of fabrics, turns out excellent quality menswear, and also makes clothes for women. He will happily take even a sketch of something and turn it into a well-made, perfectly fitting dress.
Excerpted from the Fifth Edition of Moon Bangkok.