A Guide to Custom Made Clothes in Hoi An
At Mui The Label, we are one of only a few shops in town that specialize in ready-made clothing. Surrounding us (literally next door, actually) are tailors ready to make you your custom wardrobe. From our own experience and hearing a multitude of experiences amongst our friends and customers, we want to share some best practices before you start your custom-made clothing journey.
1. Choose the Right Fabric (Or Risk Rocking Unintentional Pajamas)
Let’s be real—the fabric can make or break your dream outfit. The wrong fabric can turn your chic Pinterest-worthy vision into something more suitable for a Netflix binge in bed. Been there, done that, and yes, what was meant to be a black-tie wedding gown unexpectedly gave off real pajama vibes. No, it did not attend the wedding.
If you have an image of a killer outfit, do your homework on the type of fabric used. That dreamy satin wrap dress? It won’t give the same va-va-voom if you switch it up with linen. Think about breathability, comfort, and style. Trust us, your future self will thank you for choosing wisely.
2. Talented Tailor not Tom Ford: Project Runway, yay or nay?
Many of Hoi An’s tailors are miracle workers, but remember, they’re not your personal fashion designer. Come prepared with ideas, photos, and realistic expectations. Yes, they want you to be happy with the outcome, but remember, you're one of thousands of tourists they meet—a revolving door of different body types, accents, tastes, budgets and expectations. Your tailor will measure you, discuss your idea, and help you choose the fabric. But if you’re dreaming of deep creative consultations and design brainstorming sessions—pump the brakes.
The person helping you pick fabric and discuss the fit in the market very likely isn’t the one sewing your piece later. There’s a whole team behind the seams (pun very much intended) that you’ll never meet. So, keep your communication clear and concise. Collaboration might be minimal, but the magic still happens.
3. Keep Expectations Real: Outfit or the Model?
Here’s a life lesson wrapped in custom clothing wisdom: do you love the outfit, or do you love the way it looks on the model? Spoiler alert—the latter can lead to disappointment. We’ve all been there, falling for an outfit that looks amazing on someone else, only to realize it doesn’t quite translate to our own body. I have recently found out that I, in fact, am the problem when it comes to the outfit vs. model debacle - you can buy the outfit, not the body (unless you can buy the body then more power to you, live your best life honey buns).
Remember, your tailor isn’t a wizard who can replicate the exact look you saw on Instagram. Be kind to yourself and embrace the idea that your custom outfit is designed to fit and flatter you. A well-fitted piece that makes you feel fabulous is worth more than chasing after someone else’s style.
Final Thoughts & Rule of Thumb on Prices
If you're in Hoi An, you will find a range of high-end boutique-style tailors who will charge you 3x what the ladies in the fabric market. A linen button-down and shorts set ran me 600.000 VND, cotton dress around 500.000 VND from the lovely ladies I go to in the market. On the other hand a pair of men's trousers at one of the boutiques in town cost 1.500.000 VND. Lower cost, casual items the market is the place to go. High quality, and high expectations come with a higher cost at one of the boutiques.
Don’t miss the Hoi An Fabric Market for a fun experience. Pro tip: bring your patience, kind 'no thank yous,' and go in knowing which tailor you will visit. If it seems too overwhelming or not in the mood to shop, at the very least, walk through to see this side of Hoi An. On your way out of town visit us at Mui The Label for some ready-made pieces designed by Mui and her mom.
Happy tailoring!