A Perfect Fit in Vietnam
If you're like me - you never go to a tailor for custom made clothes. Which is why it was so fun to get fitted at Thu Thuy, a silk shop in the atmospheric little port town of Hoi An, about midway down Vietnam's meandering coast.
Located equidistant between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as it’s still called by the locals) on Vietnam’s long, meandering coast, Hoi An is an atmospheric harbor town that has changed little in the past 200 years. So intact are its French Colonial houses, pagodas and Chinese assembly halls that the city made UNESCO’s World Heritage List. But in recent years, Hoi An has become synonymous with something else – the experience of having clothes made by the city’s army of tailors. More than 200 silk shops crowd the bustling downtown grid of streets, making Hoi An the Hong Kong of Vietnam when it comes to custom threads. The fact that just about everybody speaks English adds to the town’s allure.
Despite its historic significance, the main event in Hoi An, bar none, is shopping. The best advice for navigating this overwhelming sea of commerce is to come prepared. Bring pictures of clothes you want made, or even favorite pieces from home for copying.Not all tailor shops are created equal when it comes to quality and workmanship. You can’t go wrong at Thu Thuy, the oldest and largest shop in town. Often recommended by guidebooks, including Lonely Planet, Thu Thuy has been in business since 1989, and employs more than 200 tailors who work shifts around the clock to deliver clothing within 24-36 hours of when the first measurements are taken.
The process is simple: first, measurements are taken. Then, using your own designs, or choosing from fashion magazines, select the outfits you want made. Then, a sales rep takes you around the store, which is covered, floor to ceiling, with colorful bolts of raw silk, wool, chiffon, polished cotton and knit. Prices are reasonable –starting at $10 for skirts, shirts and pants, $38 for dresses, $50 for women’s suits and $180 for men’s suits. Attention to detail, smiling service and pleasant surroundings – including a coffee bar and free internet access – make waiting for your appointment a pleasure.
When your clothes are ready, seeing your choices come to life is a real thrill. Best of all – even after vacation eating for two weeks - there’s no size on the label sewn into your new outfit. It’s just a perfect fit.