Step onto the bustling streets of Bangkok, and you'll quickly notice an intriguing phenomenon: tailor shops seem to occupy every second corner of the cityscape. This isn't a recent trend – Thailand's love affair with bespoke clothing dates back to the dawn of the 20th century, and it's only grown stronger with time with over 1,000 tailors around the city.

Bangkok can be a sartorial paradise, but it also presents a unique challenge: how do you sift through this sea of options to find the one tailor who'll craft your dream suit or shirt?

*Ready to find the right tailor amidst the concrete jungle of Bangkok?*

Whether you're a wide-eyed tourist or a seasoned Bangkok resident, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. But don't let that deter you from the rewarding experience of owning a custom-made garment. This guide is your compass in the vibrant world of Bangkok tailoring, designed to help you navigate the choices and find that perfect match who'll transform fabric into a second skin.

1. Location: Navigating Bangkok's Tailor Terrain

When it comes to finding a quality tailor in Bangkok, location can be both a guidepost and a potential pitfall. Let's break it down:

Areas to Explore:

Sukhumvit: This bustling district is home to many reputable tailors. Focus on the stretch between Nana and Phrom Phong BTS stations, where you'll find a mix of established shops and hidden gems.
Silom: Known for its business district, Silom and the Chao Pray riverside also boasts several well-regarded tailors. The area around Sala Daeng BTS station and Shangri-La hotel is particularly worth exploring.

Proceed with Caution:

Khao San Road: While popular with backpackers, this area is known more for its nightlife than quality tailoring. Be extra vigilant if you decide to get measured here.
Patpong: Similar to Khao San, the red-light district is not typically associated with high-quality tailoring. There are exceptions, but it's generally better to look elsewhere.
Shopping Mall Outlets: Be wary of small tailor kiosks in shopping centers such as MBK Center. While convenient, they often prioritize quick turnaround over quality.

Tips for Location-Based Selection:

Don't assume that a prime location equals prime quality. Some excellent tailors operate from modest shops in less touristy areas of Bangkok.
If a tailor shop is located in a high-rent district, expect prices to reflect that. However, this doesn't always guarantee superior craftsmanship.
Be cautious of shops that rely heavily on touts or aggressive street marketing. Quality tailors usually don't need to resort to these tactics.

Remember, while location can offer clues about a tailor's reputation and clientele, it's just one factor to consider. A diamond in the rough might be tucked away in an unexpected corner of the city, while a prominently placed shop might disappoint. Use location as a starting point, but always dig deeper before committing to a tailor.

Endel Bespoke tailor for example is located a bit off the main path at the end of Sukhumvit 24, but just a few minutes ride away from Hilton, Marriott Marquis, Sukhumvit main road and Emquartier & Emsphere shopping malls.

2. Style Advice: does the tailor provide style guidance?

A great tailor doesn't just create what you ask for; they enhance your vision with their expertise. They should be able to:

Assess your body type and suggest cuts that flatter your physique
Recommend fabrics that suit both the garment's purpose and Bangkok's climate (or overseas if you are looking to bring suit back to a colder climate)
Advise on current trends, patterns while respecting your personal style
Suggest details (lapels, vents, cuffs) that elevate the overall look

What to Expect from a Style-Savvy Tailor:

Questions, questions, questions: A tailor offering style advice should inquire about your lifestyle, work environment, and the occasions you're dressing for.
Tactful honesty: If a style you've requested won't suit you, a good tailor will diplomatically suggest alternatives.
Fabric education: They should explain the properties of different fabrics, helping you choose between breathability, durability, and aesthetics.
Accessory suggestions: From shirt and tie combinations to pocket square pairings, a style-conscious tailor can guide you in completing your look.

Red Flags to Watch For:

A tailor who agrees with everything you say without offering any input
Pushing trendy styles without considering your personal taste or needs
Lack of knowledge about different body types and which cuts suit them
Inability to explain why they're recommending certain choices

How to Gauge a Tailor's Style Expertise:

Ask them what they would recommend for your body type and see if they can explain their reasoning
Request advice on building a versatile wardrobe and see if their suggestions are practical and cohesive

3. The Fabric Façade: Are you getting authentic fabrics?

All that glitters is not necessarily gold – or in this case, pure wool. The unfortunate reality is that Bangkok is flooded with counterfeit fabrics, and sometimes even the tailors themselves are in the dark about the true nature and quality of their materials. This situation calls for extra vigilance on your part.

When examining fabrics, keep these points in mind:

Brand names aren't bulletproof: Just because a fabric is labeled as a luxury brand doesn't guarantee its authenticity or certain thread count or origin. Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated.
Feel is revealing: Quality fabrics generally have a distinctive hand-feel. Pure wool, for instance, should feel smooth and springy, not rough or overly soft like some blends.
Burn test savvy: While you can't set fabrics alight in the shop, knowing about burn tests can help you ask informed questions. Pure wool, for example, burns slowly and smells like burning hair.
Transparency is key: A reputable tailor should be open about their fabric sources and willing / able to show certification if available.
Price as a clue: If the price for a "premium" fabric seems too good to be true, it probably is. Quality materials come at a cost.
For example a real example of having been offered a “Super 150S, 100% Wool & Silk, Made in Italy” fabric for a suit costing 12,000 THB is simply impossible as the fabric alone already cost at least twice to purchase than this.
Educate yourself: Before your visit to a tailor in Bangkok, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of common suiting fabrics like wool, cotton, and linen.
Look for original fabric bunches: Seeing a high-quality fabric bunch (booklet of fabrics) can indicate that the fabrics you will get are authentic because the books are generally very expensive (costing up to 300 USD each) and generally only available to qualified tailors.

Remember, even honest tailors can be deceived by unscrupulous suppliers. Your best defense is to arm yourself with knowledge and not shy away from asking detailed questions about the fabrics' origins and composition. A truly professional tailor will appreciate your interest and be eager to discuss the merits of their materials.

By being aware of the potential for fabric fakery, you're taking an important step towards ensuring that your Bangkok tailoring experience results in a garment that not only looks good but is crafted from genuine, high-quality materials worthy of your investment.

At Endel Bespoke Tailor we ensure providing fabrics from only known sources, working with long-term importers or importing directly from the mills in Italy, United Kingdom and France. Read our guide on comparison of some of the best fabric suit brands.

4. The Artistry of Time: Crafting Quality Takes Patience

Time is not just a factor—it's a crucial ingredient in the recipe for excellence. Quality takes time, and the process of creating a truly exceptional suit is a meticulous journey that cannot be rushed.

Here's a realistic timeline for different types of suits:

Standard wool blend fabric suit: 3-5 working days minimum
High-end suit: 6-12 working days
Full-canvassed suit: Up to 8 weeks

If you're seeking quality, it's crucial to banish any notions of 24-48 hours delivery.

For the ultimate tailoring piece, a handmade, full canvas suit—the process can extend up to 8 weeks. This extended timeframe reflects the painstaking attention to detail involved in hand-crafting every aspect of the garment. To put this in perspective, a highly skilled tailor focusing on this level of quality might complete only 4-6 suits in a month.

A suit rushed in 24-48 hours might save you time in the short term, but it's likely to cost you in both comfort and durability in the long run.

Aim to start your order early in your trip and perhaps discussing ideas beforehand with the tailor if overseas, allowing for fittings throughout your stay. In the world of fine tailoring, patience truly is a virtue. The wait might seem long, but when you slip on that perfectly crafted suit, you'll understand why true quality is always worth the wait.

5. Pricing Transparency: The Clear Path to Trust

A visible and detailed price list is more than just a convenience—it's a testament to a tailor's integrity and professionalism. Here's why transparent pricing matters and what to look for:

What to Look for in a Price List:

Fabric Categories: Prices should be broken down by fabric type and quality (e.g., wool blends, 100% wool, premium wools like Super 120s, 150s, etc.).
Construction Options: Look for different pricing for fused, half-canvassed, and full-canvassed suits.
Additional Features: Prices for extras like special linings, button options, or monogramming should be clearly stated.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Reluctance to Discuss Prices: If a tailor is evasive about costs or insists on quoting only after taking measurements, be cautious.
"Special Discounts": Be wary of tailors who start with a high price and then offer steep discounts. This can be a tactic to make you feel like you're getting a deal when you're not.

6. How much can you expect a bespoke tailored suit in Bangkok to cost?

Understanding Price Ranges for tailored 2-piece suits in Bangkok: While prices can vary widely, here's a general guide:

Budget Suits (blends): 9,000 - 14,000 baht (Be wary of anything under 10,000 baht for a full suit – quality at this price point is often questionable.)
Mid-Range Suits (100% wool): 14,000 - 30,000 baht
High-End Suits (100% imported wools and exotic blends): 30,000 - 50,000 baht
Ultra-Luxury Suits (Ermenegildo Zegna, Dormeuil, Loro Piana etc.): 50,000 - 100,000 baht and up

Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider the quality of materials, construction, and service when evaluating prices.

Negotiation Etiquette:
While some negotiation is common in Bangkok, a reputable tailor with clear pricing may have less wiggle room. For Endel Tailor tailoring pricing is set to reflect real cost structure and you can rest assured that you will get the very best at any given budget point without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion: ready to choose the right tailor?

Navigating Bangkok's vibrant tailoring scene can be as intricate as the stitches on a bespoke suit, but armed with the right knowledge, you're now ready to embark on your sartorial journey with confidence. Let's recap the key points to keep in mind:

Location matters, but don't be swayed solely by prime real estate. Quality can be found in unexpected corners of the city.
Seek a tailor who offers style consultancy, not just measurements. Their expertise should complement and enhance your vision.
Be vigilant about fabric quality and authenticity. Knowledge is your best defense against counterfeits.
Patience is crucial. A truly exceptional suit takes time to create, so plan accordingly.
Multiple fittings are a hallmark of quality tailoring. Embrace the process for the best results.
Transparent pricing indicates a trustworthy tailor. Look for clear, detailed price lists.
After-sales service is the mark of a great tailor. It's not just about the suit, but the ongoing relationship.

Remember, finding the right tailor in Bangkok is about more than just getting a suit made—it's about creating a lasting piece of craftsmanship that reflects your personal style. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts.

We introduce you to experience and visit Endel Tailor if you are looking for tailor that meets all of these requirements and for a truly exceptional tailor in Bangkok.

How to choose the right tailor in Bangkok?