Hoi An Tailor Guide 2025: Best Shops, Prices & Tips (Tried & Tested by Locals!)

Hey friends 👋, we're Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

Since settling in Vietnam in 2023, we've made Hoi An our second home, visiting every few months to get custom clothes made. From sharp suits to flowy dresses, we've tested dozens of tailors to find the best. Liam's mates back in the UK even have him ship tailored pieces home, the quality's that good!

With over 500 shops, Hoi An's tailoring scene can feel like a maze. We've got you covered with our top picks, practical tips to dodge scams, and advice to nail that perfect fit. Let's dive into why Hoi An's the place for your next wardrobe upgrade!

Why Hoi An for Tailoring?

Hoi An is Vietnam's tailoring capital, packed with over 500 shops offering top-notch fabrics, custom designs, and super-fast turnaround, often just 1-3 days. Whether you're after a sharp suit, flowy dress, or casual shirt, the craftsmanship here beats anywhere else for the price. It's perfect for travelers wanting unique souvenirs that actually get worn. We've done everything from casual tees to wedding guest outfits, and we've never been disappointed by the value and skill.

How Much Does Tailoring Cost in Hoi An?

Hoi An's tailoring prices depend on the item, fabric quality, design complexity, and shop reputation, but they're a steal compared to Western prices. You can snag high-quality custom pieces for a fraction of what you'd pay back home, making it a no-brainer for travelers. Here's a rough guide based on our recent visits (USD and VND):

• Men's three-piece suit: $90-$200 (VND 2,000,000-5,000,000).
• Women's short dress: $25-$50 (VND 700,000-1,300,000); long dress: $40-$150 (VND 1,000,000-4,000,000).
• Shirts: $15-$45 (VND 400,000-1,200,000).
• Coats: $40-$110 (VND 1,000,000-3,000,000).

Factors like premium fabrics (e.g., silk) or high-end shops increase costs. Pro tip: Negotiate politely, prices are flexible and avoid hotel referrals to skip commission markups.

The Tailoring Process in Hoi An

Getting custom clothes in Hoi An is a breeze with some prep. We recommend reading our essential tips below to stay safe and avoid scams. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Research

Decide what you want, suits, dresses, shirts and gather photos or sketches to show the tailor exactly what you're after. The clearer your vision, the better the result. Research reputable shops, we list our favorites below. If you don't know exactly what you're looking for, all tailor shops will have a book of example pieces they've made and can help you choose.

Step 2: Design & Measurements

Visit your chosen tailor (our picks are below) and show them what you're after. You'll pick fabrics, some pieces, like suits, can use multiple fabrics for linings or pockets, so feel them in person to judge quality. The tailor will take precise measurements, often in under 5 minutes. Confirm the price before agreeing to a piece to avoid surprises. High-end shops like Mr Xe may ask for full payment upfront, while others take a 50% deposit. Sarah often finds a dress she likes then sketches over it, and the tailors always nail it.

Step 3: Fittings

Return the next morning (or within 24 hours) for your first fitting. Try on the 80-90% complete piece and check fit, seams, and details. Speak up about any tweaks you'd like. Tighten the waist, shorten the hem, adjust buttons, it should be exactly how you want it. Most tailors do 1-3 fittings, each 12-24 hours apart. Sarah had her latest dress adjusted twice at The 78 Tailor to get the neckline cut perfect, it's worth being picky here!

Step 4: Pickup

Head back for the final fitting, usually the same afternoon or the next morning. Test the piece for comfort, symmetry, and all the details you asked for. If it's spot-on, pay any remaining balance and enjoy your new fit. You can also arrange free hotel delivery or see how much international shipping costs (Our friends back home in the UK and Canada always have their orders arrive in great shape). Allow 2-3 days total for complex items like suits or dresses; for women, wear the right bra to ensure the bust fits perfectly.

Essential Tips for Tailoring in Hoi An

Hoi An's tailors are incredible, but the sheer number of shops and occasional scams can scare people away. After years of living in Vietnam and tailoring here, we've got tips to ensure you get exactly what you want, safely and stress-free. Check these out before you start:

Avoid Street Touts

People approaching you on the street claiming to work for a tailor are often scammers leading you to overpriced or low-quality shops. Stick to reputable tailors (like our picks below) and avoid anyone pushing you into a store unsolicited. We dodge these touts by politely saying we've already booked elsewhere.

Bring Visuals for Clarity

Photos, sketches, or even screenshots of your ideal design help tailors understand your vision. Without them, you risk miscommunication, but they're always super helpful if you need some additional inspiration. We know people that bring fashion magazines and the tailors recreate it perfectly every time.

Check Fabric Quality Hands-On

Always feel fabrics yourself to ensure they meet your expectations. For silk, request a burn test to confirm it's real (fake silk smells like plastic when burned). Hoi An is full of history in fabrics, especially with silk and you'll see plenty of silk museums where you can learn how to tell the difference yourself.

Schedule Multiple Fittings

Even top tailors need 1-3 fittings to perfect the fit. It's a major red flag if a tailor claims to not need fittings. Check seams, button placement, and comfort during each session. Don't rush, small tweaks like tightening a waist or adjusting a collar make a big difference. We do up to three fittings for a suit or formal dress to get it just right, but usually only 1 or 2 is enough.

Pay in Cash and Confirm Prices

Paying in cash (USD or VND) avoids the 3-5% credit card fee that adds up on bigger orders. Always confirm the total price in writing before work starts to prevent surprise markups.

Prioritize Your Wishlist

List your must-have items (e.g., suit, dress, shirt) in order of priority to stay within budget. Shops often offer discounts for multiple pieces, so plan ahead. We always get bulk deals at Mr Xe and The 78 Tailor for ordering multiple items at a time.

Beware Commissioned Referrals

Don't mention your hotel until after agreeing on a price, some tailors inflate costs to cover hotel commissions. We always keep hotels vague or say we're staying with a friend and stick to our favorite tailors anyway.

Our Top Hoi An Tailor Picks

Mr Xe

High-end spot with massive fabric selection and some of the best tailors, world-renowned for quality. Liam's been going here since his first Vietnam trip nearly 10 years ago, and his UK buddies still hit him up for suits to ship home. Perfect for formal wear like three-piece suits and collared shirts. We've never had a bad experience.

The 78 Tailor

Reliable mid-range option right opposite Mr Xe. Sarah swears by it for everyday dresses and rompers. Always great value, quick turnaround, and friendly staff. Solid for casual or semi-formal pieces without breaking the bank.

BeBe Tailor

One of Hoi An's most popular, always consistent and good service. We've used them multiple times without issues, but we currently lean toward Mr Xe for luxury and The 78. Ideal if you're after variety and popularity.

We've been to so many tailors over the years and these are the ones we keep coming back to, they're our tried-and-true favorites among the hundreds in Hoi An.

Final Thoughts

Hoi An's tailoring is a must-do for unique, affordable clothes that last. Stick to reputable shops, plan at least 2-3 days, and make sure to negotiate for the best deals. We've shipped suits worldwide and worn our pieces everywhere, total game-changer for your wardrobe! Safe travels, and enjoy Hoi An's magic.