The Hong Kong Tailors Thread - Page 8

It depends on how many fittings you want. For the most part I believe they can finish it in 5 days.

Nah, I asked about 3 weeks ago when I was there. Their workshop is extremely busy at the moment. They used to be able to though. Of course, if you only want one fitting, that might be another story altogether.

They're that busy? No wonder they can raise their prices.

For my first Chan suit and sportscoat, I had about that long in HK. I was measured and chose fabric on day 1, came back day 3 for a basted fitting and again on day 5 for a second fitting. But I left the clothes there for them to finish it off (final adjustments, buttonholes, etc.), and they mailed it to me about 2 weeks later. I was very happy with the results of that process.

(I was much less happy with my second attempt when I tried to do it by ordering ahead and only coming in for a single basted fitting - we're still trying to sort that one out ...)

I got my first Chan suit in 5 days also. Day 1 was fabric selection then Day 2, I got a basted fitting then Day 4 a final fitting and took it home that day.

My second suit was done on tour and i thought they nailed it on the second suit.

Yeah, I was kind of surprised at the second, given that the first was so good. Big issues with sleeve length, that weren't apparent at the basted fitting. Don't want to be too critical, though, until they've had a chance to fix it up ... frustrating as it is, obviously these things can happen.

I think I've learned some key lessons, though, including:

- pick fabric in person rather than by scanned images (the tones were different to what I expected)

- need to call the Chan workshop - relying on email with them at the moment is death.

- at least 2 fittings.

Picking fabric in person is a must and as many fittings as time allows.

Better start slowly by building up a constructive relationship with the tailors first.

I would suggest to get one shirt from each tailor first, then after the end product you can decide which one is your preference. Once they have your measurements, you can do online order and post the finished product to you.

Does Ascot Chang and WW Chan have a minimum shirt requirement for first timers?

AC has a minimum order requirement of 3.

I picked a fabric via e-mail images for one blazer I ordered from Chan, and I was thoroughly delighted with the result--looked even better in real life.

But its safer to see the fabric in person.

Thanks for the various advice guys. Understand that AC has a min order of 3 shirts so afraid it might not be feasible to order one shirt from both AC and Chan.

Am likely to try AC first this time round, don't wanna risk spending too much time at different tailors and incur the wrath of my girlfriend. =)

Will try out Chan next time when i intend to get a suit and will get a few shirts from him too to compare.

For those that have tried AC previously, is it customary for AC to use darts on the back of the shirt or does he accommodate the taper when sewing the hem by the sides?

Darts were default for my order.

Surely one can specify no darts?