Suits in Shanghai

[hhpwang]

Hi,

I'm going to Shanghai for 10 days on Tuesday, and I was hoping for some recommendations for a place to either get a decent suit made or even shops where I could buy a decent one that fits me! I'd also love to get some dress shirts. I'm a 36S (or maybe even 35S) and I can never find anything that fits me here in the States. I don't know much about clothes unfortunately, so I'd like to find a place that's honest and can steer me in the right direction. Any ideas?

Thanks so much and happy holidays!

 

[mack11211]

One member, name of babygreenspots, may know a lot in this area.

Also, feel free to avail yourself of the search function.

 

[Hoya Saxa]

I had some good experiences at Dave's Custom Tailor. IIRC, it's in the same building as the Ritz Carlton.

Hoya

 

[countdemoney]

I'll give a second to Dave's custom.

I did not get a suit, but did have a set of odd trousers made. Not as good as Despos, but really excellent work, far and away the best I've had made in asia. Also the best fitting shirts I've had made over there.

 

[hhpwang]

thanks for the advice, folks!

 

[Charley]

I believe that W.W. Chan has a Shanghai operation. Many have been pretty satisfied with the work they have had done from the HK shop. And, since you will be there with time for several fittings, they should be able to get it as you want.

 

[babygreenspots]

Originally Posted by Hoya Saxa

I had some good experiences at Dave's Custom Tailor. IIRC, it's in the same building as the Ritz Carlton.

Hoya

I don't know so much about Shanghai tailoring. I should really learn more. Of course there is a great rivalry between the two cities, and I suppose I am allied with Beijing.

There is a Dave's Custom Tailor here in Beijing, which has its main branch in Shanghai (No. 6, Lane 288, Wuyuan Road, Xuhui District). I had a suit made at Dave's in Beijing. It is quite exclusive and the quality is good. However, I found the service to be a bit lacking. They didn't really want to meet my personal needs or accommodate my taste. The fabric had a slight check and even after several fittings, they cut the sleeves too long. As a result, I haven't stuck with them. I think it could be option though. Their workmanship and fabric selection are both very good. Many people are quite satisfied with Dave's.

One thing to be aware of in making suits here is that the work is cheap, but imported fabrics are heavily taxed. If you have an inexpensive source, bringing fabric from abroad is not a bad option. Work alone at Dave's is 2,100 RMB (about USD 270) - that price includes all materials aside from the fabric. This is for a fully-canvassed suit.

Again, my apologies since I don't really have experience with Shanghai. If you were coming to Beijing, I could introduce you to a number of different options.

 

[lurker]

Originally Posted by babygreenspots

I don't know so much about Shanghai tailoring. I should really learn more. Of course there is a great rivalry between the two cities, and I suppose I am allied with Beijing.

There is a Dave's Custom Tailor here in Beijing, which has its main branch in Shanghai (No. 6, Lane 288, Wuyuan Road, Xuhui District). I had a suit made at Dave's in Beijing. It is quite exclusive and the quality is good. However, I found the service to be a bit lacking. They didn't really want to meet my personal needs or accommodate my taste. The fabric had a slight check and even after several fittings, they cut the sleeves too long. As a result, I haven't stuck with them. I think it could be option though. Their workmanship and fabric selection are both very good. Many people are quite satisfied with Dave's.

One thing to be aware of in making suits here is that the work is cheap, but imported fabrics are heavily taxed. If you have an inexpensive source, bringing fabric from abroad is not a bad option. Work alone at Dave's is 2,100 RMB (about USD 270) - that price includes all materials aside from the fabric. This is for a fully-canvassed suit.

Again, my apologies since I don't really have experience with Shanghai. If you were coming to Beijing, I could introduce you to a number of different options.


I heard that the Dave's tailor at Xuhui district is better than the one in Ritz Carlton. You might want to do a search on this expat forum www.shanghaiexpat.com to check out the tailoring experience of other expats in Shanghai. There's a fabric market in Shanghai, but I heard there are a lot more misses than hits.

 

[countdemoney]

I agree with bringing your own fabrics for suits or trousers. Books are primarily vitali, etc. Dave actually works at the Shanghai operation (the previosuly mentioned No. 6, Lane 288, Wuyuan Road, Xuhui District location) and Dave is the one who measured me.

 

[My View2]

I would recommend WW Chan. Their main branch in Shanghai is in Maoming Road, but I had my suit ordered at their Hilton Hotel Branch. You can find the addresses here: http://www.wwchan.com/shshop.php

I had a total of 3 fittings and they were very accomodating and attentive to what I had to say. The service was excellent.

In my judgement, the workmanship is every bit as good as their HK operations (I have a few suits from their HK shop) and the prices are about 30% cheaper. If I need another suit (which I know I don't!) and have say a week to spend in Shanghai, I am certain I will go back to them.

 

[My View2]

I would recommend WW Chan. Their main branch in Shanghai is in Maoming Road, but I had my suit ordered at their Hilton Hotel Branch. You can find the addresses here: http://www.wwchan.com/shshop.php

I had a total of 3 fittings and they were very accomodating and attentive to what I had to say. The service was excellent.

In my judgement, the workmanship is every bit as good as their HK operations (I have a few suits from their HK shop) and the prices are about 30% cheaper. If I need another suit (which I know I don't!) and have say a week to spend in Shanghai, I am certain I will go back to them.

 

[Kent Wang]

I am also pleased with my suit from Chan in Shanghai. I have a thread about that from spring 2006, if you care to search for it.

 

[rgpuppy]

while many people find it "fun" to go to the local fabric market and look at fabric i would steer clear. the fabric is often mislabeled and the tailoring is very poor.