WW Chan vs. Mr. Ned - worth a trip around the world?

[SSN]

I live in NYC and have been a Mr. Ned's man for a while, but honestly I'm looking for more of a British military cut (aka Huntsman). I'm headed to China in a few months and I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend in HK, Shanghai, and Beijing and one of my objectives is to get a suit made.


1. Is Chan truly bespoke? How well does he do the English cut? It's been difficult to assess from the member pics that have been posted.

2. Is there a significant difference between the $1000 Chan product and the $850 Vahram MTM suit that I've used the past few years? I don't want to fly half way around the world, spend more money and have to struggle to explain my concerns in bad Chinese for no appreciable difference.

3. I'm thinking of focusing in Shanghai to see Patrick, but all everyone talks about is Gordon Yao, Dave, and WW Chan - all at the same price point. Any other decent options (at lower price points)? Any places do women's suits as well?

Thanks guys, all input is appreciated.

 

[alliswell]

PM Slewfoot. Tell him I sent you.

 

[dah328]

Originally Posted by SSN

3. I'm thinking of focusing in Shanghai to see Patrick, but all everyone talks about is Gordon Yao, Dave, and WW Chan - all at the same price point. Any other decent options (at lower price points)? Any places do women's suits as well?
"Irene Fashions" is the women's clothing business that Chan runs. I don't know if their Shanghai office does women's stuff, though. You could email them and ask.

 

[Maccimus]

I can see at least one thread about China each day.

 

[bleachboy]

As I understand it, W.W. Chan is the king of counterfeit suits. If you want a counterfeit Huntsman, he's your man. And I suppose you'd only have to make the trip once, after which you can have counterfeit Rubinaccis, counterfeit Pooles, whatever!

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by SSN

I live in NYC and have been a Mr. Ned's man for a while, but honestly I'm looking for more of a British military cut (aka Huntsman). I'm headed to China in a few months and I'm trying to figure out how much time to spend in HK, Shanghai, and Beijing and one of my objectives is to get a suit made.
I think Chan's default cut is very British.

1. Is Chan truly bespoke? How well does he do the English cut? It's been difficult to assess from the member pics that have been posted.

Yes, and very well, particularly if you will be in HK for fittings. See them in NYC. They're coming soon if they aren't there now. Get measured and select the details. They'll have a basted suit ready for fitting when you get there. You can probably have one fitting for every two days you're there. Two or three would be ideal. I did this this past summer and have been very happy with the results.

2. Is there a significant difference between the $1000 Chan product and the $850 Vahram MTM suit that I've used the past few years? I don't want to fly half way around the world, spend more money and have to struggle to explain my concerns in bad Chinese for no appreciable difference.

No idea if it would be better than Neds. But you don't need to worry about speaking Chinese. Patrick and company's English is great.

3. I'm thinking of focusing in Shanghai to see Patrick, but all everyone talks about is Gordon Yao, Dave, and WW Chan - all at the same price point. Any other decent options (at lower price points)? Any places do women's suits as well?

There are tons of decent, cheap options for men's suits in HK. Many are good. PM some of the HK guys.
IIRC, Chan's HK location contains their women's clothing division, so you could get measured/fitted at the same time.

 

[SSN]

Thanks for all the repiles.

I think the numerous posts about China are from the realization that China's economy is growing and we probably won' t be able to take advantage of the workmanship/cheap labor for much longer - the gap is closing.

I'm waiting on a response from Chan about the women's division. My wife isn't that picky though and would like a nicely tailored suit, but it doesn't have to be a bespoke suit. She just wants to look skinny and "form fitted." You know, like all the other women you know...so with that info, any cheaper women's tailors in HK, or Shanghai besides Chan?

No one has yet said that "getting a $1000 Chan suit is like getting a $xxxx suit from xxxxx in the US/UK" Does anyone care to attempt a cross-cultural comparison?

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by bleachboy

As I understand it, W.W. Chan is the king of counterfeit suits. If you want a counterfeit Huntsman, he's your man. And I suppose you'd only have to make the trip once, after which you can have counterfeit Rubinaccis, counterfeit Pooles, whatever!

I don't know if this is meant to be humour. If it is, it's not very funny. If it's not, WTF are you talking about?

 

[scurvyfreedman]

SW just ran a three story series on HK tailors and their default styles. I'd recommend it.

 

[TheTukker]

Originally Posted by SSN

1. Is Chan truly bespoke?

2. Is there a significant difference between the $1000 Chan product and the $850 Vahram MTM suit that I've used the past few years? I don't want to fly half way around the world, spend more money and have to struggle to explain my concerns in bad Chinese for no appreciable difference.


The definitions of bespoke/custom vary around here, but they are certainly bespoke in that they keep your pattern on file.

I have suits from both Ned and WW Chan and, as far as I can tell, think that there's quite a bit more handwork in the latter. Also, their default styles are different: Ned's style is bit more roomy, if you like, and WW Chan's a bit more slim. Nothing wrong with that and am sure you can have each adjust to your wishes.

Originally Posted by emptym

I See them in NYC. They're coming soon if they aren't there now.

They are in NYC now.

Originally Posted by gdl203

I don't know if this is meant to be humour. If it is, it's not very funny. If it's not, WTF are you talking about?

I think that was indeed an attempt at humor.

Originally Posted by scurvyfreedman

ASW just ran a three story series on HK tailors and their default styles. I'd recommend it.

+2

 

[Slewfoot]

SSN - just sent you a response via PM.

 

[Tinger]

Hey everybody,

Just joined/first time poster here..

I've been buying suits from WW Chan in Hong Kong every 2/3 yrs in the last decade (I live in NYC).

While I'm no expert in terms of construction of garments.. I do know their suits fit me extremely well. I get compliments all the time- especially from the ladies.
To me, their cut is very elegant/timeless.. nothing too trendy/crazy ala H Silmane or T Browne. Patrick over their is very fluent in English.

I have not ordered suits suits from them on their bi-annual(?) trip to nyc. Last time I was there in HK, I got 2 suits and a tux plus 4 shirts within 5 days with 3 fittings. They always try to accommodate to my fight schedule.

I see many posts discussing the $ entry point of a custom suit.
Personally I rather buy 2 suits made of 'superior' fabric as oppose to 3 made 'cheap-er' material. The difference in the feel and drape can be enormous.

Oh, i also suggest getting 2 pants for each jacket !