Best Tailors?

[IRISHJD]

Hi All,

First time visitor to these forums and to Phuket. Very excited!
My Girlfriend and I will be staying at The Tropical Garden Hotel for 7
nights. Anyone been or know anything about it? What's the cheapest way
to get to patong other than motorbike and how much can we expect to
pay?
Also, a question is in relation to custom tailors on Phuket. Who is
best? Or even good? We're looking to spend a max of 14,000 baht each.
What can we expect to get for this?

Any help would be appreciated!

JD

[void]

Originally Posted by IRISHJD

Hi All,

First time visitor to these forums and to Phuket. Very excited!
My Girlfriend and I will be staying at The Tropical Garden Hotel for 7
nights. Anyone been or know anything about it? What's the cheapest way
to get to patong other than motorbike and how much can we expect to
pay?
Also, a question is in relation to custom tailors on Phuket. Who is
best? Or even good? We're looking to spend a max of 14,000 baht each.
What can we expect to get for this?

Any help would be appreciated!

JD

With 14,000 baht, you should be able to get a reasonable suit, ... but don't go advertise in advance to the Tailor how much you want to spend.

Phuket-info.com also has a reasonable search function in the "blue" bar in the upper part of the web page you are viewing. You can use that to find past posts on Tailors on this forum.

Did you read this thread?
http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6234

It has some suggestions for Bangkok and Phuket Tailors, and also has some warnings as to a couple of tailors to stay away from. The information in the thread is is all highly subjective, but hopefully it will be a help.

Material selection is very important in suit selection, and that is where a lot of tailors make their money (as it can be difficult in Thailand to justify high labour costs). If you can find your own high quality material outside of Thailand (and bring it with you), that can be an even better way to get a suit made. I can pass you some information as to the quantity of material one must get, if that is the approach being considered.
As a rule of thumb, you could consider:
jacket 2.7 yards
pants 1.5 yards
vest 1.0 yards
I recommend one go for two pair of pants with a suit, and not just one pair. Pants are often the first item to "wear out" in a suit, and hence an extra pair of pants will extend the suit's life. If you bring your own material, also add some extra material for the possibility that your chosen tailor will make a mistake.

Of course, if you go with the tailor's material, having to worry about not having enough material is not a concern.

I'm told England can be a good place to find high quality material (if one knows the right places). I once picked up some great Irish Tweed in Ireland, for a wonderfully warm winter suit that I had made in Bangkok. And I've had other suits made of worsted wool. I noticed New Zealand on the location part of your post, and I sort of suspect (although I concede I don't really know) that New Zealand may not be the best place in the world to get good suit material ? Have you looked into seeing what you can learn about material in your local area?

Having said all of the above, most tailors in Thailand will have a reasonable selection of material to choose from, but it will typically be limited to different patterns and colours of worsted wool. I have found the very highest quality of worsted wool to be missing from the Thailand tailor's material selections.

The very best worsted wool material you select should have a hard finish, otherwise it will wear through too fast. This is not the tailor's fault--it's the way material is manufactured. In the case of all suit material, you should also crush some of it in your hand to see how much it retains wrinkles. If you crush it and it hardly wrinkles at all, you've got the good stuff. If it retains the wrinkles, it will do the same when you wear it. Stay away from that material.

I'll post some more on suit style in a different post.

[void]

I saw this post on the thai visa site. I think many of us know this already, but for those who don't, I thought that I would repost it, as it does have some useful observations (albeit from a woman's perspective):

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index....opic=5414&st=0

==============
From: Nat
Date: 2004-01-29 21:29:41

Hi Eastender

The guys can give you the best advice regarding suits, esp where to buy them, but being a female can't help offering some fashion tips .

Personally think a suit can say a lot about a person and is a worthwhile investment. Think it would be best to go tailor-made rather than off the rack, unless it's Armani, Gucci, Yves Saint-Laurent, etc (which will cost you a fortune and probably need some alterations to get the perfect fit).

There are some basic rules when buying a suit.

Firstly and foremost a suit has to fit your body and suit wink.gif your shape.

Secondly, it should be made of wool or cotton. The four main designs are: navy (for business, lunches, dinners, politicians etc); classic gray (all occasions, not controversial); basic black (social occasions such as weddings, birthdays, award ceremonies, funerals etc, a classic and must have in every wardrobe - also perfect compliment to a good white shirt); and, any of the 3 with pinstripes (however would only recommend this if you're short as stripes make you look taller).

Now the most important part of the ensemble, the jacket. Single-breasted or double?

A single tends to flatter the slimmer types, whereas the double makes the boader types look mightier and important (check out some of the CEOs of some of the multinationals). You said you're average, so would assume a single-breasted would be fine.

How many buttons? 3 is ok just a bit passe, 2 is the safest bet - any more is part of a passing trend. Remember on a 2 button jacket only do up the top button; on a 3 button do up either the middle or the top two. Again be sure that it fits properly and there aren't any wrinkles when you do up the buttons.

Also vents are highly recommended and under no circumstances are shoulder pads pemitted (a huge fashion crime - it's up there with wearing stripes and poker-dots).

In regards to the pants the big questions are cuffs or no cuffs, and pleats or no pleats? Cuffs are generally for older guys (personally prefer them and think they add sophistication). Pleats should only be on wool blend pants and give the appearance of being well folded (not wrinkly). How the waist is cut is entirely up to you, just keep in mind your body shape (go for the cut that flatters wink.gif ).

Won't go into shirts and ties - save that for another day . Hope all that hasn't confused you and good luck in finding a suit that suits you.

=======================

[prestagea]

HI we just got back from Phuket and after looking at quite a few tailors there I found Mr Singe to be about the best for materials and range of fabrics. The suits they made for me (3 with 2 pants per suit) fitted well. However the shirts I got were not as well made. Some of the cvollars didnt wash well. It must have been the stiffing material they used. It cost 16000 baht for the 3 suits. I could have got cheaper elsewhere but I'm happy with the quality now that I have worn them several times already.

[void]

While on the subject of suits, I thought I would add another "informative" article on custom made suits. Possibly of interest to some, and likely of no interest to most.

Now don't get me wrong, as I am a big believer in "off the shelf suits" (especially of an Italian style design) in 1st world countries. But with my having typed that, one can get a good suit made in a 3rd world country, such as Thailand, if one is very careful and selective.

Not all of the suggestions in the post below are possible. For example, its difficult to talk to the real "tailor" in a place like Bankgok or Phuket, as the odds are the actual tailor doesn't speak english. Chances are the person in the store, is the manager, but not the real tailor. Most of the tailor jobs are contracted out.

Also, I disagree with some of what is stated below. For example, I think the statement about suit longevity is flat out wrong (for custom suits from most 3rd world country tailors), and I annotated my comment in accordingly.

Anyway, here is the article I found of interest:

http://www.sharpman.com/Article.asp?ArticleID=459

Tailor-Made Suits for Ultimate Style

Posted January 10, 2001
by Irene Toghe

Off-the-rack and designer suits can be stylish and of good quality. In fact, off-the-rack suits are perfect for most occasions. But there may be a time when you want a look that screams individual style and taste. This is where the tailor-made suit comes in. Only with a suit specifically made for you can you express a truly individual style and get a perfect fit for your body.

Why, you may ask, would you go to such expense for just one suit? Is it worth the time, effort and money? Check out this list of benefits and decide for yourself:

Why Buy a Tailor-made Suit?

Individuality. You will never meet another man with the same suit as you. A tailor-made suit is made once and once only for you and only you. As a result, the suit becomes an expression of your individual style. Since you and the tailor design the suit from scratch, you can add touches that will make it stand out.

Perfect fit. Off-the-rack suits are cut for the "average" guy, as each particular designer defines "average." Chances are that you are not whatever "average" happens to mean to someone else. And while off-the-rack suits can be altered to suit your particular dimensions, they will never fit quite as well as one made specifically with you in mind

Tailor-made suits are different. Your tailor will take a host of measurements before she begins making the pattern and cutting the fabric. Throughout subsequent fittings she will adjust the fit to your exact dimensions. As a result, the suit will "hang" perfectly on your body.

A style that suits you. In collaboration with your tailor, you can find a suit that gives you a style that suits you best. Whether it's double-breasted or a tapered waist, dark fabric or lighter colors, the tailor can accommodate what best matches your features, coloring, height, weight, shoulder width and so on. A good tailor can also use clever design to compensate for any advantages nature may have withheld from you.

Longevity. Tailor-made suits are made from the best quality fabrics, with strict attention paid to the stitching. This will ensure that the suit lasts for many years, often a lot longer than the factory-made versions. [edit - I had to inject this comment, as the article is wrong here. Most 3rd world Tailor made suits don't last very long, as the material is usually not as good as an off-the-shelf suit, and most 3rd world tailors are not all that good].

Prestige. Let's face it: tailor-made suits are expensive and, as such, are a measure of affluence and social status.

Choosing the Best Tailor

Having a suit made for you is one thing. Having a great tailor make your suit is quite another. How do you find this perfect tailor? Be prepared to do some research, as the input of your tailor will be immense. While you will have some say in the design of the suit, it will be the tailor's taste and ability that give the suit its final look and style.

Get recommendations. Recommendations are always useful in narrowing your list of potential tailors. Ask friends and work colleagues about tailors they use and why they enjoyed working with him or her. Their reasons for satisfaction may be different than yours.

Alternatively, call a fine men’s shop in your area and ask for the tailor they use. While there’s a difference between tailors who simple do alterations and those who build suits from scratch, most tailors will claim that they can do both.

If you hear of a great tailor in another town, call this tailor and ask for a recommendation in your town.

Find out the house style. Tailors tend to be limited in the type of suits they make, so study the style that they usually produce. If it is not something you like, look elsewhere. Choose the tailor who has made something close to the suit you want.

See a sample. Visit the tailor and ask to see a recent sample of a custom suit — one ready to be picked up. Study it. It will give you clues as to the ability of its maker.

The buttons and buttonholes will tell you all you need to know about a tailor. A quality hand-made suit will have hand-sewn buttonholes. The stitching should be so good that you can barely distinguish it from the fabric — neat and smooth on the front and rough at the back.

There should also be a buttonhole on the lapel, large enough to accommodate a flower. Even if you never use it, it should be there if you want a true tailor-made suit.

The buttons on the sleeves should line up, close enough to touch each other and close to the end of the cuff. This attention to detail — including the various "rules" regarding buttons and buttonholes — is what sets the best tailors apart from the rest.

Check rapport. Talk to the tailor and discuss your ideas. If you feel comfortable with him and his ideas, then you have probably found your tailor. It is essential to build a rapport with the person, as you must be comfortable enough to let him or her know what you prefer without feeling bullied.

Getting What You Want

Your suit will be made based on the tailor’s mental picture of what you describe and what he or she believes is best suited to your body type, so clearly articulate what you want. Ask questions to ensure that your ideas match the tailor’s understanding. Don’t rush through this step. It may take a lot of discussion and some adjustments, but there’s nothing worse than paying for an expensive suit that’s not what you had in mind. Here’s a basic outline of what you must think about throughout the production process:

Step One: Give it some time. A great suit is not made overnight. In addition to the time required for stitching and sewing, the tailor will need you to return several times for production fittings and alterations. In addition, you should reserve some pre-production time for articulating what you have in mind.

In other words, the process takes time. If you need a rush job, a tailor-made suit may not be your best option.

Step Two: Decide what you want. Do you want to make a statement? Don’t assume your tailor is tuned in to the latest styles. Review men’s fashion journals and tear out several photos of suits with the elements that you like (a button here, a cuff there, a new lapel). The more you show your tailor, the more likely he or she is to deliver what you want.

Do you need this suit to last a few years? Don’t be a slave to recent fashion. Consider a classic design that will age well and always look "in fashion." Most tailors will help you find a classic style that suits your frame.

Step Three: Test your assumptions. Once you’ve decided on a basic style (i.e., double-breasted vs. single-breasted, two button vs. five button, pleated vs. straight trousers), try on an off-the-rack version of the basic style — and a few other styles — to get a more concrete idea of what your new suit might look like. There’s always a difference between what you thought would look good when you saw it in a photo and what actually compliments your frame.

Step Four: Explain what you’re looking for. Discuss your ideas with the tailor. Show the photos you’ve collected. Explain why you want the suit, what colors you prefer, styles you like, trends you've noticed that you like. A good tailor will listen to what you want and add a few suggestions based on what compliments your body type. If you’ve taken the time to find a great tailor, defer to his or her professional judgment and experience.

Step Five. Don’t forget personal touches. Once you and your tailor have decided on a basic style, add a few personal touches. Again, this is where your magazine tear-outs come in. While not every detail will suit you or "work" with the other touches you request, special buttons, pockets or a particular stitching will make the suit yours.

Step Six. Show up for multiple fittings. Your tailor will spend a few weeks on the initial production of the garment and will call you in for periodic fittings. These "check in" periods are designed to perfect the "hang" of the suit and will give you an idea of whether your tailor is headed in the right direction. During your three or four fittings, be sure to ask you tailor to adjust anything with which you are not comfortable. Don't leave it to the last fitting or it might be too late.

[andy50]

i assume youve booked the special offer regarding the hotel---here it is-- Special package for internet users


3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS SUMMER SPIRIT
AT TROPICAL GARDEN RESORT

VALIDITY : 26 APRIL – 31 OCTOBER 2005

BAHT 2,700.- PER ROOM PER NIGHT (SINGLE )
BAHT 3,600.- PER ROOM PER NIGHT (DOUBLE / TWIN )

Package privileges :
3 Days 2 Nights stay in Superior Room at Tropical Garden Resort with Daily American Breakfast
Welcome drink upon arrival
Free round trip transfers airport - hotel
Complimentary one set dinner included soft drink
Complimentary 50 mins. Thai massage at Mali Spa (one time per stay)
Free coffee and tea in room
Late check out until 16.00 hrs. (Subject to room availability)


---------------------------------------------------------------------------free pick up at the airport is good ,as airport taxis can be a hassle(read about airport taxi problems on this forum!)---to get from your hotel to patong, you will have to use a tuk tuk at the moment, as they are all there is to transport you about, apart from a motor bike taxi ,alternativly you can rent a m/bike from your hotel probably,if you rent one from another source you will be asked to leave your p/port --not a good idea!also riding a m/cycle on phuket is very risky!! patong is not too far by tuk tuk --about 15 mins or so

[IRISHJD]

Hi again,

Thanks to everyone who replied. All information was very useful.

Ended up going to Uomo Fashion just off beach road. Got 2 suits (2 jackets, 3 pants, 1 skirt - for me and my lady) and 6 shirts/blouses for 15000. May have been able to get cheaper but we're very happy and that's what counts, eh?

Tuk tuk from Kata beach (far end, near Kata Noi) costs 200 bhat although I have gotten 1 guy down to 180. Any lower than that, when you walk away, they let you go.

Thanks again!

IrishJD