For many travellers, the best souvenir isn’t a fridge magnet or a market trinket, but a tailored garment. Thailand has a long tailoring tradition, and having something made while you’re away can be one of the most rewarding parts of a trip. A well-made garment also lasts far longer than most souvenirs, but a good result depends on preparation. Here’s what to know before you go, and while you’re there.
Fashion while travelling
Exploring a destination’s fashion can be as much a part of travelling as its food or sights. Browsing local markets, boutiques and workshops gives you a sense of a place’s style and craftsmanship and can inspire new ideas for your own wardrobe.
What you bring with you matters too. Packing a few versatile pieces in neutral colours that work together will take you further than a full suitcase, and in hot, humid climates, breathable fabrics such as linen and lightweight cotton are usually more comfortable than synthetics.
Packing light also leaves room for something new on the way home. Rather than filling that space with impulse buys or fast fashion, it can be more rewarding to invest in fewer, well-made pieces you’ll wear long after the trip. Having a garment tailored is one way to do just that, but it pays to understand the process before you step into a tailor’s shop.
Bespoke or made-to-measure?
The first thing to know is what you’re actually asking for, as tailoring terms are often used loosely. Bespoke usually means a pattern drafted from scratch for your body, with several fittings. Made-to-measure adjusts an existing pattern to your measurements. Both can give a good result, so ask the tailor which approach they use and how many fittings are included.
Most tailors can make everything from suits and blazers to shirts and dresses, so it’s worth thinking about what you’d like made before your first visit.
Include the fittings in your holiday plans
To make sure your tailored clothes are ready before you fly home, it’s worth planning the fittings into your trip from the start. A common mistake is leaving tailoring until the last few days, which leaves little time for adjustments. A few simple steps make the process far less stressful:
- Visit early in your stay, so there is time for adjustments.
- Allow for two to three fittings, so you can check the fit and fine-tune the details along the way.
- Bring a reference, such as a jacket that already fits you well or photos of styles you like.
- Bring the shoes you plan to wear with the trousers, as they affect the ideal length.
How to judge quality
You don’t need to be an expert to spot a well-made garment. A few simple checks will tell you a lot:
- Construction: Ask whether a jacket is fused (layers glued together) or canvassed (a canvas layer stitched inside). Canvassed jackets are generally considered to drape and wear better over time.
- Fabric: Ask to see the cloth and its label showing composition and origin.
- Finishing: Check that buttonholes and seams are neat, buttons are secure and patterns line up across seams.
Above all, test the fit in motion. At each fitting, sit down, raise your arms and walk around. You should be able to move comfortably without the garment pulling or gaping.
Choosing the right fabrics
It may be tempting to pick a fabric that feels right in the heat but think about where the garment will be worn. Linen is ideal in the tropics but creases easily and may see little use in a British winter. For a versatile first piece, a mid-weight wool in navy or charcoal suits UK weather and works for business, weddings and evenings out. Plain colours and subtle patterns are also easier to wear often than bold checks.
To find the right fabric, start with how often you’ll wear the garment. A suit for daily use needs a durable cloth, while something for special occasions can be lighter and finer. The most important thing is that you choose a fabric that feels comfortable against your skin, suits the look you’re after, and is of long-lasting quality.
Agree on the details and get it home safely
Before paying, get the price, number of fittings and completion date in writing, and clarify what’s included, such as lining, alterations and the deposit. Keep a record of your measurements in case you want to reorder later.
For the journey home, carry a finished suit in a garment bag as hand luggage if possible, so it stays with you and avoids being crushed in the hold. If it must go in your suitcase, folding the jacket inside out at the shoulders and placing it on top of your other clothes helps prevent deep creases. Once you’re home, hang it up straight away and let any creases relax, or use a steamer rather than an iron.
If you’d rather not carry it at all, ask the tailor whether they offer tracked shipping and how long delivery usually takes.
Where to start?
Bangkok has many tailors, from small shopfronts to established houses, so it’s worth taking your time before you commit. Recommendations, reviews and a clear explanation of the process are all good signs. Look for a tailor who offers an initial consultation, takes detailed measurements and schedules two to three fittings over a few days. That way, you get a proper fit without spending too much of your holiday on it.
With a little planning, you’ll come home with a garment that fits well and reminds you of your trip for years.
Feature image by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash
