The ULTIMATE guide to Hoi An tailors (with prices)
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The short version:
- After three trips to Hoi An and using 15 tailors personally (+ visiting many more), my top picks are Pink Lotus, Tuong Tailor and 45 Thu Tailor for all-rounders, Linh Tailor for silky/satiny things, My AnSoul for unique fabrics I didn’t see anywhere else, Milan Linen for dresses, Heritage Tailor for bigger 🍈🍈, Yaly Couture for occasion-wear.
- Budget $15-30USD for simple casual items from cheap shops with no or one fitting, $30-70USD for nicer materials/structured tailoring with multiple fittings, $70-120+ for premium quality pieces from bigger commercial tailors.
Hoi An is the world’s tailoring capital, with countless skilled tailors who can make everything from casual clothes and swimwear to formal gowns and custom suits.
But with hundreds of tailor shops lining the streets, and an infinite number of combinations of fabrics, styles and patterns to choose from, it can be super overwhelming. Believe me, I’ve suffered from ‘tailor analysis paralysis’ more than once!
And even if you can handle the tenacious sales assistants, the stuffy changing rooms and the fabric walls so colourful that they look like a unicorn vomited on them, navigating the tailoring process to ensure you’re getting the best value for money without compromising on quality is easier said than done.
I’ll help you with both of those. After three trips to Vietnam across six years and getting clothes made by 15 different tailors in Hoi An (plus visiting many more), I’ve learned the ins and outs of the process and can run you through it step by step.
I’ve also included photos of the pieces I got made, what I paid for everything, and detailed reviews of the tailors I used.
Whether you’re after a few cheap and cheerful wardrobe upgrades, investing in high-quality timeless pieces, or seeking something special for an event, this Hoi An tailor guide will ensure your clothes tailoring experience is… well, seamless! (Sorry, I had to!)
Hoi An quick info
🪡 Best tailors
- All-round smooth operators: Pink Lotus, Tuong Tailor, 45 Thu
- Smaller but still top quality tailors: Linh, My AnSoul, Se Se
- Cheap and cheerful: Mrs An (Cloth Market), Mua Xuan, Luna
- Linen + lightweight travel dresses: Milan Linen
- For gals with 🍈🍈: Heritage Tailor (Heidi is a superstar)
🛌🏼 Where to stay in Hoi An
- Soluna D’Annam for a premium stay close to the Ancient Town
- Silk Sense for a 5* resort experience away from the chaos
- Calm House 2 Hostel for somewhere cheap and cheerful
🎟️ Things to do on non-tailoring days
📸 Other tips for Vietnam
- Save 10% on hundreds of Vietnam experiences on Klook with the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK
- Get your Vietnam eSIM through MobiMatter, they have 10GB from $6.99USD and 50GB from $24.99 which is wayyy cheaper than Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac etc.
- Read my three week Vietnam itinerary for a full country guide
Why is Hoi An known for tailoring?
Hoi An’s legendary tailor scene has been going (or sewing…) strong for centuries. Okay, I’m done with the puns. For now…
The city’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 1999 as a near-perfectly-preserved trading port dating back to the 16th century, and it was added to UNESCO’s list of Creative Cities in 2023 for its dedication to craft preservation.
Its strategic location along a busy shipping highway resulted in it becoming a commercial centre for merchants from Japan, China, Thailand and European countries, who traded everything from jewels to spices to textiles.
Skilled artisans from around Vietnam moved to Hoi An for better work opportunities, and global influences from Hoi An’s diverse merchant base expanded their skills beyond traditional Vietnamese garments and into different styles and fabrics. Other crafts boomed here too, including lantern-making, ceramics and wood carving.
Bureaucratic dramas and international trade bans all but destroyed Hoi An’s trading scene in the 19th and 20th centuries, but UNESCO recognition and the city’s commitment to preserving and restoring its heritage has helped bring it back to life, with tailoring and other traditional creative skills at the forefront.
These days there are hundreds of tailors in Hoi An that can turnaround top quality custom pieces within a matter of days, for a fraction of what you’d pay almost anywhere else in the world.
It’s not only recognised as the best place to have clothes made in Vietnam, it’s known as the tailoring capital of the world.
What you need to know before getting clothes tailored in Hoi An
I make travel mistakes so you don’t have to, so learn from my f*ck ups and take note of these essential Hoi An tailoring tips.
You get what you pay for
Tailored clothing here is cheap cheap cheap, like literally 80-95% cheaper than what you’d pay for custom garments in most places, but the old adage “you get what you pay for” still rings true.
Some tailors sell made-to-measure items from as low as $5-10USD, but you have to consider how that’s possible or sustainable. Items this cheap are probably not going to be made of decent material, probably not going to be made with care or precision, and if they are well-made with good material then you can be fairly certain that whoever’s making them isn’t being fairly compensated for their time.
But the good news is that for a little extra cost you can find skilled tailors, choose better quality fabrics, and add pieces to your wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
Pricing depends on lots of things
In saying that though, higher prices don’t necessarily guarantee a better product.
Pricing can vary drastically from tailor to tailor, in my experience many sales assistants kind of look at you, consider how savvy you are likely to be, and throw out a number to see how you react. I had a pair of shorts I wanted copied in a basic lightweight cotton and got initial quotes ranging from $25USD to $70USD.
Prices are generally negotiable so it’s expected to haggle for a better price, though an acceptable haggle will depend on the shop and the items. Most of the things I bought I ended up paying 25-40% lower than the original price they quoted me, except for my dresses from Milan Linen who weren’t open to negotiation (but these were brilliant value to begin with).
The main factors that will influence the price / the potential to haggle are:
- The quality of the fabric you’ve chosen
- The uniqueness of the fabric, many shops have the exact same material so you can haggle more, but if it’s a particular patterned fabric only available in one place then they’ll be less likely to discount
- How many items you’re getting made there, they’ll give you a better deal for a bulk order
- Complexity of the garment
- Whether you’re going off an existing pattern that they’ve already made vs. asking them for something they’ll have to design from scratch
- The amount of material you use, unfortunately this does mean that bigger sizes will get charged more than the same item in a smaller size
Do keep in mind that while you want to get the best deal, you also want to make sure the craftsperson’s work is fairly compensated. Better to pay a bit more money for a reputable tailor that looks after their staff, rather than getting a bargain at a sneaky stall that’s farming out their orders to a dodgy garment factory.
The tailors in Hoi An can pretty much make anything
The tailoring talent in Hoi An is honestly next level. If you can dream it, they can seam it! (I acknowledge that that one didn’t quite land, I’ll try again soon)
From perfectly-fitted suits and wedding dresses, to replicating a Pinterest look flawlessly, to copying your favourite jacket that’s on its last legs, they’ll be able to deliver something that exceeds your expectations.
I even found a tailor that could make Eras Tour sequinned bodysuits for $250USD, that’s an absolute steal for something handmade!
It’s easier when you have a vision
The opportunities are endless here, but that means it can be haaaard to make a decision, which makes you more susceptible to being convinced to buy more than you need. I’d recommend having a good think about what you’re actually looking for before you start the tailor-hopping process.
But listen to the tailors too, they’re the experts
In saying that, the staff at the tailors (who are usually sales assistants rather than actual tailors, but they still know what they’re talking about) might have some helpful feedback for you if you’re open to it.
They’ll be able to guide you on what is flattering for your body shape and what materials suit different cuts.
One example here is that I was adamant that I wanted pockets in all my items (omg how great are pockets) buttttt the ladies at Milan Linen warned me that a pocket in my linen dress would stop it from sitting correctly. I said I was willing to compromise on the fit, but at the first fitting it was clear that they were totally right and I was wrong (a very rare occasion 🙃).
I admitted defeat, asked them to remove the pockets, and was much happier with the final result. How embarrassing.
Be prepared for brutal honesty
Vietnam is statistically one of the shortest and slimmest countries in the world, and East Asia as a region is known for its propensity for body-shaming, so when some Vietnamese locals (particularly older ladies) see foreigners with different shaped bodies to what they recognise as ‘ideal’, they might make comments that may seem insensitive.
I’m not trying to excuse them because these comments can absolutely be hurtful, but they generally aren’t intended to offend. The stigma towards bigger bodies is just a sad part of Vietnamese culture that has been passed down through generations.
Most sales assistants these days have very good changing-room-manner, but it wouldn’t be unheard of for a tailor assistant to comment on your height, your weight, your waist size, your boob size, etc.
If you’re not comfortable with this, or if these comments might be triggering to you, I’d recommend going to one of the more commercial tailors (like Yaly, Tuong or BeBe) as they have more Westernised and professional processes.
I personally haven’t experienced any offensive comments, but I did have one lady measure my boobs, remeasure, remeasure again, and then say “hmm one is bigger than the other” in a small shop with five other customers next to me 😂😂😂 Thanks for giving me a new insecurity!
Compare tailors before making any decisions
Not all Hoi An tailors are made equal, so you’ll want to check out multiple options to check fabrics and get quotes before confirming your order.
Some Hoi An tailors have in-house production teams with decades of experience, some are particularly skilled at working with specific fabrics or creating certain garments, some are snake-oil salespeople who take your money and outsource your order to a mass-production factory outside of the city.
It can be hard to know exactly what you’re going to get but visiting the shops, conversations with their staff, asking about their processes can help you sort the seasoned professionals from the dodgy dealers.
Check reviews *and* photos
On that same note, always always always check reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. but particularly look for ones that include photos.
Many tailors encourage customers to write a review when they’re standing at the payment desk, maybe even looking over their shoulder while they do it, so a 5* review doesn’t actually hold the weight you’d expect.
Look for detailed reviews that mention specific highlights of the tailoring process, with photos of the final result, rather than single-line ‘thank yous’.
Many tailors have Instagram and TikTok accounts too with photos and videos of the garments they make, which can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Take hotel or tour guide recommendations with a grain of salt
I don’t know who needs to hear this but for the love of the travel gods, do not go to the first tailor your hotel recommends and order five items straight away.
Hotels and tour guides have commission-based relationships with tailors, which means they get a kickback if you follow their recommendation.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the tailor isn’t good, affiliate partnerships like this are super common in the travel industry and a hotel wouldn’t want to recommend somewhere shit because then it reflects badly on them, but the ones that can afford to pay commission generally have higher mark ups on their prices.
Treat these recommendations like you would any other potential tailor, by checking reviews and looking at photos for proof of quality.
There are sometimes benefits with taking your hotel’s recommendation though, like free transport to and from the tailor or free delivery of the items once they’re finished.
Allow three days absolute minimum, ideally 4-5
If you’ve got your heart set on getting clothes made in Vietnam then you need to stay at least three days to have enough time for comparing, initial measurements, a fitting and then final delivery.
A first version based on the initial measurements and concept conversation will generally take 24-48 hours. If you’ve chosen a cheaper tailor then that might be the final version with no additional fittings, but for the better quality tailors they’ll usually offer at least one fitting to check the sizing and then make any adjustments in the next 24 hours or so.
Staying four, five or more days just gives you more time to shop around and toss up your options, and a longer potential turnaround time means the tailor won’t need to rush your order.
My first visit to Hoi An was too rushed to get anything decent made, so I set aside a full week in Hoi An during my recent three week Vietnam trip, and it was ideal!
It can be overwhelming
I’ll be real with you, navigating the Hoi An tailoring process can be a bit of an assault on the senses.
Every shop has persistent assistants keen to convert you as a customer (the whole “I’m just browsing at the moment, thanks” doesn’t really work here), many shops don’t have air con and can get unbearably stuffy in the afternoon heat, there are so many kaleidoscopic fabric lining the walls that it might make your eyes hurt.
Treat it like an extreme sport: stay hydrated, take breaks, and keep your eye on the prize, which is a bunch of epic custom-made clothing to take home.
Step-by-step process for clothes tailoring in Hoi An
By now you’ve got a good idea of what to do and what not to do, so lets run through each of the steps from start to finish.
Are you (th)ready? (Nailed that one.)
1. Figure out your Hoi An tailoring wishlist
Before you even get to Hoi An, think about what you actually need and want. Consider the following:
- Are there any key garments missing from your wardrobe?
- Do you have any items of clothing that you love but don’t wear enough, because you have nothing to combine it with?
- Do you have any events coming up that you need a new outfit for?
- Do you have any existing items that you absolutely love and want in different colours, or need in a different size, or just need a copy of in case you lose the one you’ve got?
- Have you got any screenshots of outfits you’ve seen online that you saved for future reference?
- Are there any styles you’ve always wanted to try but have never been able to find an item that fits you?
These questions should help you put together a wishlist of things you actually want and need, rather than being sucked in by the fun of the tailor experience.
2. Research the best tailors in Hoi An
Once you’ve got your wishlist sorted, start looking for tailors who will be able to deliver your vision.
Check if there are tailors that are particularly known for the kind of thing you’re looking for, some specialist tailors are:
- Milan Linen for linen
- A Dong Silk for formalwear
- Golden Silk for beautiful silk scarves, tops and dresses
- Bao Diep Tailor for men’s suits
- Blue Chic Tailor for men’s suits
- Vanda Tailor for men’s suits
- Yaly Couture for fancy outfits
- Rô Shoe Shop for shoes and bags
If you’re looking for a more general tailor to get multiple pieces made, some of the popular all-rounders are:
- Tuong Tailor, a super smooth shopping experience
- 45 Thu Tailor, their shop’s not as slick but the pieces I got here were brilliant
- Pink Lotus, I got some beautiful items made here on my most recent trip
- Kimmy Tailor, one of the oldest in Hoi An
- Bebe Tailors, another smooth commercial operation but I personally didn’t rate it
And finally, if you’re on a tight budget, wander through the Cloth Market and down the side streets or slightly outside of Ancient Town to find smaller tailors that offer more competitive prices. Just be aware that this could go one of two ways:
- You might stumble upon a hidden gem where a highly-trained tailor has opened their first shop after building their skill set at one of the major stores
- Orrrr you find a shopfront that just outsources their orders to a garment factory which has no quality control
It’s a risk for sure, but it might pay off! Check reviews and photos, ask who actually makes their clothes (they might lie but you might be able to tell), and negotiate accordingly.
3. Tailor-hop and compare
After looking at your tailor options and checking their reviews and photos, you should have a shortlist for ones you want to visit. Now it’s time for the fun part: speed-dating!
Plot out your potential tailors on Google Maps and figure out a route that makes sense, then start your visits.
In each tailor, the first thing to check is if they have the right kind of fabric in a colour or pattern that suits you. If they don’t have a fabric that works for you then cross them off the list and move to the next one.
If they do have material that suits, chat to a sales assistant about what you’re looking for. See if they have any samples on mannequins that you can use as an example, or go through their catalogues or social media, or show them the photos you’ve saved. If you want them to copy a garment you already have, take it with you.
Through this initial chat you should be able to get a quote for the item or items you want made, as well as expected turnarounds and if they offer fittings and adjustments. More items from one place will get you a better deal! They will probably put pressure on you to order immediately but just tell them that you have to consider your options overnight and will be back in tomorrow.
Or if you’re really happy with what they’re offering, order straight away!
4. Place your orders & get measured
Once you’ve got quotes from your shortlist, look through the options and decide what to go for. Consider pricing, turnaround time, the materials they have, the communication with the sales assistant, online reviews and photos, and of course the price.
If the shops are still open for the day then head back in to place your orders (most shut between 8-10pm), or head in first thing the next morning to finalise your orders and get your measurements taken.
The time for measurements will depend on what you’re getting made, for multiple pieces with complex styles it could take up to 30 minutes, but for a typical dress, shirt or trousers it should take 5-10 minutes max.
Most tailors ask for a 50% deposit, some take card (usually with a 1-3% card fee) and all take cash. Once you’ve made your order they’ll book you in for your fitting or the final pick up if it’s a cheaper tailor that doesn’t offer adjustments.
5. Initial fitting
The initial fitting is usually 24-48 hours after your order is placed, depending on how much time you have in Hoi An. You’ll have a set time for your fitting appointment, be sure to arrive on time to avoid messing with their calendar for that day.
At this stage you’ll be able to see the first version of your clothes, woohoo! It probably won’t be perfect, they’ll check how well it fits and can adjust things like length, stitching, neckline, elastic, etc.
The most important thing here is to be honest with them! A good tailor/assistant will be able to tell anything that needs to be changed from a fitting/quality perspective, but if there’s something you’re unhappy with or if it’s not what you expected, just have an open conversation with them because chances are they’ll be able to fix it.
6. Fine-tuning if necessary
For simple pieces a single fitting is often enough, but for complex pieces or expensive items you might get two or three to make sure they’re exactly what you want.
For my dresses at Milan Linen I had two fittings before my final pick up, and for my trousers at Yaly Couture I had two fittings as well.
7. Collect your clothes
Once you’re happy with the final product, you’ll pay the remainder of your balance and then get to take your clothes home!
If there are any small adjustments to be made after the final fitting then some tailors might be able to get the clothes delivered to your hotel rather than needing you to come in for pick up.
8. Leave reviews
Once you’ve got your clothes, please take photos of you wearing them (the sales assistants will be happy to do this for you in the shop if you want) and upload a detailed review for other customers to see when they’re going through their tailor search too.
My Hoi An tailor recommendations (with prices & photos)
It would be impossible to give a definitive list of the best tailors in Hoi An without having tried them all, but after three trips, many hours researching/negotiating/fine-tuning, and a suitcase full of beautiful pieces, I’ve got a pretty solid idea of who’s worth your time.
I’ve grouped them into all-rounders, smaller hidden gems, specialists, cheap and cheerful options, and a couple where my experience was more mixed. Each one has prices (in VND and approximate USD), photos of what I got made, and an honest rundown of the good and not-so-good bits.
Quick note: Many of these shop names use Vietnamese characters but these can cause display issues on some browsers so I’ve used the English spelling, Google will still recognise them if you search them like this.
All-rounders (good for multiple pieces)
These are the tailors I’d recommend if you want to get things made with minimal stress, the smooth operators that usually have their own full-time tailoring team, salespeople that speak brilliant English, a decent range of fabrics to choose from, and an easy process from order to fitting to pickup/delivery.
Pink Lotus
Address: 85 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
Pink Lotus is on the outer edge of the Ancient Town’s no-car-zone so it’s pretty popular, but it didn’t feel as churn-and-burn as some of the more commercial shops like BeBe just down the road.
I worked with Ly who is an absolute superstar, she actually ended up saving my entire tailoring trip at the eleventh hour when another shop screwed up an order of the one piece I really wanted to get made!
✅ What I loved about Pink Lotus
- Ly was so easy to deal with and she gave me loads of guidance around what fabrics would best suit the styles I wanted
- Top quality materials, I know these pieces will last for years
- They reeeeally saved my ass with my emergency order less than 24 hours before I was leaving
➖ Not-so-great things about Pink Lotus
- More expensive than the smaller tailors (but still so worth it for premium custom pieces)
What I ordered at Pink Lotus
- Red one-shoulder top, 1.8m VND (~$68USD)
- Brown lined linen top and short set, 2.8m VND (~$106USD for the set)
- Two cowl neck tops, 2m VND each (~$76USD each)
My initial order was the one-shoulder top (using a one-shoulder dress they had on a mannequin as inspo) and the linen set which Ly suggested, I wasn’t set on any particular colour but opted for a chocolate brown since pretty much my entire suitcase is black and red haha.
Sorry for the mirror selfie, I couldn’t find this one when I was taking the proper photos haha
I had a week in Hoi An on this trip which meant the tailors could take time with my pieces instead of having to rush, so I went in for my first fitting two days after the order and then they made some final alterations before pickup.
Then came the saga which left me needing two more tops with less than a day to spare before I flew out to India 🫠 These were modelled off a dress I have at home so I had lots of photos of what I wanted, but a different tailor royally screwed up the brief (more on that later). Pink Lotus to the rescue!
I messaged Ly at 1.30pm, she made time to see me straight away, got the info she needed and the tops were ready (and perfect!) at 10am the next day. They were the most expensive items I bought on this trip at $76USD each, but the dress they were based on cost me $139USD and that’s for an untailored piece, so the tops were absolutely worth it.
Tuong Tailor
Address: 65 – 67 Tran Hung Dao
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Website | Google reviews
Tuong Tailor is where I’d send you if you feel a bit intimidated by the tailoring process and you just want it to be as easy as possible, and don’t mind paying a premium for a stress-free experience.
They’re one of the big commercial tailors (similar to BeBe and Ba Ri) with all kinds of materials, friendly salespeople, skilled in-house staff and lots of space in their shop so you’re comfortable while you’re waiting for fittings (which isn’t always a given in Hoi An).
✅ What I loved about Tuong Tailor
- The duo who helped us (Ty and Mi) were so friendly and helpful, not pushy at all
- Huge selection of materials including many patterns I didn’t see anywhere else
- The shop was spacious and comfortable, with free bottled water for customers
- One of the items I was asking them to copy was a pair of trousers that were actually too long for me, they hemmed them for free ❤️
- Committed to getting things perfect, they noticed a small imperfection at my mum’s final fitting for the jacket she got made and they asked to keep it for another few hours to fix it up, even though we didn’t notice it!
➖ Not-so-great things about Tuong Tailor
- Another one with higher prices, but they’re a full commercial operation so that’s to be expected. Still very good value but probably not ideal if you’re on a tight budget.
What we ordered at Tuong Tailor
- Two pairs of trousers for me + a jacket for Mum, ~$240USD total (rough breakdown of ~$70 per pair of pants and ~$100 for the jacket)
- These prices reflect a multi-item discount though so buying just one item would cost a bit more
I had these blue and white pants modelled off an existing pair I had, the material is quite different so they’re stiffer and less flowy than my original pair, but the tailoring is perfect.
I’d been needing a simple pair of black pants for aaaages and hadn’t found anything, so I got a black linen pair made at Tuong. Unfortunately I accidentally left these in London at a friend’s house so I don’t have them with me to take photos, but I’ll update this post when I reunite with them.
And Mum got this jacket made, it’s modelled off this Zara jacket which she bought years ago and both of us love the shaping (I’ve had three made at other tailors). Tuong were the only ones with this nautical rope pattern and it was exactly what she was looking for.
45 Thu Tailor
Address: 06 Hoang Dieu St
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
45 Thu is another renowned tailor that’s particularly popular with the younger backpacker or flashpacker crowd, the kind of people who won’t mind being crammed into a tiny store sitting on plastic stools while you decide what you want to buy.
They have a smaller range of materials than Tuong and Pink Lotus and their retail experience isn’t as slick, but they offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality. My two jackets from here are two of my favourite items I’ve ever owned!
✅ What I loved about 45 Thu Tailor
- Fantastic value for the quality of the tailoring
- Smaller selection of fabrics but they had patterns I didn’t see elsewhere
- My sales assistant, Luy, was incredibly knowledgeable about materials and found me the ideal ones to use for what I wanted
➖ Not-so-great things about 45 Thu Tailor
- Smaller shop so at busy times of the day it can get super stuffy
- They were quite pushy for me to order straight away even though I explained I needed to take some time to think about it and make my orders the next day
What I ordered at 45 Thu Tailor
- Two jackets (modelled off the same jacket my mum used for her one from Tuong), ~$140USD for both
Quite a bit cheaper than the Tuong Tailor one Mum had made, but the material she used was more silky than mine and Tuong was the only one with the rope pattern she wanted.
I’m so obsessed with these, they’ve both earned permanent spots in my capsule wardrobe suitcase and I’ve already gotten SO much wear out of them. The black one is the ideal travel jacket (lightweight and goes with literally everything) and the black and white one dresses up any plain black dress or set instantly.
Smaller tailors but still great quality (the hidden gems)
These are the shops that don’t have prime real estate or commission partnerships with hotels, so you’ll probably only find them through word of mouth, by veering away from the main stretch or by reading a blog like this one!
You probably won’t get the enormous fabric range you’d find at bigger shops but the work can be just as good (sometimes better) and low foot traffic means you’re more likely to get decent one-on-one time to fine-tune what you want without being interrupted by walk-ins.
They’re usually family-owned and run, so the person measuring you is often the actual tailor or the daughter/sister/cousin of whoever will actually be sewing your items. This is also where your money has the most direct impact, since you’re paying the maker or their family directly ❤️
Keep this in mind when you’re haggling too, the bigger one-stop-shops have a steady stream of customers so they can afford to see you walk away if you don’t meet their price, but small tailors might only get a handful of orders a day so there’s less wiggle room for them.
Linh Tailor
Address: 128/37 Nguyễn Trường Tộ
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Website | Google reviews
Linh worked as a tailor herself (at one of the major ones) before opening her own little family shop, and she has the most 🤌🏼 impeccable 🤌🏼 attention to detail.
She’s down a quiet back street (the one that links Milan Linen and Heritage Tailor if you’re doing the full Finding Alexx tailor tour 🧵) so she doesn’t get anywhere near as much business as she deserves.
✅ What I loved about Linh Tailor
- Loads of patterned satins/colourful silks I didn’t come across anywhere else
- She’s brilliant with the finer details and finishing touches so the final item will be perfect
- Linh actually sews things herself so she can guide you with design, material choice, etc.
- I obviously didn’t get a suit made but she mentioned that suits are a specialty of hers (and her Google reviews back that up)
➖ Not-so-great things about Linh Tailor
- Not somewhere you’ll randomly walk past, so pin it on your map to make sure you don’t forget about it
What I ordered at Linh Tailor
- Black and white satin shirt + short set with white piping, 1.35m VND (~$51USD)
I only discovered Linh on the second to last day of my most recent trip and I had already well and truly maxed out my budget and my suitcase space, but after browsing her beautiful satin wall I knew I haaaad to get something, so I settled on a matching top-and-shorts combo.
This Anthropologie set was my inspo but I went with a black base with white swirls and piping.
They’re exactly what I asked for but the pattern I chose is a bit too pyjama-y as a set, so I actually prefer wearing them separately! Love love love the style with the trim around each panel of the shorts, I’d like to get this replicated in other materials too.
My AnSoul
Address: 113 Nguyen Phuc Tan
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
My AnSoul is located on the little island across the bridge from the Ancient Town, where you’ll find the night market. It’s a bit of a walk from most of the others on this list, but if you’re looking for bold, illustrative fabrics then it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Tram is the young owner, she opened My AnSoul last year only for the shop to be ravaged by the horrendous floods a few months later, but she’s dedicated to providing top quality pieces, quick turnarounds and excellent customer service so I feel like she’ll become a household name in the Hoi An tailoring scene sooner rather than later.
✅ What I loved about My AnSoul
- Sooo many bright and beautiful prints that I didn’t see anywhere else, I don’t know where Tram sources her materials from but she’s clearly got good connections
- There’s a decent range of off-the-rack items available if you want something cheap and don’t need it tailored
- She can make bikinis too, I wasn’t in the market for a new swimsuit but I noticed the mannequins and they looked super cute
➖ Not-so-great things about My AnSoul
- The traffic getting to/from An Hội island from the other side of the river can be a nightmare, probably quicker to walk than catch a Grab
What I ordered at My AnSoul
- Two top and short sets, 2m VND total (~$76USD so approx. $38USD per set)
I’m clearly in a real ‘matching set’ era right now and I took another opportunity to inject some colour into my packing cubes with this green and white set, then I got a safari-esque combo to wear while looking for leopards and tigers in India and Nepal (my next stops after this trip).
Tram is also fantastic with the finer details, it’s a bit hard to see in the photos but the neutral one has ties down the front and both of them have stitched rolled sleeves at the exact length and angle I wanted.
Heritage Tailor
Address: 150 Nguyễn Trường Tộ
If you’re blessed in the chest (can I get an amen 🍈🍈), head straight to Heidi at Heritage Tailor and tell her Alexx says hi! Heritage is Heidi’s family store and she was so brilliant to deal with, particularly in terms of choosing designs that work for non-sample-size-bodies.
✅ What I loved about Heritage Tailor
- Family-owned store that felt very homely and comfortable
- Heidi’s eye for what actually suits your body shape, she said to me “I have boobs too!” and steered me towards shapes and cuts that would work best
- Lots of gorgeous soft linen
➖ Not-so-great things about Heritage Tailor
- They’re quite popular for a small tailor so they can’t always serve you right away, wasn’t an issue for me but if you’re in a rush then best to WhatsApp them in advance to book a dedicated slot
What I ordered at Heritage Tailor
- Red vest and pant set in a soft linen blend, 1.8m VND (~$68USD)
- White linen V-neck long-sleeve top, 1m VND (~$38USD)
I adore the red set, I’ve tried on so many vests like this in the past but they never sit correctly on my body, so Heidi added an extra strip of material behind the ties to prevent gaping without altering the look I was going for. Genius!
I went for a linen blend for this one because I wanted it softer rather than crisp (a 100% linen version would be pricier).
Se Se Tailor
Address: 311 Nguyen Duy Hieu
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
This small family-owned tailor is a hidden gem for sure, it’s away from the main shopping area so you wouldn’t really stumble across it unless you’re walking to your hotel, but it is 100% worth a visit.
Very affordable, so helpful finding the perfect materials, and the shorts they made for me are exactly what I wanted.
✅ What I loved about Se Se Tailor
- Owned by two sisters I believe, Anna (who helped me) was one of them and she is just sunshine personified. So happy, so bubbly, so helpful.
- Excellent communication, Anna kept in touch through WhatsApp to let me know when to come in for my fitting and pick up
- Super skilled tailoring, the shorts I had made were actually very tricky due to the fabric’s width and the pattern needing to be in a certain place to make the shorts flattering, but they totally nailed it!
- Very affordable
➖ Not-so-great things about Se Se Tailor
- Small shop which can get hot if you’re trying on lots of things, but that’s the only downside I can think of
What I ordered at Se Se Tailor
- Lined shorts in a premium fabric, $30USD
I just had a pair of shorts made, but I wish I had space in my suitcase for more. I choose a premium material (that was a nightmare for them to use due to the pattern haha) and they were lined which made them more expensive, but for a basic material and unlined they would’ve been $15-20USD.
I Choose
Address: 101 Trần Hưng Đạo
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
I Choose immediately grabbed my attention when I was walking past with its sardine-packed mannequins out the front, and after a quick browse I already had two things I wanted made to fit.
The vibe here for me was more transactional rather than chatty, though this seems to be misaligned with their Google reviews so maybe I caught them on a rough day or wasn’t dealing with their usual saleswomen. It suited me fine though, I liked the efficiency!
✅ What I loved about I Choose
- A huge selection of materials to choose from plus loads of mannequins with samples to give you ideas
- Quick and no-nonsense
- JUMPSUITS! WITH POCKETS!
➖ Not-so-great things about I Choose
- Less of the warm, personal back-and-forth you get at the smaller shops, so maybe not the spot if you need some hand-holding through the process
What I ordered at I Choose
- Navy linen jumpsuit (with pockets!)
- Long flared-sleeve black top with front ties
- 2.5m VND total (~$95 USD)
This jumpsuit is another one of the greatest things I’ve ever bought, it fits my weird torso/waist/boob ratio perfectly, and did I mention it has pockets?!
It’s tricky to see the details of the black top in photos so I’ve upped the shadows on this shot to show you, but I love the ties at the front and the bell-ish sleeves.
Specialist tailors
Many Hoi An tailors are generalists who will tell you they can make anything, but there are some that have carved out a real specialty.
Milan Linen
Address: 116 Trần Cao Vân
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
Though linen is obviously their main specialty, the ladies at Milan gave me something else: the perfect travel dress.
This little shop is a short walk from the Ancient Town and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find one of the most streamlined tailoring operations in Hoi An.
✅ What I loved about Milan Linen
- Very fair pricing, they don’t really haggle because their initial price is always excellent value
- Loads of samples on hand so you can see how a style actually sits before you commit
- Eagle-eyed attention to detail, both times I’ve bought things from them they noticed tiny issues in the fitting and made sure they were fixed before they’d let me take the dresses
- No fucking around, these ladies are here to get shit done. No niceties, no yapping, they just take your measurements and then get down to business.
- They have a store cat and he is so chunky and cute 🥺
➖ Not-so-great things about Milan Linen
- They stick to their specialties of linen and a few other fabrics, mostly block colours, so they’re not a one-stop-shop
- Their shop used to be pretty small which was the biggest downside, but on my return visit I saw that they’ve expanded it towards the back so there’s more space and it feels way less cramped!
What I ordered at Milan Linen
- First I ordered three dresses for ~$92USD total
- And I returned 18 months later and got two more dresses for 1.6m VND (~$61USD)
Let me run you through all five.
Okay so this black maxi from my first visit is my PERFECT travel dress, it’s ultra lightweight and doesn’t need ironing so it’s suitcase-friendly, it fits beautifully, and it can be dressed down with sneakers and a blouse or elevated with nice shoes and one of my satin jackets.
I also needed a summery pop of colour before a Euro summer/autumn and this red lined linen dress did just the trick, it was based on one of their samples but with a customised neckline, distance between straps and the shaping around the waist. The downside was that it needs to be ironed so after this trip it switched from suitcase to wardrobe in my childhood bedroom, but I know I’ll get wear out of it in the future when I have somewhere to actually live and store my clothes haha.
I LOVE this blue wrap dress too, I don’t own anything in this colour, but it’s made with a really nice linen which is heavier than I expected (my fault, not theirs) so again it’s one I had to leave at my parents’ house and that I’ll hopefully wear when I’m not limited to 23kgs of belongings.
Fast forward 18 months and Milan Linen was the only tailor that I reordered from, not because the others weren’t worthy, but because I loved the travel dress so much that I wanted to copy + paste it twice but get one in a different colour and one in a different length.
I ended up going for a black mini version which I adore and will travel with for sure, and a burnt orange maxi which is nice but definitely not as flattering as the black one.
Yaly Couture
Address: I went to their branch at 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu but they have multiple locations, you can see them all here >
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Website | Google reviews
Yaly Couture are probably the best known tailors in Hoi An, they have three retail stores which are all very slick and smooth.
They specialise in occasion-wear and they have loads of premium fabrics and exclusive patterns, plus high-end gowns and suits for red carpet events and the like.
They’ve also got off-the-rack pieces which they can alter to fit you if you’re in a rush.
✅ What I loved about Yaly Couture
- The biggest selection of bright and beautiful patterns
- Lots of silk and satin if you want something fancy
- The best air con of any tailor in Hoi An
- Very skilled in-house production workshop
- They dropped my pants off to my hotel once they were ready
➖ Not-so-great things about Yaly Couture
- It feels pretty impersonal, they churn through shoppers quickly! Lots of tour companies and hotels recommend them (usually for commission) and provide transport so groups of 10-15 people turn up and just get ferried through the process.
- One of the most expensive tailors for sure, to make the bomber jacket Mum and I both wanted (in a similar material to what I ended up using at 45 Thu) they were going to charge $145USD, more than twice the price of what I paid
- On my most recent visit it was noticeably quiet, I browsed for a good 15 minutes in a store with hardly any other customers and no one came over to me, which basically never happens in Hoi An! Maybe I was there during their lunch break or between big tour group visits 🤷🏼♀️
What I ordered at Yaly Couture
- This pair of satin trousers which I ADORE, $89USD so the most expensive thing I bought on my second Hoi An trip, but once I saw this pattern I knew I couldn’t live without it in my suitcase.
I also got a few things made at Yaly during my first visit to Hoi An in February 2020, I can’t remember prices (pre-Covid travel feels like a different lifetime) but here are some details and photos.
- Strawberry top & pant set, l loved the concept of this but was disappointed with the result. The top was a terrible option for my body (yes it was my choice to order, but I wish they’d explained that it wouldn’t sit nicely haha) aaaand the pants were actually made with the material upside-down, which they didn’t realise until I told them, and I didn’t have time for them to redo them.
- Ladybird shorts, obsessed with these and still wear them six years later!
- Wrap skirt, exactly what I asked for and I got a lot of wear out of this
I popped back into Yaly during my third tailoring mission and they had much the same selection as my previous visit, I was tempted to get some shorts or a bomber jacket made in the same green material as my favourite trousers above but that would’ve eaten a big chunk of my shopping budget and I wanted to spread my orders around some new (to me) tailors instead.
Cheap and cheerful tailors
Not every piece needs to be an investment, but the budget tailors can be very hit and miss, so manage your expectations to avoid setting yourself up for disappointment and do your research so you don’t just waste money and add to landfill.
These are the more affordable tailors that I can personally vouch for.
Mua Xuan Spring
Address: 47 Hoàng Diệu
My top recommendation if you want simple items for low prices, I ordered a matching set here on a whim and it’s become a summer staple.
✅ What I loved about Mua Xuan
- They have super soft and lightweight muslin in all different colours
- Anh was very quick and efficient, I ordered it on the Friday afternoon, tried it on Saturday night and it was at my hotel front desk by the time I woke up on Sunday morning
- Similar prices to the Cloth Market stalls but a step up in quality from most of them
➖ Not-so-great things about Mua Xuan
- Nothing negative about my experience but the items I ordered were very basic, so I can’t vouch for any structured tailoring or pricier pieces
What I ordered at Mua Xuan
- Matching top and short set in a soft muslin-style fabric, 700k VND (~$27 USD), I want this in like five other colours
Luna
Address: 343 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu
Luna is worth a look if you’re nearby (it’s just down the road from my favourite Hoi An wine bar, Hill Station) but it’s a good example of you get what you pay for.
✅ What I loved about Luna
- Great value for simple, easy pieces
- Lots of off-the-rack options for tie tops, button-ups and elasticated shorts if you don’t need anything bespoke
➖ Not-so-great things about Luna
- I asked for a fitted top in a certain material they had and they said they could do it, but when I received it it was clear the material was way too flowy for the design I wanted. It was cheap so not the end of the world, but I wish they’d just told me that it wouldn’t work in the first place.
What I ordered at Luna
- Blue and white silky tie top, 400k VND (~$15USD)
- Fitted top, 600k VND (~$23USD, I left this behind)
The tie top was actually a fantastic addition to my suitcase before heading to India and Nepal because it was a quick and easy way to cover my shoulders and it packs down to next to nothing. Highly recommend!
Mrs An, Cloth Market
Address: Shop #90 inside the Cloth Market, 01 Tran Phu
The Cloth Market is on the corner of the no-car-zone in the Ancient Town, it’s got loads of stalls promising bespoke tailoring for much, much cheaper than the standalone tailors. Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, these stalls are very hit and miss.
They pretty much all have the same basic, synthetic fabrics, many of them get their orders made at factories so there’s no consistency or quality control, and most of them only take your initial measurement and won’t offer fittings.
BUT if you are just looking for cheap and cheerful casual pieces, and you’re not too fussed about the quality of the material, there are some gems offering the most affordable tailoring in Hoi An.
On my first visit to Hoi An in Feb 2020 I got a bunch of things made by Mrs An, her stall is #90. The pieces were exactly what I asked for, it was a very quick turnaround, and I can’t remember exactly how much I paid but I know it was cheap because I was on a backpacker budget back then! She’d be my top recommendation for inside the Cloth Market.
✅ What I loved about Mrs An
- Wide range of patterns
- Fast turnaround
- Budget-friendly
- I *believe* she makes items herself along with a few of her own tailors, but I’m not 100% certain of that
➖ Not-so-great things about Mrs An
- I wouldn’t go here for anything too complex or fitted
- Mostly low-to-average quality synthetic materials, not very durable
What I ordered at Mrs An
- This red tie top which I still love, not very breathable but it looks nice.
- This red dress, it was what I asked for but again I wasn’t really aware of how it would sit on my body. Didn’t love it as a dress, but I wore it with a t-shirt over the top so it just looked like a skirt.
Mixed experiences & tailors I didn’t end up ordering from (and why)
I want you to have the complete picture, not just the highlights, so here are the Hoi An tailoring experiences that didn’t quite land for me or that I decided not to order from for whatever reason.
Blue Lantern
Address: 331 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu
Instagram | TripAdvisor | Google reviews
This one was a tale of two orders! The jacket they made me is fab, butttt this is the place that messed up the cowl neck tops I wanted so I had to make an emergency call to get replacements done at another tailor overnight before I left 🫠
✅ What I loved about Blue Lantern
- I dealt with Lana who was super friendly and tried to rectify the top drama by taking me down to the tailors on her scooter to discuss with them (and she was very apologetic when the tailors said what I wanted wasn’t possible)
- A good range of fabrics, lots of bold prints
- The jacket was great value, cheaper than the ones I had made at 45 Thu in the same style
➖ Not-so-great things about Blue Lantern
- You can see where the lower jacket price comes from though, it’s got a flimsy and plasticky zip and the ribbed banding doesn’t feel as premium as the other two, so it’s definitely a step down (but cheaper, so win some lose some!)
- There was clearly a miscommunication between the shop and the tailors for my situation, what they delivered was so far off the photos I sent through so I’m not sure what went wrong here but it was frustrating
What I ordered at Blue Lantern
- Red and black bomber jacket, 1.35m VND (~$51 USD)
- Two cowl neck tops, 950k each but refunded (~$36USD)
The jacket I’d happily recommend if you don’t mind the plastic zip, the tops however really threw my tailoring budget and plans into disarray! But let me explain what happened.
I have this & Other Stories asymmetrical bias-cut dress which I looooove, but I wear formal dresses for weddings and that’s about it, so I was planning on bringing it with me on my third Hoi An trip to have it cut in half and turned into a top. Except that I forgot it and left it at my parents’ house 🙃
I showed them photos of the dress on me and on the website, explained the structure (the cowl neck bit is like an extra piece of material), paid my deposit, and came back two days later to this disaster which was shoddily made, flared out at the bottom and was based on totally wrong proportions:
Lana agreed that it wasn’t right so she whisked me down to the workshop on the back of her scooter so the tailors could see my actual body, but they took one look at me and one look at the photos I had and shook their heads 😂 Lana told me they’d have to start from scratch and I didn’t have time for that, so I got a refund and rushed to Ly at Pink Lotus to get a last minute fix.
Luckily Ly was able to deliver the goods in time but they cost just over twice the price, so the lesson here is that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
51 Thu Chinh
Address: Shop #51 in the Cloth Market
This is a Cloth Market stall which had some super cute patterns I hadn’t seen before, they were cheap synthetics so I should’ve been wary but I ordered a $20 top and they said it’d be ready for pick up the next day. I went to collect it and they said they made it but it melted when they went to iron it 😂 full marks for honesty haha but that’s exactly why it’s worth paying a bit more for better quality fabrics!
And the tailors I’ve visited but haven’t ended up buying from:
- BeBe Tailor: Recommended by two of my hotels (probably for commission), very well known, but I didn’t like it. They have very good reviews for men’s suits and fancy dresses, but for casual clothes they charge twice as much as other tailors even for cheap, synthetic material. I was quoted $45-50USD for basic, unlined shorts, $60-75USD for a lined but fairly simple skirt, and $160USD for the bomber jacket.
- Ba Ri Tailor: Another big one that wasn’t my vibe, I got a quote for a muslin top and long pants set for $80USD, which felt exactly the same as the material I used at Mua Xuan (where I paid $27USD for top and shorts). I’m not a fabric expert so maybe theirs was something fancy but it wasn’t noticeable, and certainly not worth that difference in price.
- Two Ladies: They had some beauuutiful silks and satin prints and I really wanted to get one of their sample dresses made as a top (they quoted 1.24m VND, ~$47USD) but they were too busy when I went back to make the order, and after a while of waiting I decided to ditch and head elsewhere. I’d try them again in the future though!
- Lamy Tailor: Had a very similar dress to my Milan travel dress on a mannequin outside, exact same material, I asked them how much and they said 1.3m VND (~$49USD) which is about 60% more than Milan’s price.
- Co May: Some gorgeous formal dresses and tops, I’d go here if I needed something fancy.
- A Dong Silk: Widely regarded as the best Hoi An custom suits tailor, A Dong Silk is a pricier option but you pay for the quality. They had a small display of their silks at the resort I stayed at outside of Hoi An, Silk Sense, and the patterns were so beautiful.
- Blue Eye Tailor: Fantastic reviews and they were very helpful, they just didn’t have any fabric to suit what I was looking for.
- Tina Design: They had some epic party outfits and sequin bodysuits on display that looked incredible, they’d be a good option if you need something for a special event.
FAQs about getting clothes made in Hoi An
Are the Hoi An tailors worth it?
One thousand percent yes, the tailors in Hoi An are probably the most ‘worth it’ tailors in the world.
Quality can vary depending on how much you spend + the tailor you choose of course, but if you pick a good one (like any of the ones I’ve recommended) then the value for money is unbelievable.
How much does it cost to get clothes made in Hoi An?
Typical casual pieces made with cheaper fabrics cost $15-30USD, mid-range items with better materials run around $30-70USD, and premium pieces from the bigger commercial tailors are $70-120+ USD.
Prices depend on fabric, complexity and how many items you order, and you can usually get a discount for ordering multiple pieces at once.
What is the best tailor in Hoi An?
There’s no single best tailor, it totally depends what you’re after.
For a stress-free experience at a one-stop-shop that can do casual or formal, men’s or women’s, linen or silk or cotton, I’d recommend Pink Lotus, Tuong or 45 Thu.
Milan Linen is my pick for my favourite travel dresses, Heritage for curvier bodies, My AnSoul, Linh or Se Se for brilliant attention to detail, and Yaly Couture for occasion-wear. I’ve reviewed all 15 I’ve used in this guide.
Can Hoi An tailors replicate existing garments?
They sure can, this is one of the best ideas for getting clothes made!
If you have something in your wardrobe that you wear all the time and couldn’t live without, or that you get constant comments on, or that you love but that no longer fits or sits properly, bring it with you and get a tailor to make a replica.
I did this with three items: my mum’s bomber jacket (because she got sick of me stealing it 🙃), a pair of flowy pants I wanted in a different colour, and a pair of shorts I wanted in a better quality material.
Is it illegal to get clothes copied in Vietnam?
This is a bit of an ethical grey area, but patterns of clothes (as in the template to put the garment together, not the artistic pattern) cannot be copyrighted, so taking in an item and asking a tailor to make a copy is totally legal.
I personally don’t like the idea of doing this for an item that was from an independent designer or a small, sustainable brand, but I have no qualms about taking a Zara jacket or a pair of shorts from H&M to be replicated because all those brands are known for ripping off small designers anyway 🤷🏼♀️
Is it ethical to get clothes tailored in Vietnam?
Another grey area, and the answer is that it really depends on how you go about the tailoring process, as well as what you’re comparing it to.
Vietnam doesn’t have strong protections in place for workers, and some tailors in Hoi An outsource to mass-producing garment factories, which likely aren’t the most comfortable or fair work environments. Even the tailors with in-house production have cramped workshops, long working hours and no air conditioning.
Unfortunately, this is the norm for Vietnam. Labour is cheap here, workplaces are largely unregulated, most people work six days a week, and this goes for hotels, tour companies, restaurants, and most other industries we’d come into contact with as visitors to the country.
The inconvenient but undeniable truth is that, as international travellers, we benefit from these conditions. We get exceptional value for money and high quality service, but it’s important to recognise that this sometimes comes at the expense of worker welfare. That’s why it’s so important for us to spend our money wisely, especially in developing countries, to ensure that our tourism creates more positive than negative impact.
My view is that if you choose a reputable tailor with their own dedicated workshop, or a small, family-owned tailor where the garments are made in-house, it can be one of the most ethical ways to buy clothing.
Your money goes directly to local business owners and craftspeople, one-off tailored pieces result in minimal waste, and you’re not supporting global retail giants that exploit factory workers and contribute massively to pollution.
However, the impact of your purchases can be less clear if you’re using a tailor that’s not transparent about their production process, like many of the stalls in the Cloth Market. If these stalls aren’t making the clothes themselves then chances are they’re farming their orders out to a garment factory, which is likely the same kind of place fast fashion brands use anyway.
This is probably still better than buying from Zara or H&M (because at least the money’s staying in Vietnam), but unless you visit the factory yourself, you can’t be certain of the ethics behind your purchase.
How long does it take to get clothes made in Hoi An?
It really depends on the complexity of the garment, but if you’re in a rush then many tailors in Hoi An can turn around most items within 24 hours, though this might result in cutting corners. If you’re getting something complex made, like a full suit or a formal dress, 48 hours would probably be the fastest delivery for the final result.
If you aren’t in a rush, then 3-4 days is the typical timeline for most tailors to complete your garments, this leaves time for better quality work as well as one or two fittings for adjustments.
Can you get clothes made in Hoi An in one day?
Yep, most tailors can make simple items like tops, shorts or basic dresses within 24 hours if you’re short on time, and might be able to do more complex pieces in that timeframe if you’re happy to pay a rush fee and are available to pop in for a fitting half-way through the process.
A quick turnaround can mean cut corners though, so it’s best to give yourself a few days if you can.
Which city in Vietnam is best for tailors?
Hoi An is widely considered the best city in Vietnam for tailors (in fact it’s the best city in the world for tailors), but Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have reputable tailors too.
These are generally more focused on formalwear and business clothing, prices are higher, and turnaround times won’t be as quick as the tourist-friendly Hoi An shops.
Where to stay in Hoi An
I split my time in Vietnam between two places, one closer to the Ancient Town for easy access to the tailors, and then a few days at a dreamy eco-resort away from the chaos at the end.
Soluna D’Annam (formerly Babylon Luxury Hotel)
9.4/10 on booking.com from 1600+ reviews
This 5* hotel is perfect if you want to be close to the old town, it’s only a 15-20 minute walk to many of the tailors I’ve mentioned as well as the Hoi An clothing market tailors. If you catch a Grab or use one of the free bikes you can be there in a matter of minutes.
It is incredibly good value too, you can get rooms here from as low as $35USD! Beautiful interiors, comfortable beds, two swimming pools, breakfast included, very helpful staff, honestly this was the perfect place for our time exploring Hoi An.
Silk Sense River Resort
9.1/10 on booking.com from 80+ reviews
If the Ancient Town crowds and traffic aren’t your jam (haha see what I did there), Silk Sense River Resort offers a peaceful escape that’s still within easy Grab distance of the tailors. It’s paradise here!
This eco-hotel is the first zero plastic waste resort in this region of Vietnam, and they’re committed to protecting the environment and community they operate in. They’ve got all these fancy sustainable processes in place including energy reduction, a recycling programme (very rare in Vietnam!), their own organic herb garden for the restaurant, and biodegradable toiletries.
Aside from all that, the resort is just an absolute haven. Huge swimming pool, lots of free activities like afternoon tea, craft classes and tai chi, and a free shuttle to and from the Ancient Town for when you’ve got tailor appointments.
Final thoughts on Hoi An’s tailors
Getting clothes tailored in Hoi An is hands down one of the best things to do in Vietnam, and whatever you get made here can double as a souvenir too.
Choosing the right tailor is the tricky bit, because you don’t want to waste money on shitty items that’ll fall apart after a few wears, but hopefully this Hoi An tailor guide has given you some tips and tricks to navigate the process smoothly.
If you do end up choosing any of these tailors or if you have one you want to recommend then please let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your experience!
ALL VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDES
- The ultimate three week Vietnam itinerary
- How to spend 3 days in Hanoi
- Capella Cruise review: Luxury Halong Bay cruise
- A complete guide on getting clothes tailored in Hoi An
- 12 things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.
Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.
Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.
Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off
Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.
Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).
Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.
Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.
Thank you so SO SOOO very much for this incredibly detailed guide Alexx. I really appreciate the effort and work you’ve put into this. Most helpful information I’ve found on this topic, and I’ve been looking for a while now… I was feeling super overwhelmed beacuse I’m going to Vietnam soon and had no idea where to start in terms of tailoring and Hoi An. But your reviews and thoughts have given me a clear direction to go in. Thank you again! I can’t wait to get some beautiful clothes made.
You’re so welcome, glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for your fantastic article. I followed your advice and have made the most of my 4 nights in hoi an – getting clothes (and shoes) made for myself and my family. I would never have had the confidence to do this without your advice. Also while I was in 2 of the shops, other travellers I chatted to had followed your recommendations. Think you have been very helpful to many people! Katie
Katie this has absolutely made my day, thank you for coming back to comment and let me know 🥰 I hope you love the clothes you got tailored and hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Vietnam! ❤️