The tale of the 3 Bangkok tailors

During my trip to Bangkok, I have decided to make a few shirts. However, it's not the shirt which I can buy from a ready-to-wear shop. It's a shirt which I bought at Shanghai Tang few years ago, and I like it very much. It was the right size, right mandarin collar, and the right fitting. So I thought instead of paying a premium price, why not send it to a shop to copy it! After a few search in the internet and consulted the hotel concierge, I have narrowed down to 3 tailors which I will try. The story of the 3 tailors and the outcome are documented in the tales below.

Charlie's Design

It was the Westin hotel's concierge who recommendation. I have asked for a tailor that's reasonable and not hi-so (Thai expression for expensive)! Charlie's is tucked in Soi 16 of Sukhumvit Road, and it's situated very near to the famous ASOKE exchange. The Asok BTS and Sukhumvit Subway station intersected at this junction. Charlie's is run by a Indian family. I was greeted by Roger, a soft spoken Indian man who lives in Bangkok almost his entire life. I told him exactly what's my budget and showed him the design I want. He pointed to me the range of fabrics they kept in the shop, and of course it came with various prices and quality. The starting price was around 1000 baht for ok quality, medium quality range from 1200 to 1400 baht. The more expensive one are 1400 baht and above. I noticed, the collections of the fabric was not a lot especially when I was looking for medium priced plain color fabrics. They have more stripes fabric in many sizes. In the end I managed to get something I like and I was told I could collect the next day if I do not need any fitting but just copy the exact shirt I brought with me. The outcome was not bad. I was happy with the ok stitching, however, I was not too please with the material. I found it was soft to touch but when I wore it I felt a bit harsh. So make sure you place the fabric on your body or arms, to feel the material itself. For quick fix and no fuss tailoring, I think Charlie's did a good job.

Website : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlies-Design-Fashion-House-Bangkok/100565453367694 Address : 25/3 Sukhumvit Soi 16, Opposite Foodland, Bangkok, Thailand

Nickermann's

Next stop I went over to Nickermann's which is located at Landmark building not far from Nana BTS station. The shop is located at the lower ground of the lower building. I read in the internet, there were many happy return customers. However, sometimes you never know who posted those comments, so why not try out myself instead of relying on someone else? I walked around the fabrics area and dotting my eye on the collections they have. It wasn't a big collections but they have what I need. Plain and colored fabrics without any fuss on patterns or stripes. A lady which I suspected non Thai, but from India approached me and asked me what's my budget like. I told them around 1000 baht. They showed me all the fabrics which cost at 1200 baht. I touched it and I found the material was smoother and thicker compare to Charlie's. Immediately I found what I need. I ordered 2 shirts from themI , however, I need a special buttons. For additional request on buttons, I need to pay 200baht more plus there is a chance they won't able to find it. Then I went on with the design and they claimed they have done it, however, again, they do not have the button I needed. They only stock simple buttons, no fuss as well. They told me next time, I can bring my own button to replace them. Anyway, the next day the shirt was done and I checked on the stitches. It was not bad on the stitches, but the cut at Charlie's are better especially on my collar. Overall, it was a non noticeable cut. I am still happy with the outcome. In addition, the shop keep your record, if you need to order from overseas. All you need to do is to quote your record number and they will deliver to you.

Website : http://nickermanns.net
Address : 138 Sukhumvit Road, Landmark Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

Narin Couture

I learnt about Nari couture from the CNN Go website. It was listed as one of the respectable tailor in town. In another word, it's going to be 'hi-so'. I told myself, why not if the quality is impeccable? I also learnt the tailor came from a highly respected design school in London. I thought ok I shall surprise myself at Narin and I walked into the shop on a busy weekend. The shop was classy looking with a big collection of fabrics. Also, I noticed this is the only Thai-Chinese tailor that I have encountered. The other was mainly Thai-Indian tailors. He spoke in good English and I was told a minimum order of 3 shirts per order. Each shirt will cost at 2250 bath each. This is almost double the price at the earlier 2 shops. However, if it's good, why not!!?? I walked around the shop and I also noticed they have their very own tailors making the shirt. It appeared that the tailor can monitor these people's end products or while making them. I told myself, quality assurance must be very important at Narin. When I was ready to make my order, I was told it will take one week to make them. Nothing more nothing less! This was because they have too many orders and they could not fit the date I want. However, if I like, they can ship to me directly to my home address after making them. To my disapointment, I did not make any this trip. Although the tailor speaking with some 'air' in the tone, but I do believe he is very professional. He is the only tailor I noticed that dressed neatly like a businessman when dealing with his customers. Oh well, next time I will try again.

Website : http://www.narin-couture.com/home.html
Address : 180 Sukhumvit road, Klongtoey, Bangkok (next to Bangkok Bank and near Nana station)