Hoi An’s Long History of Trade and Tailoring
Hoi An, once one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports between the 16th and 18th centuries, built its reputation on silk, textiles, and cross-cultural exchange. Merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe came here to trade everything from ceramics to precious fabrics.
Among them, Chinese traders played a key role in introducing silk weaving and sewing techniques. By the 17th century, local artisans had not only adopted these skills but also developed their own distinctive style—laying the foundation for what would become Hoi An’s world-famous tailoring tradition.
After centuries of decline, the town reinvented itself in the 1990s, when tourism began to boom. Family-run tailor shops, many of which had operated quietly for generations, suddenly found a new international audience. They adapted quickly—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion trends—and today, Hoi An is known worldwide as the place to get tailor-made clothing.
Why Tailoring in Hoi An Is So Special
What makes Hoi An stand out isn’t just the number of tailor shops (hundreds!), but the personalized experience each offers. Whether you want a breezy sundress for the beach, a sharp suit for business, or even the elegant Vietnamese ao dai, Hoi An’s tailors can make it happen—fast and affordably.
✨ Speed – Simple outfits are often ready in 24 hours, while more detailed garments may take just 2–3 days.
✨ Quality – Expect professional craftsmanship, durable stitching, and fabrics ranging from Vietnamese silk to imported cotton and linen.
✨ The Tailoring Process:
- Visit a shop where you feel comfortable.
- Choose a design from their catalogs (or bring your own photo/sketch).
- Select fabrics, colors, and detailing.
- Get measured by the tailor.
- Return for one or two fittings before the final piece is delivered.
💰 Typical Prices in Hoi An:
- Ao dai: 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND (~$30–40)
- Suit (2-piece): 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND (~$60–100)
- Dress or casual wear: 750,000 – 1,200,000 VND (~$30–50)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring the measurements of friends or family back home—Hoi An tailors can create garments for them too, and you’ll return with unique, personalized gifts.
Best Tailors in Hoi An
You’ll find tailoring shops on almost every corner of Hoi An’s Old Town, but a few names consistently stand out among travelers for their quality, reliability, and service:
- Ba Ri Tailor – 30 Le Loi Street → Friendly service, quick turnaround, great for casual wear and ao dai.
- Tuong Tailor – 67 Tran Hung Dao Street → Known for professional craftsmanship, especially business suits.
- A Dong Tailor – 62 Tran Hung Dao Street → Popular for a wide range of styles, from formal dresses to custom jackets.
- Bebe Tailor – 05–07 Hoang Dieu Street → One of the largest and most professional shops, offering premium fabrics and trendy designs.
⏰ Most tailor shops in Hoi An are open daily from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to browse, get measured, and return for fittings.
Things to Do While Waiting for Your Clothes
Since tailoring usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, you’ll have the perfect excuse to enjoy Hoi An at a relaxed pace. Here are some great ways to spend your time:
🚲 Cycle through the Old Town – Wander streets like Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Le Loi, where golden-hued houses, lantern-lit alleys, and centuries-old merchant homes (such as Duc An House and Quan Thang House) transport you back in time.
🎨 Join a local workshop – Get hands-on with Hoi An’s traditions by making lanterns, painting masks, or even trying ao dai sewing classes, connecting you more deeply to the town’s craft culture.
🍜 Taste Hoi An’s specialties – Food is part of the tailoring experience! Don’t miss iconic dishes like Cao Lau noodles, the famous Banh Mi Phuong sandwich, or a fragrant plate of Com Ga (chicken rice).
Final Thoughts
Getting tailor-made clothes in Hoi An is more than just shopping—it’s an experience that combines culture, history, and personal style.
On my own trip, my family had traditional ao dai made in just a single afternoon. Within hours, we had four elegant, perfectly fitted outfits—an unforgettable memory of Hoi An’s craftsmanship.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss this opportunity. You’ll return home not just with clothes, but with a story woven into every stitch.
✨ Hoi An tailoring: where fashion meets tradition, in just 24 hours.
