When you picture a backpacker, do you think of someone dressed top to toe in tailor-made threads, or somebody in hippie pants, flip-flops, and a vest stained for days? Probably the latter, right? But it doesn't have to be that way. Many destinations offer cheap tailoring where you can get affordable, custom-made clothing.
When you travel to parts of the world like Southeast Asia and Central America, knowing your dollar will buy you many more tasty meals and hostel beds than it ever would at home feels great. There are also places all over the world that are hubs for high-quality tailoring from a cheap tailor.
These places often make great products for top fashion houses, specializing in pants, pocket squares, dress shirts, and other formal wear for special events. You won't have to settle for a standard size and simple hems again!
Whether you want to invest in a sharp suit for when you return home after a gap year, a wedding dress for that special occasion that you can picture in your head but can't find on the rack, or simply some hippie pants that fit better, try out these destinations for size.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is truly the mecca of cheap tailoring, and backpackers spend extended time there to ensure they can make the most of the tailors that line every street in this quaint coastal town in Vietnam.
Ask your hostel owners for specific recommendations, as quality can vary across town. I chose a shop named Lana, and I wasn't disappointed.
I chose a grey houndstooth bespoke suit with pink silk lining, which cost me around $150. This is the best value I have found, including excellent customer service and a fantastic final product for the best price.
I am particular about how clothes fit, so I returned seven times for re-fittings. The staff didn't roll their eyes or demand more money, and I got the suit I wanted. They even shipped it back to London for me, so I didn't have to navigate the local postal system.
Suits are just the beginning in Hoi An. You can have tailor-made dresses, winter coats, shoes, jumpsuits, shirts, and virtually any other item of clothing you can think of.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur is a city in Rajasthan that is on a well-trodden backpacker path. While taking camel safaris and visiting ancient forts in the region, why not invest a little cash in having some tailor-made clothing?
This is exactly what I plan to do in Jaipur this December, as many Indians have reliably told me it's the place to grab a well-made bargain.
Indian clothes can be beautifully intricate, and it's worth opting for something traditional. You can always have it tailored to make it more wearable.
For guys, a Sherwani, a long jacket with an upturned collar, is a statement choice, while women might opt for a Sari or Salwar Kameez.
Panama City, Panama
If you've ever read the book or seen the movie "The Tailor of Panama," you might have an inkling that this underrated Central American destination is an excellent place to buy new clothes.
And if you want to visit the *actual* tailor of Panama who fitted Pierce Brosnan for a custom suit while filming the movie, head to La Fortuna on Via España.
You'll be taken into a back room, where you can browse hundreds of fabrics and have something made precisely to your measurements. What's great about this place is that they don't charge extra for larger sizes.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is a fantastic city for shopping, but if you want to invest in high-end threads, head to the South Bund Fabric Market.
With mountains of textiles, shouting clothes makers, and hordes of tourists, visiting this market isn't a relaxing experience, but it's authentically Shanghai. If you commit to the craziness, you'll end up with a garment you love.
This is one spot where the sellers will try to make some extra dollars from you, so know your price and stick to it if you want to grab a bargain. You'll find cotton materials for shirts, dresses, and suits, plus wool blends and cashmere for something luxurious.
Budapest, Hungary
Eastern Europe is another region budget travelers should consider if they want a good tailor. Its affordable prices will make your money go further than in pricier Western Europe, not just for eating out and accommodation but also for tailor-made clothing.
Many tailors and shoemakers are in Nyugati Square, so it's easy to walk around the neighborhood and compare fabrics and prices at different stores. Believe it or not, you can find a new suit for as little as $80 in this area.
Good luck on your mission to find the perfect fit with cheap, tailored clothing!
