You won’t be more than 5 minutes in Hoi An, Vietnam without someone approaching you about getting custom clothes made for you at one of the Hoi An tailors. Odds are the man on the bus or even the bus driver owns a shop, or has a sister that owns a shop and they will give you a “card” with the information.

This “information card” is simply their commission slip. We made it off the bus without a card, but our hotel made sure to give us one that they only recommend. Even if you stop and look at a map, you will be approached by someone on a bike who too is more than willing to bring you to a tailor. Don’t use any of the above sources as your tailor of choice.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Hoi An check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

We hadn’t really discussed getting any clothes made, as we don’t really have room in our bags or budget for this. After walking around town for just 6 hours, and seeing all the tailors with some gorgeous dresses I knew I wanted to get one. You can get anything made from a wedding dress, suit, shirt, boxers, you name it.

We only have 2 more flights in our future before we head to Africa. Once in Africa we won’t be moving, unless over-landing across 7 countries in Africa counts. I won’t have to pack and unpack, and have numerous flights is what I mean. After Africa, we head to Europe, where Adam’s parents will be meeting us, which is perfect to send back any items we no longer need. We also have my cousin’s wedding in Latvia in August.

Somehow I convinced Adam that I needed a dress. I currently don’t have any dresses, and I will need one for any “fancy” dinners in Europe with his parents, my cousin’s wedding, and I have my best friends wedding in August which I need a dress for the rehearsal dinner. Either I’m really charming, or he’s really easy. Because I got a dress made.

Hoi An Tailors | Ha Na Tailor

After researching online, and having read other travel bloggers that had dress’s made at Ha Na tailor in Hoi An, Vietnam. I decided to go in and see what they could do. Plus I admit, I liked the shop’s name. Once inside I found a style I liked, and explained what I would like added. Again I had to turn 3 dresses into 1 like I did when I got a leather purse made here in Hoi An. I had the perfect little black dress, with a twist in my head.

We negotiated on a price of $40 with the fabric of my liking, they wanted $60 but I challenged them I wouldn’t take that much fabric. Negotiating the price is just another 1 of the 7 things I won’t miss about Vietnam. I guess they agreed because I got the dress for $40. The ladies in the shop were really nice, not pushy at all which isn’t always the case in the other shops around town.

They measured me, and measured me. I swear I was turning like a ballerina for 5 minutes, and I could not understand a single second of what they were saying. I had my fingers crossed this would all work out. I explained to them I wanted a really shiny gold zipper, that went all the way down to my butt in the back.

I got fitted at 11:30 am and was told to return at 7 p.m. for my first fitting. Wow, that’s quick I thought. The shop lady even came and found me at the next door coffee shop with the gold zippers she just went and bought, she wanted my approval. I was shocked, now that is what I call service.

Returned at 7 pm for my first fitting. To my surprise my dress was 85% complete, it just needed the front zipper pockets added. It fit like a glove, and I was pleased how I looked in it. I just have to stop eating everything in sight here in Vietnam, and it should look great at my this summer!

They wanted me to try on the dress before they added my front pockets with zippers, to make sure they would fall in the right place. These ladies think ahead! I also had them deepen the cut in the front. I was told tomorrow 11 am it would be ready.

Went back at 11 am to find my dress 98% complete. They added my zippers but put in fake pockets as they were too afraid that real pockets would show through. They didn’t think I would like it if I could see them. I told them it was okay and I was 100% sure I wanted functioning pockets. Don’t ask me why but I love pockets. They said alright, and said be ready by 2 p.m.

2p.m. I returned and there she was, my dress!

I am more than happy with the end product. I would buy this dress at JCrew or Banana Republic for $120 without any hesitation. I love the dress and look forward to Adam bringing me out on some fancy dinner dates. HINT HINT!

*Ha Na also accepts Visa & Mastercard but we choose to pay with cash to avoid the transaction fee. Contact information for Ha Na:

Ha Na Tailor in Hoi, An Vietnam

85 Tran Hung Dao St Hoi, An Vietnam Tel 05103.917.858 Mobile 0905.706748 or 0122.3425776 or schedule an appointment via email [email protected]

Have you ever had custom clothes made? Please share your photos & favorite places.

Hotel suggestions in Hoi An:

Seasun Homestay $ 16 private room, wanting to stay down on the beach? A/C, cable tv, wifi, breakfast, indoor pool, private beach, and only 3km from old city. wifi

Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa $39 is right in the Hoi An ancient town, 4-star hotel, breakfast, cable TV, balcony, pool, wifi. Your money goes very far here in Vietnam.

When in Hoi An you must eat at Cafe 43 best meals we had in Vietnam, recommend the chicken chili lemongrass, fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, fried wontons, and 15 cent beers.