Getting clothes tailored in Sri Lanka can I have something made and is the fabric and tailoring good value
I would love something tailored to take home Can I get clothes made here is there a tailoring tradition where do I find a good tailor what fabrics are available (I have seen lovely cottons linens and batik) how does it work do I bring a design or a garment to copy how long does it take and is the cost and quality good value Travellers who had clothes made please tell me how to do it well
6 Answers from travellers
Crafts guide so the tailoring picture Is there a tradition YES tailoring is alive and common (many locals have clothes MADE rather than bought off the peg) so skilled tailors are everywhere and getting a garment made is very doable and good value How it works you choose FABRIC (from a fabric shop the textile shops have a wonderful range) then take it to a TAILOR with either a design (a picture) or BEST of all an existing GARMENT you love for them to COPY (replicating a favourite item gives the most reliable fit) they measure you and make it to your measurements Where the FABRIC and TAILOR shops in the towns and cities (the textile districts and markets the Pettah area in Colombo for fabric local tailor shops everywhere) ASK your guesthouse for a recommended reliable tailor (a personal recommendation gets you a good one) Fabrics gorgeous COTTONS and LINENS (ideal for the climate) BATIK (the beautiful hand dyed local cloth make a batik shirt dress or sarong a lovely tailored souvenir) handlooms and bright printed cottons How long the catch FACTOR IN TIME a tailored garment takes a few DAYS (sometimes a week with fittings) so do it EARLY in your trip or where you are based several days (not on your last day) allow a fitting Cost and quality GOOD VALUE the cost (fabric plus tailoring) is very reasonable versus home and a good tailor does excellent work caveats choose a recommended tailor agree price and details up front allow a fitting simple items (shirts dresses trousers a sarong) are very reliable So yes have clothes made buy lovely local fabric (cottons linens batik) take it to a recommended tailor with a garment to copy or a clear design get measured allow a few days (order early) and you get a well made great value tailored keepsake
The copy an existing garment trick is the secret to a perfect fit describing a design risks misunderstanding but a tailor copying a garment you already love and wear gets the fit and style right almost every time bring that favourite shirt or dress to replicate
Following up bought a beautiful batik cotton and found a recommended tailor through my guesthouse who is copying a dress I brought ready in three days for a tiny cost compared to home I am thrilled thank you all
A batik shirt or dress made for you is the loveliest souvenir choosing the hand dyed batik fabric then having it tailored to your fit gives you a unique wearable piece of Sri Lankan craft far more special than a shop bought top do the batik route
Buy lovely local fabric like cottons linens or batik take it to a recommended tailor with a garment to copy get measured and allow a few days so order early this is exactly the how to do it well I wanted the bring a favourite garment to copy tip is gold thank you
The order early advice is key I left it too late once and had to rush or miss the pickup do it in your first days somewhere you will stay a while or can return so there is time for the making and a fitting do not leave it to the end
Fair TukTuk Prices
Help travelers avoid overcharging!
Be the first to report a priceYou must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to Answer