Top 5 Myths About Custom Tailoring Debunked

Plenty of people who would love a suit that actually fits never get one made, because of a few stubborn assumptions: it takes weeks, it costs a fortune, it is only for men, or you need to live nearby. At Rashmi Custom Tailors we have been making suits and shirts on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui since 1987, and these myths come up often. Here is the reality.

Myth 1: Custom tailoring takes weeks

At Rashmi, a custom suit is made to order in our own Hong Kong workshop. Hong Kong is different. At Rashmi, men's suits are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours. Women's suits take at least 3 days.

That speed is what makes Hong Kong tailoring practical for visitors. You can come in early in your trip, have your fitting with Larry, our proprietor, and collect your suit before you leave. The one thing we do recommend is not leaving it until your last day. Give yourself a little breathing room, and for a wedding or other big event, plan well ahead rather than relying on the fastest possible turnaround.

Myth 2: Custom tailoring is only for the wealthy

Custom clothing has a reputation as a luxury. But at our Hong Kong shop, suits start from HK$3,500 and shirts from HK$580. That puts a suit made to your measurements within reach of many people who assume custom is out of their league.

It is also worth thinking about value rather than just price. A suit that fits properly is one you will actually wear, again and again, instead of one that hangs in the wardrobe because the shoulders never felt right. When you compare a custom suit with a ready-made one plus the cost of alterations, the gap is often smaller than expected. We explain this in more detail in our comparison of off-the-rack and custom clothing.

Myth 3: Custom tailoring is only for men

Tailoring has traditionally been associated with menswear, but we make women's suits as well as men's. Women often have an even harder time with ready-made suits: a jacket that fits the shoulders may not fit the waist, and trousers that fit the hips may gape at the back. Custom solves that by starting from your measurements rather than a standard size.

Women's suits take at least 3 days, so plan your visit accordingly. Pricing for women's suits is confirmed at your consultation. You can read more in our article on custom tailoring for professional women in Hong Kong.

Myth 4: You need to live in Hong Kong

You do not. There are several ways to work with us wherever you are:

• Visit on a trip: book ahead, come in early in your stay and collect before you fly
• Video consultation: talk through what you want before you travel, so you arrive with a plan
• Trunk shows: we visit cities abroad for in-person fittings. Details and upcoming dates are on our Trunk Shows page. At our US trunk shows, fittings are with Vijay, suits start from USD 695 and shirts from USD 105, and shipping to the US is free.

Myth 5: You need to know exactly what you want

Many first-timers worry they will be expected to arrive knowing lapel widths and fabric weights. You will not. A good tailor's job is to ask the right questions: what the suit is for, where you will wear it, how often, and what you like or dislike about the clothes you already own. From there, Larry helps you narrow down about 2,000 fabrics and choose the details.

Photos of styles you like are always useful, but not essential. You will find first-timers among the Google reviews on our homepage if you would like to hear how the experience felt from their side.

Quick answers

How much does a custom suit cost at Rashmi?

At our Hong Kong shop, suits start from HK$3,500 and shirts from HK$580. The final price depends on what you order and the fabric you choose, and pricing for women's suits is confirmed at your consultation.

How long does it take?

Men's suits are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours. Women's suits take at least 3 days.

Do you make women's suits?

Yes. We make women's suits, as well as men's suits, shirts, stretch polos, tuxedos, smoking jackets and trousers.

Can I talk to you before I travel?

Yes. Video consultations are available, and you can reach us by WhatsApp or email at any stage.

Where are you?

12/F, Block A, Suite A3, Burlington Arcade, 90–94 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, about 2 minutes' walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit B1. We are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm, and Sundays and public holidays 10am to 6pm, by appointment only (no walk-ins).

How long have you been in business?

Since 1987. In that time we have made clothes for over 45,000 clients, including around 5,000 grooms.

Book your fitting

Ready to see for yourself? Visits are by appointment only, so send a WhatsApp message to +852 9745 7058 or email [email protected] with what you would like made and your dates in Hong Kong. We will find a time for you to meet Larry, or set up a video consultation if you are still planning your trip.