Judge a tailor by how they handle questions, not by the lowest price: ask what is included, how many fittings you get, what the fabric is and how long it will take, and look closely at finished garments. A good tailor will answer clearly and let you walk away to think.
Price is only one part of value
A low price can be a great deal or a compromise on fabric, construction or fittings. A high price is not automatically better either. The useful question is: what exactly do I get for this price? Below is a checklist you can use in any tailor shop, ours included.
Questions to ask
- What is included? Fabric, lining, number of fittings, alterations, delivery.
- What is the fabric? Fibre, weight and where it is suited. Be cautious of vague answers.
- How is the jacket constructed? See canvas vs fused suits.
- How many fittings will I have? One is the minimum for made-to-measure.
- What happens if it does not fit? You want a clear answer on alterations.
- How will it reach me or my hotel?
What to look at
- Finished garments: check the stitching, buttonholes and how the lapels lie.
- The inside: neat seams and a tidy lining suggest care.
- Symmetry: pockets, sleeves and lapels should match.
- The tailor’s questions: a good one asks about the occasion, climate and your preferences instead of simply selling.
Warning signs
- Pressure to decide immediately or claims that an offer ends today.
- Being led to a shop by someone who claims your chosen place is closed or moved.
- Refusing to explain what the price covers.
- No fitting, or a promise that no fitting is needed.
- Impossible promises on timing. Good work takes time, and a fair shop explains the trade-offs.
- Large deposits without any written record of what was agreed.
Protect yourself
- Keep a note, message or photo of what you ordered: fabric, style, price, dates.
- Take a photo of the fabric swatch you chose.
- Compare two or three shops before deciding, but do not leave it until your last days.
- Trust your instincts. If it feels rushed, step outside.
Fair expectations
A made-to-measure suit is not the same as one bought off the rack, and a tailor cannot work miracles in unrealistic timeframes. The best results come from time, good communication and honest fittings. We always ask for your departure date so we can say what is feasible.
How we approach it
At Oslo Tailor we are ladies and gent custom tailors at 54/2 Bangla Road. We make suits, tuxedos, shirts, blazers, overcoats, gowns and dresses, with fittings in the shop. You are welcome to look, ask questions and think about it. See how it works and our prices page.
Next step
Use the checklist, then book a fitting or message us on WhatsApp with what you need and your dates.
Common questions
Is the cheapest option always a bad idea?
Not necessarily, but ask what it includes. If something is very cheap, work out where the saving comes from: fabric, construction, fittings or time.
How many shops should I visit?
Two or three is enough to compare. More than that eats into the time you need for fittings.
Should I pay a deposit?
Many tailors take one. Whatever you agree, make sure you have a record of the order, the amount paid and what remains.
What if a street invitation seems pushy?
You can say no thanks and keep walking. You are never obliged to enter a shop.
How do I compare two quotes fairly?
Write both down side by side: fabric name and weight, lining, number of fittings, alterations, delivery and the date promised. Where one quote is missing a line, ask for it. Two prices only mean something once the scope matches.
Ready to plan yours?
Tell us what you want made and the date you leave Phuket. We will tell you what is realistic.
Visit us: 54/2 Bangla Road, Patong. Open 10:00 – 23:00.