Bangkok is one of the leading places in the world for dressmaking, whether you’re a designer working on a personal project and seeing access to quality fabrics or a tourist looking to order a custom dress. The city offers access to a wide range of fabrics, skilled dressmakers, and production knowledge on a scale that can be difficult to find in many parts of the world.
GDO Thailand summarises the dressmaking process in Bangkok, both for those looking to make their own dresses, and those looking to order have them custom-made.
If You Make Your Own Dresses or Are Looking for a Project
Before you begin any dressmaking work, you’ll need to secure some fabric. The right fabric determines how a dress drapes, breathes, and moves. If you’re looking to make a specific design, then the thickness, stiffness, or stretchability of a fabric can make all the difference.
Where to Buy Fabric in Bangkok
The most well-known area for fabric shopping is Phaurat, often referred to as Bangkok’s textile district.
Phaurat is popular with designers, tailors, and production houses because of the sheer variety available in a largely concentrated area. Visiting in-person allows you to actually feel a fabric to ensure it’s the right fit for your project, that it’s actually the color you want, and to ask questions such as about shrinkage and care. It may be better to buy slightly more than you think you need, especially if you’re buying fabric that’s limited in stock.
Some Options Include:
Fabrica International
Located just behind China World on the Phiraphong Road side, Fabrica International is well known for its refined selection of fabrics. The store offers satin and silky fabrics, along with a wide range of chiffon or silk with embroidery, among others. This is a good choice if you’re looking for elegant fabrics, with a wide range to choose from.
Maeliard Thai Silk (แม่เหลียดไหมไทย)
Located on the 2nd floor of Old Siam Plaza, Mae Lhiad is a long-standing shop that specializes in Thai silk. You’ll find which has a wide range of Thai silk options in plain and in different patterns. This is a strong option if you’re looking for authentic Thai silk.
If You’re Looking to Have a Dress Made with a Dressmaker
Many visitors come to Bangkok specifically to have clothes custom-made. Men’s tailoring is widely known, and you can find men’s tailors in every corner, but dressmaking is a different discipline entirely.
Men’s tailoring tends to focus on structured garments where there is limited variation in shape (e.g. suits, jackets, trousers, etc.) whereas a women’s dressmaker may have more experience with body contouring, considering fabric behaviour and movement, design interpretation from reference photographs and more. For dresses, particularly those that are fitted or have any form of embellishments, working with a specialist dressmaker may be the better choice.
Choosing a Dressmaker
When selecting your dressmaker, consider their experience with dresses in particular, their willingness to do fittings and adjustments (and whether this is included in the quoted price), and about timelines.
Bangkok Dress Tailor specializes in women’s dresses and wedding dresses. Their experience covers custom dresses for everyday wear and events, guidance on design and fabric selection, and a structured fitting process. They may be suitable for clients who want a more professional experience.
The Dressmaking Process in Bangkok
While the process will not be the same from dressmaker to dressmaker, a typical custom dress process begins with an initial design consultation where you can select the fabrics for your dresses and have your measurements taken. You can then expect one or more fittings depending on the complexity of your garments before they are delivered to you.
Rushing the process usually leads to compromises in fit or finish, so it’s best to allow enough time to have your dress made.
To Sum Up
Bangkok is an excellent place to explore dressmaking, whether you’re looking to work on your own projects or use the services of a professional dressmaker. Taking the time to choose the right fabric and specialist can make a significant difference in the final result of your dresses.