Buying Suits In Beijing: A Traveler's Guide

Beijing, China's capital, is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving fashion industry. The city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, including the iconic Great Wall and the bustling Silk Market. For those seeking to purchase a suit during their travels in Beijing, the city presents a plethora of options, from bespoke tailors to high-end fashion stores. Whether you're looking for a custom-made suit or a ready-to-wear option, Beijing has something to offer for every taste and budget. The city is known for its skilled tailors and high-quality fabrics, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking to add a touch of style to their wardrobe. From the Ya Show market to high-end stores like Suit Supply, Beijing offers a diverse range of choices for suit enthusiasts.

Where to find tailors in Beijing

Beijing is known for its tailors and markets, with many travellers opting to get suits, shirts, and dresses made during their visit.

The Silk Market is one of the most famous markets in Beijing, with 1,700 vendors and more than 3,000 salespeople. It is located at No. 8 East Xiushui Street, Chaoyang District, and is open from 9 am to 9 pm. The tailors are generally friendly, but be prepared to haggle, and preferably bring a local Chinese person who has a good knowledge of costs and can help with negotiations. Suits here start from around 600 RMB, and shirts from 150 RMB.

Another option is the Yashow Market, located at 58 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. This market has undergone a renovation, which has resulted in fewer fake products and higher prices. Suits here start from around 800 RMB, and shirts from 150 RMB to 300 RMB.

For those looking for a more traditional storefront, there are a few well-known tailors, including Senli & Frye, Dave's Custom Tailors, and Hanloon. However, these options will be more expensive, with suits costing several thousand RMB.

Additionally, there are reports of good tailors at the Ya Xiu market, particularly one facing the staircase or escalator, and another called Lena's Tailor Shop, which has another shop at the Silk Market called Tailoring by Lena.

Lastly, for those looking to buy their own fabric, Mu Xu Yuan, located down by the Temple of Heaven, is recommended.

How to choose a good tailor

When choosing a good tailor in Beijing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to do your research beforehand. While Beijing is famous for its tailor markets, the quality and price can vary greatly. It is worth checking online reviews and recommendations from other customers to get an idea of the best options available.

Secondly, it is advisable to bring a local Chinese person or someone who is familiar with the local price levels when visiting the tailor markets. Prices for foreigners are often marked up, and having someone who knows the local language and culture can be extremely helpful during the haggling process.

Thirdly, take your time when selecting a tailor. Avoid rushing and choosing the first tailor you see, as the best ones are often not located near the entrance. Spend some time exploring the market, observing where other foreigners go, and asking locals or expats for their recommendations.

Finally, pay attention to the quality of the fabric and the stitching. Feel free to touch the fabric to assess its quality, and check for loose threads or uneven stitches, which can be warning signs.

Some specific tailors in Beijing that come recommended include Carol & Luc, D&J Fine Tailor, Dave's Custom Tailoring, Fei Fei, Hanloon Tailor, Lisa's Tailor Shop, and Senli & Frye. Prices can range from as little as 600 RMB for a suit in the tailor markets to several thousand RMB for a suit from a high-end tailor.

Suit prices in Beijing

Marketplaces:

The Silk Market, Yashow Market, and Ya Xiu Market in Beijing are popular places to find tailors. At these markets, suits can range from 600 RMB to 1500 RMB or more, depending on the fabric and the tailor's skills. It's important to note that heavy bargaining is often required at these markets, and prices can be as low as 800 RMB for a suit with two trousers and a shirt made from high-end fabric. Shirts at these markets typically cost between 80 RMB and 300 RMB.

Independent tailors:

Outside of the markets, there are independent tailors in Beijing who offer their services. Prices for suits from independent tailors can start at around 2500 CNY and go up to 3000 CNY or more, depending on the fabric and the tailor's skills. It's recommended to do some research before visiting these tailors, as prices can vary, and quality may differ.

High-end stores:

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are high-end stores in Beijing that offer suits starting at $499 and go up to $673 or more. These suits are typically made from Italian wool and are crafted with handmade details, offering a more premium experience.

In summary, suit prices in Beijing can range from a few hundred RMB to several thousand CNY, depending on the fabric, the tailor's skills, and the location of the store. It's important to do your research, know what you want, and be prepared to bargain, especially at the markets. Additionally, it's recommended to allow for at least one week to have a suit made, as multiple fittings may be required.

Suit quality in Beijing

For a higher-quality suit, you can expect to pay RMB3000 and up. These suits will be made with better fabric and are likely to last longer. Some travellers have reported paying around RMB1500 for a suit with three pairs of trousers, and this was made with high-quality fabric. Another traveller reported paying RMB800 for a suit with two trousers and a shirt, also made with high-end fabric.

There are a few places in Beijing that are known for their quality suits. Ya Xiu, on the third floor of Ya Show Market, is recommended by several people. It is important to note that heavy bargaining is required here. Another recommended tailor is Lena's Tailor Shop, with suits starting at RMB1000, depending on the fabric. This shop also offers alterations.

Other recommended tailors include Carol and Luc's in the diplomatic compound near Jianguomen Station, D&J Fine Tailoring (ask for June), and Jenny's, where a tuxedo made with Italian fabric costs around RMB5000. Brio near Dawanglu is also mentioned as a high-quality, but expensive, option for suits.

If you are looking for a ready-to-wear suit, SuitSupply in Chaoyang offers Italian wool suits for $499.

Suit styles in Beijing

Beijing is known for its plethora of tailors, ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to high-end boutiques. The city's suit styles vary, with options available for every budget and taste.

For those seeking a bargain, the third floor of the famous Silk Market offers a range of tailors producing suits at competitive prices. While the quality of the fabric may not be the highest, it is still possible to find a good deal with heavy bargaining. Expect to pay around RMB 800 for a suit and be prepared to haggle for the best price.

If you're looking for something more personalised, Beijing is home to several renowned tailors who offer custom-made suits. Carol & Luc, located in the Chaoyang District, offer men's suits in the RMB 1,000 range with more personalised service and superior fabrics than the Yashow tailors. D&J Fine Tailor, also in Chaoyang, has over 30 years of experience in custom-making Chinese and Western-style clothing, with men's shirts starting at RMB 150.

For those with a higher budget, Dave's Custom Tailoring in the Kerry Centre Shopping Mall offers pristine quality and craftsmanship in men's suits, with each suit priced at RMB 5,000. Senli & Frye, located in the Yaxing Building in Chaoyang, is another high-end option, known for its emphasis on imported fabrics and detail-oriented stitching. Their suits start at RMB 2,000.

When buying suits in Beijing, it is important to know what you want, as there are many options and customisations available. It is recommended to have at least two fittings and to bring pictures of the desired style if possible. The quality of the suit will depend on the price, with higher-priced suits made from European fabrics likely to last longer.

Overall, Beijing offers a wide range of suit styles, from cheap market finds to bespoke creations by skilled tailors. With a variety of options to choose from, visitors can find suits that fit their budget and taste, whether they are looking for a quick purchase or a custom-made garment.

Frequently asked questions