Tailor-Made Clothing in Vietnam: Is It Sustainable? (2025) 

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Hoi An, Vietnam, is famous for its tailor shops, where you can get custom-made trousers, shirts, dresses, and even full suits, within a day or two. 

The appeal is clear: affordable prices, a perfect fit, and a fun travel experience. But how does tailor-made clothing compare to buying from big fashion brands?

In this post, we’ll break down the environmental impact, ethical considerations, and cost of getting custom clothing in Vietnam versus shopping from fast fashion retailers or even sustainable labels. Let’s dive in.

My Experience Getting Tailor-Made Clothes in Hoi An

I spent over three weeks in Hoi An, Vietnam, and I couldn’t believe how many tailor shops were everywhere. No matter where I walked, there were rows of storefronts filled with fabrics and tailors ready to create anything you could imagine.  

I had an idea for a pair of pants, so I headed to the big tailoring hall. Won’t lie, it was quite overwhelming at first, since they approach you from everywhere all the time. But after browsing for a bit, I found Ngô Thị Thu – a cheeky tailor I liked. 

We discussed the design, picked out colors and fabrics, and agreed on the details. The next day, my pants were ready. I went to pick them, and was very pleased with the result. They fit perfectly, with one minor adjustment, that was done the same day. I was so happy with the result that I had to order another pair but in a different color.

The whole experience made me wonder – how does this compare to buying clothes from big brands in Europe? Let’s break it down.

Environment, Ethics & Cost: The Big Comparison

Environmental Impact: Is Tailor-Made Clothing More Sustainable?

Fast fashion creates an overwhelming amount of waste, relying on cheap synthetic fabrics like polyester (made from fossil fuels) that shed microplastics every time they’re washed. Studies show 73% of microplastic pollution in Arctic waters comes from synthetic textiles.

Beyond microplastics, the overall waste is staggering – the U.S. alone tossed out 17 million tons of textiles in 2018, with over 11 million tons ending up in landfills. Some don’t even make it there.

Ever heard of the Atacama Desert in Chile? It’s one of the driest places on Earth, and it has become a dumping ground for fast fashion’s leftovers. We’re talking mountains of unsold clothing – all just sitting in the middle of the desert.  

This is where making tailor-made clothing in Vietnam could be a more sustainable option – you won’t support fast fashion brands, and clothes are made to order, reducing overproduction waste. Plus, you can avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and choose natural fibers like cotton or linen.

That said, traceability is a challenge. While tailor shops have a huge range of fabrics, finding organic or recycled options can be tough, and they rarely provide transparency about sourcing. Unlike certified sustainable brands, it’s difficult to know if materials are ethically produced.

Ethics: Who Benefits From Your Purchase?

Ethically, tailor-made clothing in Vietnam can be a much better option than big-brand fashion. 

Many global brands rely on factories in developing countries where workers are underpaid and often work in poor conditions, prioritizing profit over fair wages and ethical sourcing.

By getting my pants tailored in Hoi An, I knew I was directly supporting a small, local business. My tailor sets her prices, works in her shop, and is not pressured by mass production quotas. 

However, not all tailor shops operate this way – some outsource their work to larger factories, so it’s worth asking how the clothes are made.

Cost: Is Tailor-Made Clothing More Affordable?

Tailor-made clothing in Vietnam is very affordable. I paid around $20–$30 per pair of custom-tailored pants in Hoi An. Something it would’ve cost easily $100 or more for a similar pair from Europe or the US.

Considering that I got a completely customized fit, with my choice of fabric and design, the price difference felt huge. There was a slight catch, tho.

Since tailor shops in Vietnam don’t have fixed pricing, you need to negotiate. Some tailors might overcharge tourists, so what I did was I went to multiple shops to ask how much they would charge me for my pants. Then I could easily compare prices and choose the tailor I liked the most.

Pros & Cons of Tailor-Made Clothing in Vietnam

Pros:

• Endless choices – You get to customize everything: fabric, color, design, and fit. 
• Quick turnaround – Many tailors can create clothes in just 24-48 hours. 
• Affordable pricing – I paid less than I would for a similar pair of pants from a big European or sustainable brand. 
• Supports local artisans – Your money goes directly to small businesses rather than massive corporations. 
• Perfect fit – Unlike store-bought clothing, tailor-made pieces fit your exact measurements. 
• Fun experience – Walking into a tailor shop, choosing every detail, and seeing your vision come to life, it was a really fun experience. Since we went back to the same tailor multiple times (my partner also made a few different pairs of pants with her), we were making jokes with her in the end, which made the whole process feel more personal and enjoyable.

Cons:

• Limited sustainable materials & traceability – While there were tons of fabric options, organic or recycled materials weren’t easy to find. Most tailors don’t disclose where their fabrics come from, making it difficult to verify ethical or sustainable sourcing. 
• Difficult to verify eco-friendly production – Even if you find sustainable fabrics, it’s hard to know whether the entire production process meets eco-friendly standards. 
• Quality can vary – Some tailors are better than others, so you need to choose carefully. 
• No standard pricing – Prices vary between shops, and some may overcharge tourists. 
• No returns or exchanges – Since it’s custom-made, if something isn’t quite right, you’re stuck with it. I was lucky since before finding Ngô Thị Thu, I made another pair of my pants with another tailor, and they did not turn out the way I wanted at all. But luckily, she was still flexible, so she made a few changes I asked her for, so then they ended up a bit closer to what I wanted. 

Was This Experience Worth It?

While it isn’t exactly black or white, for me it was. Getting clothes tailored felt more personal and fun – chatting with my tailor, laughing, and being part of the process made the experience way more meaningful than just grabbing something off a rack. 

Plus, I got exactly what I wanted for an affordable price. From a sustainability perspective, tailor-made clothing does reduce waste compared to fast fashion. You also have the freedom to choose natural fabrics instead of synthetic ones like polyester.

However, it’s not a perfect solution. Finding organic or recycled fabrics was tough, and most tailors don’t provide transparency about where their materials come from.  

Quality is another factor to consider. While my experience was great, not every tailor delivers the same level of craftsmanship, so it’s essential to do some research before choosing a shop.

If you decide to do it, don’t be afraid to ask the tailor questions about materials and sourcing; it’s the best way to make a more informed choice.

FAQ

How do I find a good tailor in Vietnam?

Check online reviews, ask to see samples of their work, and pay attention to how they communicate. A good tailor will listen to your requests, offer suggestions, and take precise measurements. If possible, ask other travelers or expats for recommendations.

Also, not all tailors speak fluent English, so it’s important to explain everything clearly. Be precise about the fit, fabric, and details you want. Repeat key points to avoid misunderstandings, and if possible, bring reference photos.

What if I don’t like how my clothes turn out?

Not every tailor will get it right on the first try. I had one tailor make a pair of pants that didn’t turn out as expected, so I had to ask her to make some changes before taking them. After that, it was better but not quite there yet. So, I took the pair to another tailor, explained the exact thing and changes I wanted, and got exactly what I was looking for. If you’re not happy with the results, ask for some adaptations, and ultimately, try a different tailor.

Can I bring my own fabric to a tailor?

Yes! If you find fabric elsewhere, most tailors will be happy to use it. This is a great way to ensure you’re getting eco-friendly materials while still enjoying a custom fit. We actually found a great tailor, but she didn’t have the exact pattern we wanted, so we went looking for the right fabric and then brought it back to her so she could use it for our pants.

What if I want to recreate a piece of clothing I already own?

Easy! My partner and I did exactly that. You can bring the item to the tailor, and they can copy it – sometimes even improving the fit. You can also request small modifications, like changing the length or adding pockets.

Do I need to negotiate prices?

Yep. While some tailors have fixed prices, in more touristy areas such as Hoi An, there’s room to negotiate. And if you’re ordering multiple pieces, you might be able to get a discount.

Tips to Make Your Tailor-Made Clothing More Sustainable

1. Bring old clothes for repair or upcycling. Instead of making something new, consider bringing in old clothes that need fixing or upgrading. Many tailors can resize, adjust, or even transform an outdated piece into something fresh and wearable again. For example, my partner brought a bag with a broken zipper and got it repaired, and he also had some adjustments made to the pockets of his linen pants.
2. Choose natural and sustainable fabrics. Avoid polyester and other synthetic materials. Instead, opt for natural fabrics like linen, organic cotton, hemp, silk, or bamboo. I found bamboo cotton as one of the few sustainable options available, so they do exist! It just might take some effort to find. Checking fabric markets before going to the tailor can help you source better materials. If the tailor doesn’t have what you need, you can always bring your fabric to ensure you get the best eco-friendly option.
3. Ask about deadstock fabrics. Some tailors may have leftover fabric from previous projects that would otherwise go to waste. Using deadstock fabric is a great way to minimize textile waste while still getting a custom-made piece.
4. Choose timeless, versatile pieces. To make sure your clothes last, go for classic designs that won’t go out of style quickly. A well-made, timeless piece means you’ll wear it for years.
5. Make sure it fits well. A perfect fit means you’ll wear the piece, rather than letting it sit in your closet unworn. Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments! Like I mentioned, I first had another tailor make a pair of pants that didn’t turn out as I expected. So, I brought them to a different tailor, explained the changes I wanted, and got exactly what I was looking for.
6. Be precise with your requests. Sometimes, there might be a language barrier, so it’s important to explain everything clearly and repeat key details. This helps prevent mistakes, unnecessary alterations, and wasted materials.
7. Consider repairability. Avoid designs with fragile embellishments or difficult-to-replace zippers. Choose sturdy stitching and classic closures like buttons, which are easier to repair if needed.

Final words

So, is tailor-made clothing in Vietnam better than buying from big brands? The answer isn’t black and white.

Ultimately, it depends on what matters most to you. If you’re traveling in Vietnam and want a unique, budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe, getting custom clothes is an experience worth trying. 

But if sustainability and traceability are your biggest priorities, an eco-friendly brand may be the better choice for you.

Does supporting local artisans outweigh the benefits of buying from certified sustainable brands for you? Or would you rather choose certified sustainable brands? Let me know below!