Did I Just Find a Tailor?

The other day, I was walking toward the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) when I spotted a place where someone was busy sewing away, just like in the photo.

Could this be a tailor?

I immediately got excited and used Google Translate to ask, “Is this a tailor shop?”

They nodded.

Then I asked, “Could I bring something here to have made next time?”

They smiled.

It looked like Thai was the only language spoken, and the place felt very local, but that only made me want to give it a try.

A Trouser-Only Tailor?

A few days later, I went back with two requests: a matching set for my son and a sleeveless top for myself. Both were meant to be copies of clothes we already owned.

But the answer was immediate:

“Mai dai!” (“Can’t do it!”)

Then they showed me the garments they were working on and explained, “We only make trousers.”

I asked whether they made trousers only for men or for women as well.

They said they could make both men’s and women’s trousers, but not children’s clothing.

And from what I could see, they seemed to specialize specifically in suit trousers.

A tailor that makes nothing but trousers? I had no idea that was even a thing.

Maybe They Work with Bespoke Suit Shops?

I gave up on placing my order and continued walking.

Then, unbelievably, I found two more places that looked almost exactly the same.

Both told me the same thing: they could make trousers for men and women, but trousers only.

That got me thinking.

Bangkok has so many bespoke suit shops, most of which mainly serve men but can also make women’s suits. Could these small workshops be partner businesses that handle the trouser-making for those shops?

I wasn’t able to ask enough questions to confirm it, but that was my guess.

The Hunt Continues

Finding three trouser specialists in a row meant my first tailor hunt didn’t exactly result in a new order.

Still, I felt like I had caught a small glimpse of how Bangkok’s tailoring industry works behind the scenes.

Even better, the owner of the second trouser workshop pointed me toward another tailor a few doors down and said, “For women’s clothing other than trousers, go there.”

That shop looked a little too busy for me to stop and ask questions that day, but I definitely want to try again.

All of these places were within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the Rama 4 Tailor.

Now I’m curious: is this particular area some kind of tailoring district, or are small tailor workshops simply common all over Thailand?

That’s something I’d like to find out as I continue the hunt.

The Bangkok Tailor Hunt continues!

Next Journey : Buying Fabric — Should You Grab It Even Without a Plan?

Normally, I decide what kind of fabric I want before I go shopping.

But what happens when an unexpected fabric catches your eye?

See you on Next Journey : Buying Fabric — Should You Grab It Even Without a Plan?