I’m a plus sized western woman, and I know I won’t be able to buy clothes on the ready-to-wear rack here. Can anyone recommend a place where I could have some dresses or dress suits made? Any idea of what this would cost?
You could try the shops in Tien Mu, along the right side of Chung Shan N. Road, section 7, after the circle. They sell some larger sizes, as do a few shops on Wen Zhou Street, near Ta an Park. It really depends on your size, but I’ve seen large sizes in those places, especially Tien Mu.
There are tailors all over Taipei, but if you don’t speak Chinese, it may be a problem.
Try Howard Plaza Hotel tailors, corner Fuxing and Renai. Or take a trip to Shanghai or Bangkok, where the tailoring is much cheaper.
You also want to bring a picture of the suit or dress you’d like made, AND you’ll need to supply the fabric, which can be purchased very inexpensively on Tihua Street, which is the fabric district.
Try Amy the Dressmaker in Tienmu off of Chong Shan North Road Section 7, Lane 14, NO. 290-13, 2F. 2871-5057. She is very good, reasonably priced, and speaks English very well. She is great at making traditional Chinese outfits for people with boobs and butts! But she makes western styles, too. Best if you already have the fabric. If you don’t know how much to get, then get measured, talk to her about what you would like and she will tell you how much to get.
I just wanted to share my experience of having clothes made in other countries. I haven’t had anything made in Thailand, but the Thai silk is the most amazing fabric ever created. I have a couple pairs of drawstring Thai silk (the smooth shiny variety) pants I have worn for at least five years and they still look great. However, I had a few items made in Shanghai and only two of five pieces worked. The others were total dissasters, as they just couldn’t figure out how to deal with fitting someone with hips. I had to refuse two items and Amy was able to fix the pants to fit me. The tops were well done, but wow, check out those darts! A padded jacket came out nicely. I will say the hand done trimming in Shanghai is fantastic. It didn’t strike me as a particularly good deal, especially with all the trouble and I had to bargain pretty hard.
One other note, everything I have had made in Vietnam has fallen apart within six months to a year. Wasn’t really all that cheep, either. Maybe I need some recommendations of where to go!
Has anyone else used this lady?
J.
Ok - so I looked through the other forums on ‘tailor’ and they are all for men’s suits.
I need a tailor for a lovely little silk organza dress for sis’s wedding. It is quite delicate! so I am in need of someone who is skilled with women’s formal dresses? Maybe someone who has done wedding dresses, evening dresses or the like? Know of anyone?
Thanks!
Hey monkMarybucket!
I told you that if you go down to Di Hua street they have a building there with loads of tailors. I don’t know one off hand though. I had my wedding dress made so many years ago I’m not sure if that tailor is still around, but Chinese seamstresses are excellent in general. Take a photo of the dress you want and the fabric. Usually about a week til fitting.
Fredericka,
How are you? If I may clarify, is this the same Di Hua Street that has all the activitiy around Chinese New Year?
My girlfriend is looking to have a dress made for a special occassion. Should we select the fabric first? Is it available there in a separate shop or from the tailors? Also, (apporoximately) how much is a qipao or a formal dress going to cost?
Thanks a lot for the advice. Hope you had a great trip through Europe and a pleasant return to Taiwan. Welcome back.
Thanks Fee. Very pleasant trip, unpleasant journey back. Damn Cathay Pacific! Stranded six hours in Schipol airport.
There’s a building on Dihua (yes, the new years street) that is about six floors tall where they sell fabric and there are loads of seamstresses on the top couple floors. It’s not on the side where they sell the new year stuff, but off to the left side where they sell all the fabrics. Go into the building and browse around.
A dress should run around 5 to 10 grand depending on how detailed. You could buy the fabric there, or get it from another vendor first.
It’s one of my favourite places in Taipei. They’ve got an incredible variety of silks available, and it’s not unreasonably expensive either.
Probably cheaper to hop a flight to Bangkok, Bali, or Shanghai and get it made there though!
I had two trousers, a jacket, and two shirts made in Bali in February for US $100, if that’s any indication of the going rate in those places.
Thanks a lot, Fredericka.
I wish that I could, but lack of vacation time means that Di Hua Jie is probably the best option.
Thanks again. We will probably try to head over that way this weekend.
thanks bimmel 
I had forgotten about Dihua jie. My mom bought the dress in the states and sent it out here. Great dress - but too big! I don’t think it needs major alteration - but organza is so delicate that I want someone who can deal with it well.
I will go wander around there this weekend and see who I can find.
Do you happen to know if they do bras? Or of anyone else who can make them?
Thanks!
The Italians make wonderful bras. Ask around at the restaurants. Ask Papa Giovanni.
I wouldn’t trust a Chinese to make a bra that wasn’t super padded and baby blue, unless that’s what you want!
Monk, go there and you’ll see the bits that they make. I will ask around for you as well. I have a kiwi friend who might be able to do it, actually. Let me check.
there are actually tailor made bras???
I need to have a dress made. I know what I want and can get a picture and I already have the fabric, but i need a seamstress. Can someone help me?
Looking for a seamstress. One that can speak English. My girlfriend wants a dress made… 
Does anyone know if it’s possible (or affordable) to have clothes made here? I’m currently in Taipei and I would really like to have a dress made to wear to a friend’s wedding next month. When I was living in Beijing I had clothes made all the time and it cost practically nothing, but I haven’t really seen anywhere here which does that. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!
Yes - go to the fabric market on the corner of Dihua St. and Nanjing W Rd., or just north of there. This place is well-known for economical fabrics and tailoring. Dihua St. is very weel-known for having a traditional market.
I’m living in Japan and am planning to go back to Aus. in Dec.
I want to have a stop over - at this stage it looks like Taiwan.
I need to get fabric and have clothes made.
It seems from searches on here that I can do this in Taipei.
I’m planning to arrive on the 4th and leave on the 9th.
Is this enough time?
If anyone has recommendations of specific places,
I’d be really glad to hear them.
I’d really appreciate quick answers as I need to confirm my ticket ASAP.
Best wishes
TG
[quote=“tokyo_girl”]I’m living in Japan and am planning to go back to Aus. in Dec.
I want to have a stop over - at this stage it looks like Taiwan.
I need to get fabric and have clothes made.
It seems from searches on here that I can do this in Taipei.
I’m planning to arrive on the 4th and leave on the 9th.
Is this enough time?
If anyone has recommendations of specific places,
I’d be really glad to hear them.
I’d really appreciate quick answers as I need to confirm my ticket ASAP.
Best wishes
TG[/quote]
The prices aren’t that good here. You’ll probably be able to find better deals back home. From my experience, no you can’t get clothes made that fast.