Tailoring clothes; a first experience

A quick guide to tailoring shirts for first timers; a quick reminder who might qualify as good tailors for myself. I am in Bangkok and I did the best that could ever be done to test who qualifies as a good tailor.

I went to two different tailor shops. One decidedly bad and the other good. Here’s what happened at:

the bad shop

1. I asked for a price quote and I was quoted.
2. I was asked to pick my cloth and I picked.
3. I asked for tuxedo-like pleats in front; I asked for a price quote and I was quoted.
4. I chose the cloth, decided on unpleated.
5. I was measured from:
   1. shoulder to buttocks
   2. shoulder to groin
   3. left shoulder to right shoulder
   4. chest circumference
   5. waist circumference
   6. hip circumference
6. a quick note: for reasons of urgency I went into this tailor shop which was the only one opened at a late hour. The shop was dimly lit and the cloth a little yellowish on the exposed surface. The guy looked sleepy and he speaks with a slur. I gave the benefit of the doubt and proceeded with the tailoring. For all I know he’s really a master tailor leh?

the good shop

1. I asked for a price quote and I was quoted.
2. I was asked to pick my cloth and was educated on the types of cloth, ie Egyptian and natural white etc. I was informed of the price addition pegged to the cloth quality, on top of the original quote.
3. I asked for tuxedo-like pleats in front and I was informed of further price additions.
4. I was undecided on the cloth and was recommended a combination of half-pleat and natural white cloth for reasons of tradition and pleat classicism after informing the guy that I usually wear white trousers and brown shoes.
5. I went with his recommendation.
6. I was measured:
   1. shoulder to buttocks
   2. shoulder to groin
   3. left shoulder to right shoulder
   4. chest circumference
   5. waist circumference
   6. hip circumference
   7. shoulder to elbow
   8. elbow to hand
7. a quick note: the tailor shop was well lit and had plenty of space. The guy was groomed. There was no doubts I was going to get a well-done shirt. But what is the price leh?