One of the real pleasures I find in life is pulling on a good looking, well fitted suit. It makes me feel great and fills me with confidence. The first time I got a tailor made suit was about five years ago, when a good friend of mine got married. I was the best man at a wedding and the groom was kind enough to provide me and the other grooms man matching tailor made suits. I felt fantastic that day – what a gift! and a fine occasion it was for as well.
Sadly, despite a number of repairs, suits do tend to take a bit of a beating over time and I recently had to retire it. A conversation with a colleague who has been in Dubai for some years recommended that I visit the tailor that he has been using for sometime, who am I to turn down some local knowledge?
After a battle with the traffic around Bur Dubai we were soon at the tailors “Parmar” – they also have a high end branch at DIFC called “Bespoke” though I chose to go to the more authentic and original branch.
My colleague knew all the guys and within a mater of moments swatches of fabric were rapidly brought forth as well some coffee/tea/water and the initial obligatory price haggling.
I have never gone through the full process of buying a custom made suit and the buying process was a real pleasure at Parmar. The sales guys were really patient and had plenty of good advice. First up was the material choice – it was fairly for me to choose as I was after a grey suit with a subtle pin stripe and the overall style of the suit i.e. single breasted, trouser style and vent type. After that the fun really starts.
The beauty over an off the peg suit is the custom touches and details the tailors can add. I requested a nice bright lining with contrasting piping, button holes stitched to match the pin stripe, working cuffs on the suit and even my name in stitched on the inside for that real personal touch.
I also invested in a couple of tailor made shirts – again there was a wide choice of collar and cuff styles along with a broad variety of materials. I chose to personalise the shirts with a very discrete stitching of my initials on the cuff.
Here you can see the wide choice of fabrics and the various shirt styles you can chose from:
Once all the design choices are made then the sales guys called for a “Master” – I can only presume that this was a master tailor who came to measure me. In case you wonder – he did not ask if I dressed to the left or to the right – though he took a lot of measurements. Just when I thought I was done, a second master was called. Apparently the first was for suits the second was the master tailor for shirts. I just loved this service. Here are the masters hard at work:
The next visit will be in two weeks where they will have built a template suit for me to try on. Once that fitting is complete there will be one or maybe two more further fittings before I get my hands on the product. I really hope it is worth waiting for.
Hi,
I have been following your blog for a short time now as I am very interested in Dubai. It’s all very interesting, especially your latest entry. Would love to see the finished suit.
Keep up the great work.
Cheers
Alex
By: Alexander on February 16, 2008
at 4:45 am
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the kind comments. I really Dubai and enjoy living here. I will be sure to post about the end product with the suit – I am excited to see what it will turn out like.
Cheers
Aaron
By: Aaron on February 16, 2008
at 10:40 am
HI Aaron, any suggestion if i need to buy a nice wedding suit in Dubai? Something like Ascot suit.
By: Sam on September 16, 2010
at 8:58 am
Hi Sam – you could try Parmar, M2M or Bespoke. All of them could tailor you something up. If you wanted something off the peg then Harvey Nicols would be a good start!
By: Aaron on September 16, 2010
at 9:06 am
Hi Aaron
I’d like to see the result too, particularly after a few wears, and to get an idea of costs. I had two suits and shirts tailor made in Vietnam once, and quickly found that they weren’t as good as an off-the-rack one because the materials used weren’t right. At first they seemed great… However, a referral for a good tailor is always better.
cheers
Dave
By: Dave on February 16, 2008
at 3:29 pm
Hi Dave – I will confess to also having two suits made in Vietnam about 10 years ago. However you get what you paid for – the material was a let down and they never delivered the fine detail I wanted in a tailor made suit. So like you I was a little disappointed.
Rest assured I will give my honest opinion on this current suit and tailor.
Cheers
Aaron
By: Aaron on February 20, 2008
at 2:57 am
Hi Aaron,
How much will the suit set you back. I got a quote for a tailor made suit in Perth and it was $23,000 AUD.
By: LDU on February 20, 2008
at 6:01 am
Wow – $23,000 is a huge sum of money. The suit here in Dubai will cost me a shade over $1000 USD
By: Aaron on February 20, 2008
at 3:17 pm
$23,000 ? are you serious??? Wot were they going to make it out of? I’ve been to Perth several times as I have family there. Tell me the name of the tailor so I can have my brother-in-law check it out or me.
A
By: Alexander on February 21, 2008
at 12:17 pm
well done. I have a few suits form Parmar that are almost 8 years old and in perfect nick. – just make sure the allowances account for the middle age spread-to-come.
I think I paid 2,500 back then for 120 cotton.
By: nick on February 21, 2008
at 1:56 pm
I agree with you on the suit, Aaron. I don’t use this particular tailor, I go to Royal and shall be visiting them later this year to get a new suit made. It really is a fabulous experience and you do feel good putting on something that was actually made to fit you.
The next thing is to find someone who hand makes shoes to measure – I’m sure that somewhere in Dubai such a business exists but I haven’t found it yet.
DB
By: dubaibilly on March 1, 2008
at 8:37 am
Aaron, would be interested to hear your thoughts on the suit. I’m in the market for a new one so might follow your example!
By: HMHB on March 3, 2008
at 12:29 pm
Hey There HMHB and Dubaibilly – I have had towo fittings so far with a template suit made from muslin. The shirts are done and are looking rather splendid. They hope to have the suit done by the end of March (and another couple of fittings) – I will be sure to post on the final product.
Cheers
Aaaron
By: Aaron on March 4, 2008
at 2:17 am
[...] For a King After a six week wait and three fittings I picked up my tailor made suit today. While it was a pain to keep on going to Bur Dubai where you have to battle the traffic then [...]
By: Fit For a King « An Englishman in Dubai on March 27, 2008
at 8:29 pm
I am a tailor. I want a job for tailorin in dubai.
By: hussain ali on July 29, 2008
at 1:43 pm
dear sir
i am loking for tailoring job in our company
so plz. reply me
By: OBRAHIM KHAN on January 19, 2009
at 2:13 pm
Dear Sir,
I’m a seaman who’s currently in Dubai DryDocks and was wondering if you can give me contacts on where I can have my wedding suit tailored.
Looking forward to hear from you
By: Hafeni Shihepo on June 6, 2009
at 6:58 pm
Dear Sir,
I’m getting married soon 21st sep and i was wondering if you can give me contacts on where I can have my wedding suit tailored.
thanks
By: amjad bakir on August 12, 2009
at 9:44 pm
Speak to these chaps – http://www.parmartailors.com/
By: Aaron on August 12, 2009
at 10:11 pm
Thanks for d link
By: feasy on September 15, 2009
at 1:10 pm
Hi there,
Having done extensive research on tailoring bespoke suits in Dubai for myself, family and friends, I have found that ‘Royal Fashion’ is the best in the business for sure!
They are conveniently located in four buzzing spots around Dubai (1) Pyramid Bldg, opp Bur Juman Centre (2) Dubai Mall (3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel (4) Souk Madinat Jumeirah
By far the finest fabrics, awesome finish, massive variety and great service too!
Thought this would be of interest to you and readers of your blog…Check them out!
http://www.royalfashion.biz
By: AP on September 29, 2009
at 9:45 pm
@AP thanks for dropping by!
By: Aaron on September 29, 2009
at 9:57 pm
Hi!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and found in it a very interesting perspective at the Middle Eastern life.
There’s a question I’ve been asking myself for the past years, and you might probably have a better insight:
Would it be culturally/socially acceptable in the UAE if an expat, who has decided to settle, wants to wear a Kandura? Or would it be considered offensive/unacceptable? What would the considerations be?
Keep up the good writing; a writing style is being born here.
Cheers!
By: Dennis on October 7, 2009
at 6:54 pm
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and thank you for your kind words.
Wearing a Kandura – my personal take on it is that anything you wear in Dubai one must be conscious of the environment one is in. As an expat myself I have “heard” expats should not wear this as to cause offence. Again – I simply would not wear one as I wouldn’t feel comfortable.
By: Aaron on October 7, 2009
at 11:09 pm
Dear Sir /Madam,
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By: Amy on January 4, 2010
at 2:39 pm
Dear sir or madam.
I need a suit that fits me very well and has the look.
The words is I am not in UAE or in Dubai and I don’t have much many to buy, it is my brother wedding day.
I have absolutely no time for shopping when I get there. I need you to deliver to home.
help me quickly as possible please.
My suit shoult be 500 dirham.
call me if need anything 0025290752977
waiting your positive response.
all the best.
Abdulahi Hajiali
By: Abdulahi Hajiali on April 10, 2010
at 11:01 am
@Abdulahi Hajiali – I think you need to call the tailor direct on Tel : +971-4-3535648
By: Aaron on April 10, 2010
at 11:18 am
hi Aaron,
currently I do struggling with getting a suit for myself. due my rare fit, decided to go to with tailor made. I visited Parmar and couple of others since mostly I realized I am paying for fabric. what was your selection( just curious) and what is you verdict? are you satisfied? have not found your entry on that.
thanks.
By: Vincent on April 23, 2010
at 11:30 pm
@vincent – I ended up choosing a nice super 180s fabric and it was pricey but ultimately soft and cool for the weather here.
I was very pleased with the suit and invariably get comments when I wear it. Mainly due to the numerous subtle bespoke design touches they put into the suit.
Hope that helps
By: Aaron on April 24, 2010
at 6:24 am
Aaron, I recently went to Parmar and was quoted 5000 dirhams for 120 wool with an extra pair of trousers. This seems pretty extornionate. The tailors also were not keen to haggle. Any tips?
By: James on April 26, 2010
at 9:07 pm
Hi James – that sounds about standard. You could do a couple of things to reduce the price – 1. Look at sourcing the material elsewhere – just ask them how many yards you need 2. You could also ask them to do it by “machine” as opposed to “hand stitching”
Those should each reduce the cost – good luck!
By: Aaron on April 26, 2010
at 9:28 pm
Hi Aaron..i handle the marketing for a bespoke tailoring boutique on Beach Road called M2M and would love to have you do a feature on us.
Drop me a line if you are in town and interested.
By: Muskan on August 18, 2010
at 11:14 am
Hi Muskan – I will drop you a line
By: Aaron on August 18, 2010
at 3:55 pm
Were the rates reasonable? I am wanting to commission a dress with Parmar.
By: iammichellepham on October 3, 2010
at 9:35 am
An interesting topic: I have used Parmar Tailors and they are only ok. Living in Yorkshire, I bought my own cloth and they made the suits, charging 2,000 d’s, about £200 which I consider quite high: the last one I had made they only charged me 1,000, but now it’s up to 2,00 again. Previously I have used Rajah Tailors in Hong Kong: they visit the UK and send it back to you no problem, about £100 and far superior, with all that postage, no extra tax.
Royal Tailors got a real criticism on another website recently; so I am loathe to use them with my latest length of super 180.
Does anyone know of an established tailor in Dubai who has consistent quality at around 1500
d’s for CMT (making the suit from my material).
By: Roger G. on October 9, 2010
at 12:04 pm
Hi Roger – why don’t you give M2M a go.
By: Aaron on October 10, 2010
at 8:31 pm
Try profile tailoring at crowne plaza business tower 17th f.. U might be surprise !!
By: James on February 20, 2011
at 5:44 pm
I stitched many trousers with Parmer, their finishing is good but you don’t get right fitting with them
By: Melwin on November 22, 2010
at 2:13 pm
Royal Tailors is a nightmare! Being an ardent supporter of customized clothing for the past 10 years i have visited quite a few tailors in dubai. i decided to give this a try as it was close to home. Big mistake. ordered a suit, came in for a trial and the jacket was too short. they said they would fix it and have it ready in a week. when i went to pick it up it was ready – only the length was not fixed. they swear they fixed it so i must have become taller in 10 days. they did nothing to remidy the situation. i had paid the cost of the material and the stitching upfront – so basically i had no choice but to walk out with a suit that i know i will never wear. will go to kachins (bur dubai) or Parmar (JLT) next time…
By: satyen choksi on January 9, 2011
at 3:41 pm
Hey guys,
I have been going to Kachins 44 Street on the Bank Street (Bur Dubai) and these guys are awesome! Great prices, great quality and the finest selection of fabrics. It is definitely value for money and my first fitting itself was perfect with minor changes…I believe they have branches in Meena Bazaar and Dubai Marina as well..They are in the business for over 25 years now as far as I know so you must definitely give them a shot!…my experience with them is good and very consistent!!
By: Andrew on March 31, 2011
at 12:07 pm
I only hear good things about Kachins!
By: Aaron on March 31, 2011
at 1:20 pm
Hi Andrew, can you give me a rough idea how much the suits were as a ball park? Heading there in a few weeks!
Cheers
By: Dan on October 3, 2011
at 11:44 am
You are looking at around 5000aed
By: Aaron on October 14, 2011
at 2:19 am
Hi Guys, for your bespoke Shoes, hand made Goodyear welted, in Dubai, visit http://www.italianshoefactory.com or call 050 6501028
By: Amin on October 14, 2011
at 9:32 am
Hi I just got back from Dubai and figured I should leave some comments as they were helpful to me.
I went to Kachins, overall very happy with the experience.
Cost for 2 piece suit was around 2300 AED with a 150s fabric, got quoted about 1700 for 110s fabric from Lobo.
It was a little stressful as it took a few days to get the fabric, in the end they managed to get it all done in about 3 days! Quality is still great though, but yea glad i went in on the first day to allow for delays!
I didn’t really try to bargain the price down anymore (prob could have?) but I was pretty happy with the price.
Any questions just let me know
Cheers
By: Dan on October 24, 2011
at 9:16 am
Hi, and I too have a label jusl like you in Karachi, Pakistan. Am in need of quality fabric at economical prices and that too in Dubai. Is it possible if you could help.
By: Ayaz ul Haque on May 25, 2011
at 2:10 pm
Hi. I am the regular customer of kachins frm last 5 years. They have very unskilled staff , they dont care about the customer . Very bad quality, poor service……..!
By: Sharma on June 7, 2011
at 7:27 pm
HI
By: SANJAY on June 7, 2011
at 7:58 pm
Had some custom shirts made for me at Kachins this summer (and have been tailored by them for around 18 years now). I got the materials from the surrounding shops which took about an hour. The shirts came to about 80 dir per shirt (not including material), which had details such as different material on the inside of the cuff and collar, intials on the cuff and a loop and button on the inside of the collar to keep it in place. Also, the shirts fitted well except for one which was a little tight. Will be going this friday to be fitted for a suit or two. Will tell you guys how that goes. They are speedy, well priced and very friendly, so i can hardly complain10/10.
What is the best material for a suit by the way? Will be used here this summer and the uk later this year thanks
By: shaun on June 22, 2011
at 11:48 am
There is a shop on SZR Crowne Plaza hotel Office Tower 17 floor ..Profile Tailoring- i had 2 suits made there ,pretty amazing.!! good price to !!
By: james on June 22, 2011
at 4:29 pm
If anyone wants to make a bespoke shoes can get a goodyear welted shoes at Italian Shoe Factory. you can search on facebook or call
04-3404076
By: amin on July 14, 2011
at 1:23 pm
I wanted to get a suit made in Abu Dhabi, and the best place i could go was Zeena Tailors, The owner was a nice lady, and the price was quite reasonable, call them on 02-6314644 or durria@zeenatailors.com
By: hmansoor on October 13, 2011
at 9:51 pm
ASSALAMUALAYKUM!!!!!
hello sir/madam ,
i am Tariq Mehmood i am a professional ladies & Gents & cutter & Alteration tailor i am 40 years married man from pakistan i read the wants from you that you want a tailor i am perfect for it if you will give me the chance i will never disappoint you hope you will give me kind replay
thankingyou
your sincerely
Tariq Mehmood.
mob#00923216220310.
By: tariq on October 15, 2011
at 3:58 pm
am a bespoke suitmaker. Any vacancy for me?
By: ameenu on October 16, 2011
at 1:36 pm
Assalamu alaikum.. hai guys am a bespoke suit maker handmade specialist.. Am working now in india tamilnadu chennai.. I know all kinds of suits. Its fits ur body comfortable and slimfit.,. So much kinds of suits i knew to make example cooton suits its never give dath much weight and without inner lining it will have. Inside all are handmade by pipings and much more. Am a specialist in canves coat And its totally hand maded coat that i have know. Am 6 years experienced in bespoke coatmaker. Here i am not interested to work.. Coz financial problem. But work is in my hands! So am searching a good company in dubai to show my work. I know u sure u guys will help me.. Insha allah…
By: ameenu on October 24, 2011
at 4:54 am
sorry guys i have done a spelling mistake on my last comment. Its cotton coat an much more…. Waiting for ur comments !
By: ameenu on October 24, 2011
at 4:59 am
Very informative write up, Aaron. If I understand correctly, the average price for a S180 suit was AED 5,000. Is this full bespoke i.e. hand basted canvas, multiple fittings, etc? If so, it is very good value. If you don’t mind my asking, from which mill or house was the fabric?
By: M R T on October 26, 2011
at 11:59 am
Yes it was full bespoke suit with a template suit made and multiple fittings. I can’t recall the exact cloth but I do know it was rather pricey.
By: Aaron on October 27, 2011
at 4:32 am
hi guys
i went to shj for bespoke tailoring amazing quality by penguin tailor in zam zam market shj they stich bespoke shirt bespoke suit at very reasoble price shop is very old for 22 yrs the owner is from bombay they high very good fabric i have done somany work from them i am satisfied try it out
their local no is 065683925 ask for anand master
sayyed
By: sayyed .m on February 4, 2012
at 3:58 pm
I have tried Parma Tailors but they were very pricy, i have called other tailors on this list, but the best Tailor for a bespoke Suit was Zeena Tailors in Khalidiya Street, Abu Dhabi. They took my measurements, they showed me their fabrics and were very honest about the quality and prices, They even suggested to me that if I dint like the fabrics in their collection, i could buy my fabric from any other store, But i ended up liking one of their fabrics. The stitching prices were very reasonable. The fitting was right the first time. Email them on zeenatailors@gmail.com or call them on 02-6314644
By: Aziz on March 6, 2012
at 9:46 am
How do u feel ur fitting azeez’?
Its suits ur style huh ? And howz coats finishng?
By: ameenu on March 7, 2012
at 7:44 am
Try Collars & Cuffs at Sunset Mall! 04-3808283
They are very stylish and their fit is superior to the other tailors in dubai.
By: Mark on May 1, 2012
at 3:44 pm