I have previously mentioned that the most popular blog post I have ever written is about the experience I had buying a tailored suit in Dubai. Over the last couple of years I have become a regular customer at Parmar’s usually I get my work shirts and trousers made there. When some of my mates from London visit we make the pilgrimage down to Bur Dubai to see them and they have all been really happy with the results.
Every time I visit and I am selecting that blue or pink work shirt, I had always wondered if I could get something more casual made. The other week to cheer me up after my run around getting my e-gate card replaced I went to see what they could offer.
As usual I was greeted warmly (and by name) by the friendly tailors and immediately asked if I wanted something to drink. I then went on to explain:
“I am looking for a casual evening shirt”
“Something fancy sir?”
“Yes, that might be just what I need – something like that one over there” I said pointing at a bust which had a particularly loud stripey shirt on it with a massive collar.
“That is concept only, sir. Material no longer available”
“That is a shame”
“We can make sir something extra fancy, with designing”
“Show me”
I then proceeded into a really wonderful shopping experience. It was broken down into a number of distinct phases.
1. Material selection – I was shown some extra fancy materials and some more conservative. While I like loud shirts some of it was just too fancy for me
2. Collar and Cuff choice – they knew exactly what I wanted – large collar with triple buttons and wide single cuff
3. The Master – The shirt master is called and he comes with the selected collar and cuffs templates and fits them on you. Here you get the chance to have say, the left cuff slightly wider if you were to wear a watch. You are also expertly measured – I was less than delighted to hear that “Sir, has expanded since his last visit” I put it down to a large lunch and vowed to get into the gym more
4. The designing – with the measurements done the serious business of getting the extra design detail into the shirts was next. They had recommended a contrasting material for the underside of the collar and cuffs. I was keen for this as I had recently seen some lovely “designer” shirts with this detail but had balked at the price. The tailor knew what would contrast well and disappeared next door to the ladies branch and promptly came back with material that I had to double take. To say it looked like my Grannies curtains or pure chintz was an understatement. I was assured it would look super fancy and I thought I would trust them and go with it.
5. The finishing touches – finally a few decisions on button style, the cut of the shirt, pocket or no pocket, initials or not and if so what font and color
Then I was done. I was told to come back in 48hrs for a final fitting then they would be ready 48hrs after that. To say I was pleased with the end result is an understatement. Here are a couple for your viewing pleasure:
The super chintz material really worked well:
I have to admit I am a total sucker for the initials and the flowery contrast material on this shirt:
I can’t recommend these chaps enough. Sure, there are probably cheaper places but for what I paid 550aed ($149) for a bespoke one off shirt made to my own specification, I am delighted.
I think they will only really get a true test drive when I go on vacation to Beirut next month. I can hardly wait.
I do miss the availability of tailors on almost every corner in the Middle East. I remember having Suits and Shirts made when I was living in Bahrain in the early 2000’s. Thanks for the read, it’s given me an action to look around Johannesburg for a Tailor that can design for my beer belly. Will start that quest today.
By: Markoel on August 6, 2009
at 7:46 am
Sweet! I love the “Sir, has expanded since his last visit”. There’s a keeper quote for sure!
By: Natalie on August 6, 2009
at 7:51 am
Initials on the cuff? Classy!
You’re going to leb-land next month? (these will go down real well with some gold armani wrap sunglasses)
Will have to catch up with you after that for tips as Aditi + I are planning on going in december for national day weekend!
By: Michelle on August 6, 2009
at 11:26 am
@ Markoel – I heard that there were some great tailors in Jo’burg. I would love to hear your experience
@ Natlie – The other best line I had from them was when I was getting some trousers made “Ah, Sir is reducing” with suitably approving looks!
@ Michelle – The giant sun glasses are on order – I will be sure to give you the full lowdown on Beirut. Some of my colleagues have written a weekend guide which I will share with you as well.
By: Aaron on August 6, 2009
at 3:09 pm
Sir has expanded is more polite than what I used to get: A giggle, followed by, “there must be some mistake”, followed by checking the book, followed by, “sir, you have added a whole inch in 6 months – too much food”. The granny curtains touch is great. I must get some. Hope you are well.
Grapeshisha
By: grapeshisha on August 6, 2009
at 6:22 pm
Thanks for dropping by Grapeshisha and I am doing really great. I kind of know what you mean – there is some sort of “examination” process that goes on during the measurements. More gym for me!
By: Aaron on August 6, 2009
at 6:26 pm
Aaron -
Great looking shirts. I was thinking of a couple of new suits next stint in town and wondered if you could share the range of prices for bespoke suits at Parmar?
By: Andras on August 6, 2009
at 9:57 pm
Hi Andras – suits run from about 2500aed up 7000aed depending on a number of things the two main ones being – hand stitched vs machine sitched and the material you choose. Also a suit will take some time and a number of fittings. Good luck with it!
By: Aaron on August 7, 2009
at 2:17 am
Hi Aaron. Great blog! We posted a blurb about your blog. Life in Dubai is interesting to say the least.
By: Denise on August 7, 2009
at 4:39 am
Thanks Denise! I really like your magazine site and have added it to my blogroll.
All the best
Aaron
By: Aaron on August 7, 2009
at 3:21 pm