Shanghais South Bund Fabric Market Your Guide to Custom Tailoring | China AI Search Blog

Shanghai, a city renowned for its dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, harbors a sartorial secret that attracts fashion enthusiasts, business executives, and even global celebrities: the South Bund Fabric Market (南外滩轻纺面料市场).

Market Overview

Located at 陆家浜路399号 (Lujiaxiang Road 399) in Huangpu District, this sprawling market has been a go-to destination for bespoke garments since its establishment in 2005. Unlike high-end boutiques, the South Bund Fabric Market offers unparalleled value, drawing in both local Shanghainese and a significant number of international visitors.

Spanning three floors, the market organizes its offerings: the first floor features a mix of suit tailors and general fabrics, the second floor is the bustling hub for men's suit customization, and the third floor is predominantly dedicated to traditional Chinese qipao and various fabrics.

Featured Tailors: Crafting Your Perfect Fit

The market is home to hundreds of tailors, but a few consistently receive high praise:

Kate&Kevin (1F #137 & #195): Exceptional Service for All

Highly recommended for first-time customizers, Kate&Kevin stands out for its professional, patient, and transparent service. Owner Kate is lauded for her expertise in recommending styles and colors that flatter. They boast a wide selection of fabrics, including anti-wrinkle wool, and direct factory pricing. Their excellent after-sales policy, including free alterations for minor weight changes, makes them a reliable choice. South Bund Fabric Market: Hassle-Free Custom Suits for Beginners Many notes highlight their dedication to customer satisfaction, even accommodating urgent orders within 1-2 weeks. It's a shop where customers feel genuinely cared for and guided through the customization process. Shanghai Custom Suit Guide: South Bund Fabric Market Edition South Bund Fabric Market: Affordable Custom Suits for Foreign Executives Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market: Custom Suit Guide South Bund: Quick & Easy Wedding Suit Customization
Suits by Susan (2F #233, #269, #271): Executive-Approved Luxury

For those seeking premium quality, Suits by Susan is consistently mentioned. This establishment is reportedly favored by “world top 500 executives” for its high-end custom suits, impeccable service, and stellar after-sales support. Their multiple storefronts within the market, along with a boutique in Jing'an, underscore their scale and reputation within professional circles. Premium Custom Suits: Chosen by Global Executives Susan's Custom Suits: Trusted by Fortune 500 Executives
Tina Suit Custom (#229): Your Wedding Day Perfected

Specifically noted for wedding suits, Tina Suit Custom offers “high value” and unique fabric options, such as an imported gray wool with an orange tint. Their staff provide clear guidance on style choices, like 2-button, double-vent, peak lapel suits, ensuring grooms look their best. They also offer custom leather shoes as an affordable add-on.
Kelly's Handmade Custom Shop (Kelly的手工定制店): Craftsmanship and Elegance

This shop emphasizes handmade customization, often utilizing luxurious fabrics like Italian VBC, known for its smooth, silky feel. Their suits are typically designed with a sleek, business-oriented aesthetic, catering to those who prioritize artisanal quality and have a slightly higher budget.
Tom and Jenny (1F #138): The Celebrity Tailor

A small shop that has gained significant fame for an unexpected reason: it's a favorite among ATP tennis players, including legends like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Karen Khachanov, for their custom suits. A visit here offers a unique connection to sporting royalty. Elite Tailor Shop: A Favorite Among ATP Players
Shop #354 (3F): Qipao and Beyond

Located on the third floor, typically dedicated to qipao and fabrics, Shop #354 stands out for its professional and trustworthy service, indicated by its established brand and license. They possess their own factory and excel at recommending styles based on a customer's appearance, making them ideal for custom qipao, mother-of-the-bride/groom outfits, or even unique suit colors. South Bund Fabric Market

Beyond Suits: A World of Custom Creations

While suit customization dominates, the market's expertise extends far beyond:

Custom Suits (西装定制): From daily wear to wedding attire, the options are vast. You can select various fabrics, styles, and craftsmanship levels.
Custom Qipao (旗袍定制): The 3rd floor is a treasure trove for this traditional Chinese garment. Interestingly, many high-end qipao boutiques across China source their custom qipao from tailors within this market, a testament to the exceptional 'Hai Pai' (Shanghai style) craftsmanship. This often involves a multi-city collaboration, combining Hangzhou silk, Shanghai pattern-making, and Suzhou embroidery.
Custom Coats/Overcoats (大衣定制), Custom Leather Jackets/Goods (皮衣), and Chanel-style Outfits (小香风).
Custom Shirts (衬衫) and Custom Trousers (西裤), often available individually or as part of a suit package.
Custom Leather Shoes (手工鞋) are also offered as an affordable add-on at some suit shops. Exploring Unique Fabric & Tailoring Destinations First-Time Visitor's Guide to Shanghai Fabric Market

Diving Deeper: Suit Customization Options

The beauty of bespoke lies in the details:

Fabric Types & Quality:
- Pure Wool: The most common and highly recommended. Imported pure wool (from 2500 RMB) offers superior drape and unique colors, while domestic pure wool (2000-2500 RMB) provides excellent quality at a friendlier price.
- Blends: More budget-friendly options, typically under 2000 RMB.
- Specialty Fabrics: Look for Italian VBC (known for its smooth, silky feel), anti-wrinkle wool, breathable cotton-linen (for warmer seasons), or Triacetate for a youthful sheen.
- Fabric Weight (克重): 250g for lighter spring/summer suits, 300g for heavier autumn/winter and formal occasions.
- Color: Classic black, dark blue, and gray are timeless choices. Darker tones suit formal or indoor settings, while lighter ones are great for casual or outdoor wear.
Construction & Craftsmanship:
- Fully Handmade (全手工): The highest level of craftsmanship, and thus the most expensive.
- Semi-Handmade / Half-Canvas (半手工/半麻衬): A popular and recommended choice that balances good structure, drape, and easier maintenance.
- Ready-to-Wear Alteration (成衣改款): The most economical option, involving adjustments to an existing garment.
- Quality Details: Look for signs of quality customization like real horn buttons, working buttonholes on sleeves (真袖叉), teardrop pockets (水滴袋), lapel buttonholes (驳头眼), and handmade armholes (手工缝制袖笼). Men's Custom Suit Price Guide
Styles & Fit:
- General Styles: British, Italian, and American suit styles are all available.
- Buttoning: Single-breasted (often recommended for a slimming effect) or double-breasted (a classic cut).
- Specific Features: 2-button, double-vent, and peak lapel (槍駁領) are examples of design choices that can enhance a suit's appearance and fit (e.g., emphasizing the waistline).
Fit Guidelines:
- Shoulder Line: The seam should align perfectly with the shoulder's outer edge when standing naturally.
- Chest: With buttons fastened, you should be able to comfortably place one fist inside the chest area.
- Waist: Should be snug but not too tight; no pulling sensation when sitting.
- Sleeve Length: Your shirt cuff should show 1-1.5cm below the suit sleeve when arms are relaxed.
- Pant Length: The front should cover the top of your shoe, and the back should not drag on the ground.

Tips for a Successful Visit

Navigating the South Bund Fabric Market can be an experience in itself. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Do Your Homework: Research shops on platforms like Xiaohongshu and even inquire about prices online before visiting to gauge expectations.
Define Your Needs Clearly: Before you go, decide on the garment's purpose (wedding, daily work, special occasion), your budget, and any preferred styles or colors. Bring reference photos!
Allocate Enough Time: This market is vast. Plan for at least a few hours, or even a full day, especially for suits or complex custom orders like qipao.
Shop Around, Don't Rush: Don't commit to the first shop. Explore various options, comparing styles, fabrics, prices, and service across floors.
Prioritize Communication & Rapport: Choose a shop where the staff are patient, professional, and genuinely listen to your needs, rather than aggressively pushing sales. Building good rapport (often referred to as “eye緣” or a fated connection) can lead to a better experience.
Dress Appropriately for Fitting: When trying on suits, wear a white dress shirt and the type of shoes (e.g., leather shoes) you'd wear with the suit for the most accurate measurements and visual assessment.
Understand the Customization Process & Timeline:
- Measurement & Payment: Day 0.
- Mid-Fitting (Semi-finished product): Around 2 weeks later – this is crucial for making adjustments.
- Final Pickup: Around 1 week after the mid-fitting, bringing the total time to about one month. Some suit shops can rush orders to 1-2 weeks.
Bargaining is Expected: It’s a market environment, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices. Some useful phrases include mentioning you're a “friend referral” (朋友推荐) or that you're looking for a “long-term cooperation price” (长期合作价).
Beware of Pitfalls: Some notes warn against potential issues like shops trying to swap imported fabrics for domestic ones or vague pricing. Always verify details.
Check After-Sales Service: Confirm policies on alterations (e.g., free adjustments for minor weight changes) and other post-purchase support. Top-Rated Wedding Suits for Grooms: A Must-See

A Cultural & Global Hub

The South Bund Fabric Market isn't just a shopping destination; it's a vibrant testament to Shanghai's rich tailoring tradition. It’s surprisingly a “secret base” for foreigners, with many shop owners conversant in English and familiar with international client needs, making it a truly global hub where local craftsmanship meets diverse sartorial requirements. Its role as a major production center for high-end qipao, supplying boutiques across China, further solidifies its significance in the fashion landscape. The market's connection to celebrity clientele, including ATP tennis stars and actors, adds to its unique allure.

Historically, Shanghai has been a hub for fabric markets, with notes mentioning the former Shiliupu Fabric City and its evolution, providing context to the city’s deep-rooted tailoring heritage. This market embodies the spirit of bespoke fashion, where every stitch tells a story. Internationally Styled Custom Tailoring

Practical Information for Your Visit

Address: South Bund Fabric Market, 陆家浜路399号 (Lujiaxiang Road 399), Huangpu District, Shanghai.
Operating Hours: Generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some shops may extend slightly, e.g., Suits by Susan until 6:30 PM).
Pricing: Prices vary significantly based on fabric choice, craftsmanship, and shop.
- Budget-friendly: Suits can start from 1000-1800 RMB (for blends or basic domestic wool).
- Mid-range: 2000-3000 RMB (for domestic pure wool).
- Premium: 3000 RMB and upwards, with some designer options for 4500 RMB+ (for imported pure wool or specialized craftsmanship).
Getting There: Located in Huangpu District, it is easily accessible by subway. Lujiabang Road Station (on Line 8 or Line 9) is a convenient option.

Conclusion

The South Bund Fabric Market stands as a vibrant testament to Shanghai's tailoring prowess. Whether you're seeking a perfectly fitted suit for a special occasion, a traditional qipao, or a custom coat, this market offers an unparalleled blend of expert craftsmanship, diverse options, and competitive pricing. It’s more than just a market; it's an immersive experience into the world of bespoke fashion, where every stitch tells a story. See the image gallery below for more visuals of this remarkable destination!

Image Gallery

All images from the trending posts that inspired this article:

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South Bund Fabric Market

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This article is based on trending content from XiaoHongShu. View the original search results and detailed analysis to explore the individual posts and community insights that inspired this piece.