Thailand is famous for its vibrant street markets, stunning beaches, rich culture—and unfortunately, a fair share of tourist scams. One of the most common traps that unsuspecting travelers fall into is the infamous tailoring scam. If you’ve ever wandered through tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road or Phuket’s Patong Beach, you’ve likely seen flashy signs offering “2 jackets, 2 pants, 2 overcoats, 2 shirts for just $199”. Sounds like an unbelievable deal, right? That’s because it is.
The Tailor Shop Lure
These tailor shops often display eye-catching signs boasting absurd package deals that seem too good to pass up. The classic offer of eight high-quality custom garments for under $200 is a prime example. Here’s the truth: this price doesn’t even cover the cost of materials and stitching, let alone the labor and quality craftsmanship expected from a professional tailor.
These shops use these offers purely as bait. The goal is to get you through the door. Once you’re inside, the real hustle begins.
The Pushy Sales Tactics
Although the signs outside often boast claims like “No pressure. Professional service.”, the reality inside is far different. Many tourists report being overwhelmed by aggressive sales tactics, with staff insisting on “upgrades” to better fabrics (which come with hidden costs), or trying to lock customers into larger packages.
It’s not uncommon for staff to:
- Pressure you to commit quickly, claiming the deal is only for today.
- Upsell you repeatedly, turning your $199 deal into a $500+ bill.
- Promise “premium quality” fabrics that turn out to be cheap blends.
- Claim they’ll save your measurements for future orders—which is often just a way to sound more trustworthy.
The Quality Disappointment
After all the hard-selling and haggling, what many customers receive is poorly stitched clothing made from low-grade material. The fit is often off, and despite promises of alterations or remakes, many tailors stop responding once the sale is done—especially if you’re already out of the country.
How to Avoid Tailoring Scams in Thailand
If you’re looking for a quality custom suit in Thailand, you can still find skilled tailors—but it requires a bit of caution. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Do Your Research
Before walking into any tailor, check reviews on Google or TripAdvisor. Look for long-standing businesses with a track record of satisfied (not just rushed) customers.
2. Avoid Shops With Gimmicky Offers
A full suit wardrobe for under $200 is not realistic. If the deal sounds too good to be true—it is. Quality tailoring requires time, skill, and quality material, and those don’t come cheap.
3. Beware of Pressure
A good tailor will let their work speak for itself. If you’re being pushed to make fast decisions, walk away.
4. Ask About Materials and Construction
Make sure you’re shown real fabric swatches, and ask about canvassing, stitching, and construction. If the answers are vague, it’s a red flag.
5. Don’t Pay the Full Amount Upfront
It’s standard to pay a deposit, but don’t pay everything before the final fitting. Hold some leverage in case you need adjustments or corrections.
Final Thoughts
Getting a suit made in Thailand can be a great experience—but only if you’re careful. The tailoring scam thrives on impulse, misinformation, and tourist naivety. Stay alert, do your homework, and trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Remember: a good tailor earns your business with skill and service—not gimmicks and pressure.