Textiles come relatively cheap in the UAE with India being the main supplier. That said, there are some pricey options, too. My favourite local fabric store has recently moved to Dubai. The rents here in Abu Dhabi have become too high for this well-established business to remain. When I stopped in two weeks ago, cottons were selling for 6 dirhams/yard. That's just over $1.50! Cotton blends? Less than $1/yard! When it comes to getting things made, good tailors are hard to find. It's always best to let them attempt one item, so you know if they're competent or not. You can take photos into most tailors(my guys are master pattern makers) and ask them to design from the image. My tailor (Joury located in Khalidiya by the pretty orange mosque) is quite good at this! For those who wish to take less chances, simply take in a favourite article of clothing to be copied. In this photo you'll see 8 copies of a ready-made shirt that I own. I paid about $28 in labour for him to make this. Add on the minimal material costs, and you have a shirt that costs less than the ready-made option but fits like a glove.
8 comments:
Hey there
I have only just moved to Abu Dhabi and I had heard that you can get good tailoring at reasonable prices here, so I was looking for this very thing - thank-you!
I work in Khalidya and I'm after a direct copy of my favourite suit - would you recommend this place?
I'm not sure where the orange mosque is, but I'm sure I'll know it when I see it!
Beautiful stuff and great price. You are lucky to have the tailors.
Do you know where Al Muhairy Centre is on 7th (Zayed the 1st)? If you walk in the front of Al Muhairy, out the back and move towards the right, you'll see a very pretty orangey-yellow mosque. This tailor is located on the left side (if you're facing the front) of the mosque. Other landmarks are Grand Stores (this is across the 7th street) and the Institute of Music.
Having the clothing tailored is much more preferred by many. But when the cost of labour gets very high then people will have no choice but to go for the ready made ones.
thanks!
I might just check it out on the way home.
I had a jacket (among other pieces) tailor made in Abu Dhabi, by Beauty Tailors. It's an exact copy of a double breasted women's Brooks Brothers jacket (same exact wool), but for about one third the price! Found some similar buttons at the souk too. I love the those guys - they were amazing!
Great post! The situation is pretty much the same here, although I haven't had anything custom made yet. There seem to be tailors everywhere!
I've done both - taken a picture of what I'd like + material & then also a favourite blouse + material. I tend to stick to one particular tailor near me & he & his team have been fantastic! I always give the machinist a good tip & he's kind enough to stitch badges on my bike jacket while I wait :-) I honestly couldn't ask for better.
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