The 72-Hour Tailor: How to Get a Custom Suit or Qipao in Shanghai

You've got a last-minute business meeting, a special event, or you simply crave the ultimate China souvenir: a custom-tailored garment. The catch? You fly out in three days.

It sounds like a sartorial impossibility. But in Shanghai, a city that moves at lightning speed, this is a challenge the city’s legendary tailors rise to every single day. Getting a suit, dress, or elegant qipao made in 72 hours isn't just possible—it's a quintessential Shanghai experience.

This guide will walk you through the thrilling, fast-paced process at the city's most famous fabric market.

The Destination: South Bund Fabric Market

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, takes place at the South Bund Fabric Market (南外滩轻纺面料市场). This three-story building is a labyrinth of over 100 tailor stalls, each packed floor-to-ceiling with bolts of fabric. Don't be intimidated; this is where the magic happens.

Address: 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District (黄浦区陆家浜路399号)

The 72-Hour Game Plan

Success in this compressed timeframe hinges on decisiveness and a clear plan. Here’s your hour-by-hour strategy.

Day 1, Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The Initial Strike

This is the most important phase. Go on a weekday morning if you can; the tailors are fresh and the market is less chaotic.

1. Come Prepared: Do not show up empty-handed. Have photos on your phone of the exact style of suit, dress, or qipao you want. Front, back, and detail shots are all helpful.
2. Choose Your Stall: Wander the aisles. Look for stalls that have high-quality sample garments on their mannequins that match the style you're after. Look for neat stitching and happy customers. Many stalls have numbers (e.g., Stall 221, Stall 310) which you can find reviewed online.
3. Show, Don't Just Tell: Show the tailor your photos. They will immediately know if they can do it.
4. Select Your Fabric: The tailor will guide you through this, but have an idea of what you want. For a suit, a wool-cashmere blend is a versatile choice. For a qipao, silk is classic.
5. Get Measured: The tailor will take your measurements with practiced speed. This process is quick and efficient.
6. Negotiate the Price: This is expected. The first price you are quoted is a starting point. A good strategy is to counter-offer at around 50% of the asking price and aim to agree on a price that's about 60-70% of the original quote. Stay friendly and be willing to walk away—there are dozens of other stalls.
7. Pay the Deposit: Once you agree on a price, you'll pay a deposit, typically 50%. Get a detailed receipt with the tailor's name, stall number, agreed price, and the date and time for your first fitting. Crucially, confirm they can meet your 72-hour deadline.

Day 2, Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The Critical First Fitting

After a day of miraculous work, you'll return for your first fitting. The garment will be partially constructed. This is your moment to be picky.

• Check the Fit: How do the shoulders on the jacket sit? Is the trouser break right? Is the waist of the dress where you want it?
• Speak Up: Point out anything that feels tight, loose, or just not right. Use gestures. A good tailor wants you to be happy and will mark up the garment with chalk for adjustments. This is the most important step for ensuring a great final product.

Day 3, Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards): The Final Pickup

Return for the moment of truth. Try on the finished garment. It should now fit perfectly. If there are any last-minute minor tweaks needed (like a button adjustment), they can often be done on the spot in under an hour.

Once you are completely satisfied, pay the remaining 50% balance.

Pro-Tips for a Flawless Experience

• Bring a Template: If you have a suit or dress at home that fits you perfectly, bring it with you. This gives the tailor a physical template to work from, dramatically reducing the chance of errors.
• Cash is King: While many vendors now accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, cash is still the easiest and most reliable payment method for negotiation.
• Pricing Guide: As of our latest checks, expect to pay around 1,500 - 2,500 RMB for a quality wool-blend suit, and 800 - 1,500 RMB for a beautiful silk qipao. Prices vary based on fabric and complexity.

In just three days, you can walk out of the market with a garment that is uniquely yours—a stylish, wearable testament to the incredible energy and craftsmanship of Shanghai.