Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market Custom-Made Clothes Tips & Guide
The brutally hot summer in Shanghai is coming to an end, and I am beginning to review my autumn/winter wardrobe. I even had my personal colour analysis done to inspire what new winter clothes I should acquire this year. This led me to visiting the South Bund Fabric Market, where it feels like I can get anything made for my wardrobe—leather jackets, cashmere cardigans, dresses, wool coats, tailored suits, casual hoodies—any patterns, colours, and fabric types are available, as long as I know what I want and trust the professionals to offer suggestions if I don’t. I know many expats here struggle to find regular clothing due to the cuts and sizing in Asia, and they are regulars in this market, where they can get anything made to their style and size, all custom-made, including blouses, pants, and even Hawaiian shirts.
INTRODUCTION
The South Bund Fabric Market (also known as 南外滩轻纺面料市场）has been around longer than I’ve been in Shanghai.
The address is 📍399 Lujiabang Lu
Chinese Address: 陆家浜路399号
If you use Red Note, you can follow this official account: 南外滩轻纺面料市场 to understand how the market looks and what kind of customisation can be done.
My First Encounter
I first set foot there in 2011, not long after I moved. Back then, my German bosses asked me to tag along — they needed help with communication while ordering dirndls and lederhosen for their Oktoberfest event. It felt surreal: in the middle of Shanghai, people were tailoring Bavarian folk costumes!
I didn’t get my own until 2014, when I visited Munich, but funnily enough, it came from the very same store (just opposite Jason’s). That memory sticks with me because it was my first realization of how international and adaptable the tailors here could be.
Meeting Jason Li (3F #371)
Soon after, I started bringing visitors and friends to meet Jason, a trusted tailor who became my and many local expats’ go-to. From wool coats to men’s suits, the variety of fabrics and styles available blew my mind. Jason has always been professional, reliable with delivery, and reasonable with pricing — qualities that have made me confident in introducing him to new expats and visiting friends year after year.
Through Jason’s recommendations, I later discovered two more excellent specialists:
Sally’s Leatherwear (3F #319) – from chic jackets to custom-fitted pieces.
Jolin’s Cashmere (3F #331) – sweaters, hoodies, jackets, all soft and beautifully finished.
These three shops, for me, are a safe starting point for anyone stepping into the maze of the South Bund Fabric Market. They are experienced tailors who understand quality and reasonable pricing for sustainable business relationships with long-term clients.
How the Market Works
Here’s what you need to know before diving in:
Every store has its speciality – one might shine at coats, another at shirts, another at dresses. Don’t expect one tailor to do everything equally well.
Negotiation is part of the process – initial prices are often quoted high. The “dance” begins, and eventually you’ll land on a number that feels fair to both sides.
Of course, other factors would influence the price, such as the quality of fabric, quantity to be made, lead time etc.
Communication is key – be very clear on what you want, from fabric and lining to button style. If possible, bring photos. This avoids mistakes and disappointment.
Fittings matter – ask about delivery timelines and whether you’ll need to come back for adjustments. Some stores, like Jason’s, are able to send it to your hotel concierge if a fitting is not required. 100% of my clients never have a problem with what Jason delivered to them.
Insider Tip
If you’re unsure where to start, walk in to Jason's (3F #371) just take the escalator all the way to the 3rd floor and turn right, his store has a distinctive store front full of executives’ business cards (that i do not see other stores have) and mention my name — Genie — or show them this blog, he will appreciate and give you a reasonable price that he has been offering to my visiting guests and friends.
Why I’m Sharing
This post is written in good faith. I’m not affiliated with any of these shops, nor do I get commissions. I’ve simply had over a decade of positive experiences bringing friends, expats, and visitors to the South Bund Fabric Market. These tailors have made countless people happy, and this is my way of showing appreciation while helping others navigate a place that can otherwise feel overwhelming.