Getting some custom clothes made is a highly recommended Beijing experience, and it will cost you far less than at home. The artisans are skilled and turnover is quick. Try the Silk Street Market or one of the more established individual tailors listed below.

Tailor Ma
Tailor Ma receives high praise from expats for his skill and attention to detail. He charges more than his neighbours, but the quality is much higher.

10am-9pm
Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Market 58 Gongti Bei Lu, No. 3060, F3
139 1009 5718

Dave’s Custom Tailoring
Once included in Forbes’ list of top 10 best tailors in the world, this Shanghai-based tailor has long been renowned for its pristine quality and craftsmanship when it comes to men’s suits. Pricey, but guaranteed to be long lasting and one of the best in town. Unfortunately, he does not make clothing for women.

10am-7pm
Stall 104, Kerry Centre Shopping Mall, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang
(010) 8529-9433
www.tailordave.com

Lisa’s Tailor Shop
Lisa’s Tailor Shop stands out among its neighbours at 3.3 Mall because of word-of-mouth, which is a product of the outstanding clothing created here. Cotton shirts cost RMB80-200, while wool and cashmere suits go for RMB700-1,500, depending on the fabric quality. Express service is available, so suits can be ready within 24 hours.
11am-10pm
3006, 3/F, 3.3 Shopping Center, 33 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang
139 1079 8183
www.beijingtailor.com

Fei Fei
Fei Fei maintains a loyal clientele of expats with her consistently detailed work on everything from dress shirts to linen suits. The shop is tiny, but the suits are very high quality and individualize for every customer. Fei Fei is particularly adept at skillfully copying items from pictures.

8am-9pm
Xinyuanli Compound (opposite Jingkelong Supermarket), Chaoyang
(010) 8455 1939/133 6627 5682