Fabric Market — Attraction in Shanghai

In April, I'd like to recommend a great place in Shanghai for customizing suits - the "South Bund Textile and Fabric Market".

Address: No. 399, Lujiabang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai Business Hours: 9:00 - 18:00

The Shanghai South Bund Textile and Fabric Market is a specialized market for fabric business and custom-made clothing, which was established with the approval of the government. There are 286 stalls in total. 70% of the stall owners are the "old hands" from the former Dongjiadu Market. There are also some who were just tailors before and became bosses on their own after moving to the South Bund.

There are many small shops in the market, and each has its own characteristics. Many foreigners come to customize suits here, so basically every shop has English introductions.

Guide to Buying Suits:

Fabric: Imported or domestic, pure wool or blended (70/90 wool). Pure wool has a better feel, while blended fabric is easier to take care of.

Yarn Count: The higher the yarn count, the higher the price.

Weight: It refers to the weight per meter. 200 - 250g is suitable for spring and summer styles, and 250 - 300g is for all-season styles (recommended).

Color: Light colors are casual and suitable for outdoor occasions; dark colors are more solemn and formal, suitable for indoor occasions.

Steps:

Try on suits to confirm the styles, fabrics and colors you like.

Take body measurements.

Try on semi-finished products one week later.

Pick up the finished suits two weeks later.

Tips:

Remember to wear a white shirt and leather shoes on the day of trying on clothes, so that you can see the effect more intuitively. Although shops will provide them, it will be a bit tiring if you try on clothes in many shops and have to change them back and forth.

Choose the corresponding fabric according to your budget. Each fabric has slight differences in color. It's easy to try on or fall in love with an imported fabric, but the domestic fabric with a similar color may not have the same texture.

It is recommended to choose a four-piece set (including suit jacket, trousers, shirt and waistcoat). Remember to bargain. If you can't cut the price down, you can ask the shopkeeper to give you a...

I found Jeanne's shop in 2016 and asked her if she could remodel my favorite leather jacket. Unfortunately, I did not have it on me, so she asked me if I could show her pictures and measure it when I am back home in Germany. I agreed and sent her photos of my jacket with a measuring tape next to it.

Her service was absolutely outstanding for the following reasons:

She explained very detailed how to measure the jacket and what photos to take. Eventually, she tailored me the jacket out of better leather than the original, it fits perfectly until today, and I could customize it according to my wishes. The jacket cost less than 50% compared to the original (made of cheap, fake leather)

Now, 6 years my jacket becomes more of a "used-look" and I decided I want a new clean one and another fleece jacket remade from suede. The story in short:

I could easily contact her via WeChat She remembered my last orders She again explained what she needs in detail She quickly and thoroughly finished my jackets and sent them to Germany Overall, the price for 2 jackets was still cheaper than the original one and I have 2 new favorite pieces in my wardrobe

Conclusion:

Jeanne is a master of her trade and produces affordable, customizable, beautiful and well-fitting leather goods of all kind. She is nice and understanding for personal wishes and communicates well. The quality is great (but you should consider what product you want when choosing the material -- fine Nappa Leather might rip easier if you make a jacket out of it and don't treat...

I’ve been a loyal customer of Suits by Susan (No. 269 & 271) since 2019, and after so many years and countless visits, I can confidently say this is hands-down the best place in Shanghai to buy suits and shirts — and likely one of the finest tailoring experiences you’ll find anywhere.

From the very first time I stepped into their shop, I was impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail, and the genuine care Susan and her team put into every piece they create. Whether it’s a classic business suit, a tailored shirt, or something more unique, the craftsmanship is always impeccable. Over the years, I’ve had many suits and shirts made here, and the quality has been consistently top-notch.

What truly sets Suits by Susan apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction. On the rare occasion that something wasn’t quite right — a fit that needed adjusting or a detail I wanted changed — the team never hesitated to make it right. They listen carefully, offer thoughtful suggestions, and go the extra mile to ensure you walk out happy and confident in what you’re wearing.

The fabrics they offer are high-quality and varied, with options for every taste and budget. The styling advice is spot on — modern yet timeless — and you always feel like you’re in the hands of someone who understands not just fashion, but how to make you look and feel your best.

In short: If you’re in Shanghai and looking for high-quality, perfectly tailored clothing with outstanding customer service, Suits by Susan should be your first (and...