thailand :: bangkok :: general

[Tisswat]

That's how I know that I've been here too long now. Sigh......

Please stick around Analyst - I might be paying you a visit early next year.

Interesting blog.

[englandmj7]

I just gor a suit cut for my engagement and had to "firmly" reiterate several times about what I wanted done: working buttons, double vents, no cuffs, etc. Jesse, the dad, will usually be more likely to "tell" you what you should want, which comes from cutting suits for the last 20+ years. If you know what you want, be direct and specific from the beginning. Two fittings are standard.

Ha hah, this is all Thai tailors, right? I swear to god you have to tell them 50 times to do something that is any different from their 80's box-suit templates. I wanted my local tailor in Pattaya to take make one of my jackets pretty slim and the guy thought I was nuts, kept saying: "this is not fashionable now".

Damn, England. You got Bangkok wired!

I like to immerse myself in the 'culture' over there.

k Toms it is then. I'm completely new when it comes to getting a tailored suit. Should I post in another thread or do u guys have some pointers? I've been told to get them to burn the fabric to test the authenticity? Would that even be necessary in Toms? It will be for work, so would it be better to get 2 or 3 button, single or double breasted? Cashmere or pure wool? I've noticed that some suits have different shaped lapels, should I take in a picture or will they have examples?

Look on Styleforum for suit info, etc.:

http://www.styleforum.net/

And yes, definitely bring an example picture of what you want. Most of their sample catalogues are Versace men's catalogues from the late 80's/early 90's and if you have them make their 'standard' suit it will likely be a little less fitted than you might like. Get a 2 button, single breasted, single vent, working button holes on the sleeves (a nice little touch which usually indicates it's a tailored suit), etc. You don't want a pure cashmere or pure wool suit. Most suit fabrics are wool/cashmere blends. Don't ask them to hold a lighter to the fabric; I've never even heard of that. Tom's is legit; go by the thread count (120's and above is standard for a suit) and the feel of the fabric. If you don't have any suits, get either a light grey, a charcoal grey, or a dark navy suit made: these are most versatile. Lastly, all suitmakers are salesman so don't let them get you 'excited' into paying whatever. $20-25 tops for dress shirts, and $300 or so for your suit.

[brissyboy]

sweet thanks, that styleforum was good too.

[brissyboy]

hahaha hmm didn't know there was going to be a naked chick with jizz on her back when I clicked the link.

Mental note: must be a bit more careful when using work internet...

[Analyst]

Oops. Forgot to add a disclaimer to that...

[brissyboy]

Added to both your reputations Analyst and England.

[brissyboy]

Just found this thread, wow how things have changed hey analyst

[Largo]

It probably bears mentioning that aside from Analyst's guy, if you're in the vicinity of lower Sukhumvit (sois 1-30ish, I'd say?), you're going to find a metric shit-ton of tailors on the prowl out there. Display even the faintest signs of interest and you'll instantly be accosted by a shill of random nationality with a book of the aforementioned outdated Italian suits for you to buy. They're in MBK, there's a few who set up shop in Siam Square, and off to the sides of every small street that has more than a handful of tourists wandering away. The MBK and Siam Square ones tend to be much more sedate, but regardless: Stay Away. Find the guy that Analyst and England recommended, or else you'll end up with a fused, boxy suit of dubious quality. The price may be right, but you'll find the suit isn't. Or hell, ask them about getting it canvassed or something and if they look confused, run for it. That being said, enjoy!

Oh, and there's a few more leather shops on Sukhumvit around Soi 22-Siam Bootery and one other right next to it. Prices are pretty low, but the guys there are kind of surly. Also Maneesilp Handmade makes some shoes ranging from ugly as hell to pretty nice, and will do custom orders, although I'm not sure if they make one-offs (it's a problem I've had with leather goods people in Bangkok). They have one store on the ground floor in MBK and one in Siam Square. Also Tony Leather across the street from the main Jim Thompson shop if you're nearby there (or just passing by the vicinity of Patpong la-di-da).

[brissyboy]

It probably bears mentioning that aside from Analyst's guy, if you're in the vicinity of lower Sukhumvit (sois 1-30ish, I'd say?), you're going to find a metric shit-ton of tailors on the prowl out there. Display even the faintest signs of interest and you'll instantly be accosted by a shill of random nationality with a book of the aforementioned outdated Italian suits for you to buy. They're in MBK, there's a few who set up shop in Siam Square, and off to the sides of every small street that has more than a handful of tourists wandering away. The MBK and Siam Square ones tend to be much more sedate, but regardless: Stay Away. Find the guy that Analyst and England recommended, or else you'll end up with a fused, boxy suit of dubious quality. The price may be right, but you'll find the suit isn't. Or hell, ask them about getting it canvassed or something and if they look confused, run for it. That being said, enjoy!

Oh, and there's a few more leather shops on Sukhumvit around Soi 22-Siam Bootery and one other right next to it. Prices are pretty low, but the guys there are kind of surly. Also Maneesilp Handmade makes some shoes ranging from ugly as hell to pretty nice, and will do custom orders, although I'm not sure if they make one-offs (it's a problem I've had with leather goods people in Bangkok). They have one store on the ground floor in MBK and one in Siam Square. Also Tony Leather across the street from the main Jim Thompson shop if you're nearby there (or just passing by the vicinity of Patpong la-di-da).

great thanks, how long does it take for them to make a shoe for you?

[Largo]

No idea! Three or four days in Cambodia, but the ones in Bangkok seem considerably nicer, so I assume it's a slower process. I was just gauging by the off-the-rack stuff, I've never actually had anything made.

[deltakid]

Yeah im one of the lucky inhabitants of Bangkok as well. Here are some of the more street style stores listed. Its in German but they also put the addresses in these articles.

http://styledepartment.com/blog/sneaker/18/bkk-streetwear-sneaker-stores-update/

http://styledepartment.com/blog/schuhe/25/bangkok-shopping-spree/

I can recommend all places mentioned there. Preduce has also opened another store in a new mall called Esplanade Ratchada.

Anyway I wouldn't come here as mentioned before its an absolutely terrible place, just ugly chics around and all that.

[Analyst]

Yeah im one of the lucky inhabitants of Bangkok as well. Here are some of the more street style stores listed. Its in German but they also put the addresses in these articles.

http://styledepartment.com/blog/sneaker/18/bkk-streetwear-sneaker-stores-update/

http://styledepartment.com/blog/schuhe/25/bangkok-shopping-spree/

I can recommend all places mentioned there. Preduce has also opened another store in a new mall called Esplanade Ratchada.

Anyway I wouldn't come here as mentioned before its an absolutely terrible place, just ugly chics around and all that.

Is this the same Preduce that has the skate shop in Siam Square?

Not much going on with the Esplanade, but there are a ton of "working" girls hanging out there BEFORE they start their shift in the early evening.

Ratchada is home to the top-shelf massage parlors in the city. Fishbowls, model lounges, sideline girls, etc. The works.

Another interesting place is the Huay Kwang market around the Ratchada area, which also has a ton of "working" girls hanging out, shopping and eating, AFTER they finish their shift around 12:00am (assuming they didn't catch one more for last call at midnight). Numerous noodle stands, clothing kiosks, cellphone assessories, etc. This marketplace is open like 24/7 and is absolute chaos.

[deltakid]

Its the same as on Siam Square and hey working girls are all around. They are part of Bkk like street food but yeah you know that anyway. Where in Bkk do you live? I lived in Sathorn before and moved to a House in Nonthaburi just across the river last month. (Better air and its actually quiet at night)

[Analyst]

Thong Lor area...

[xcoldricex]

Another interesting place is the Huay Kwang market around the Ratchada area, which also has a ton of "working" girls hanging out, shopping and eating, AFTER they finish their shift around 12:00am (assuming they didn't catch one more for last call at midnight). Numerous noodle stands, clothing kiosks, cellphone assessories, etc. This marketplace is open like 24/7 and is absolute chaos.

sounds fun. i don't know why i still haven't had a western suit made in bkk or in hk... next time.

[brissyboy]

Have any of you guys been to the Kachanaburi Tiger sanctuary?

[deep flux]

Man, this thread makes me miss Bangkok. Nothing like feeling that blast of heat as you step off the plane to let you know you've truly arrived.

I usually go 3-4 times a year, but since I returned to school my trips have had to be curtailed. Hoping to make it back again next summer.

[poly800rock]

Man, this thread makes me miss Bangkok. Nothing like feeling that blast of heat as you step off the plane to let you know you've truly arrived.

I usually go 3-4 times a year, but since I returned to school my trips have had to be curtailed. Hoping to make it back again next summer.

the air is amazing when you step outside the airport

[brissyboy]

hahaha r u being sarcastic? People have told me it stinks and to be prep.

[deep flux]

The air in Bangkok can either make you salivate or sick to your stomach.

You'll understand what poly means when you get there. Stepping outside is like walking into a furnace.

[poly800rock]

The air in Bangkok can either make you salivate or sick to your stomach.

You'll understand what poly means when you get there. Stepping outside is like walking into a furnace.

like being hit in the face with a baseball bat made of humidity.

[xcoldricex]

hahahaha that describes it excellently.

you instantly feel 20 lbs heavier.

[brissyboy]

Can anyone recommend good places to stay at Koh Samui, sort of in the backpacker to mid range in pricing? Also, any good clubs for straight people?

[brissyboy]

Wow just found this thread, looks like even more unproductivity at work leading up to the trip

[brissyboy]

Quoting a post by Analyst (in http://city.superfuture.com/city/supertalk/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=11027):

reporter: "what do you think about western civilization?"

gandhi: "i think it would be a good idea."

Are these places still as good now, or have any closed down?

[deltakid]

there are a couple of reggae bars and you will find mid range backpacker places everywhere. its probably the number one backpacker destination in thailand. koh panghan can be really nice, especially if you stay away from the tourist areas.

[deltakid]

its pretty much all the same but you might want to check out "club culture" as well. bangkokrecorder.com for more infos.

[brissyboy]

there are a couple of reggae bars and you will find mid range backpacker places everywhere. its probably the number one backpacker destination in thailand. koh panghan can be really nice, especially if you stay away from the tourist areas.

Nice thanks. Have you been in thailand long

[brissyboy]

nice thanks, delta. u giong to b there around xmas?

[deltakid]

Yea I guess I will. Might be in Hong Kong though. PM me when you go.