In my quest for a great suit, I decided to explore Veneta Bespoke in Hanoi, a tailor renowned for offering custom suits starting at just $250. For anyone seeking an authentic bespoke experience without breaking the bank, Veneta is a top contender.
For my first visit, I opted for a classic two-button navy suit - a versatile choice for various occasions. Here’s my detailed review of the experience, from fabric selection to final fit.
FABRIC QUALITY
The essence of any suit lies in its fabric, and Veneta didn’t disappoint. Their sales team introduced me to their natural wool options.
While "wool" alone isn’t always a guarantee of quality, the fabric at Veneta stood out - lightweight, breathable, and with excellent drape. At the $250 price point, this is impressive. Many tailors in Hanoi, and even in Hoi An, charge a premium for fabric that doesn’t match Veneta’s standard. For those seeking an upgrade, premium fabrics are also available for higher prices.
MEASUREMENT PROCESS
The tailoring process starts with the master tailor taking detailed measurements. Afterward, I tried on a demi-jacket to refine the fit further. This approach ensures greater accuracy and a personalized result.
The tailor’s expertise shone during the consultation. For instance, when discussing trouser lengths, they effortlessly explained terms like "full break," "half break," and "no break."
Their ability to guide customers was particularly evident when a broad-shouldered client requested a Korean-style skinny lapel. Instead of simply agreeing, the team suggested wider lapels, explaining they would better suit his build and formal occasions. This honest, professional advice is rare in today’s market, where upselling often takes precedence over quality service.
RESULTS
Veneta does not offer fittings during the process; you simply return after two weeks to collect your completed suit. However, they are open to making adjustments if needed.
Upon my first try, I noticed a few fit issues:
The trousers were loose at the waist and tight around the calves.
The jacket had a wrinkle on the back and some uneven buttonholes on the sleeves.
These issues required two rounds of adjustments. By the end, the trousers fit well around the legs but remained about 2 cm loose at the waist. Due to time constraints, I accepted the suit as-is, knowing the tailor would have been willing to make further changes.
JACKET FIT
The jacket, on the other hand, exceeded expectations in key areas. The shoulders and lapels - two of the hardest aspects to perfect - were spot on. This is critical, as poorly tailored shoulders cannot be corrected later.
I requested shorter sleeves to expose a bit of shirt cuff, which they adjusted promptly (though they shortened them slightly more than ideal, leaving 2 cm of cuff visible). The waist was tapered for a slimmer silhouette, but in my opinion, it could have been taken in further to align with modern trends.
After receiving the completed suit, I noted three minor concerns:
A wrinkle on the back of the jacket that couldn’t be corrected.
Wrinkled buttonholes on the sleeves.
An exposed seam under the sleeve stitched with white thread, which was conspicuous on a navy suit.
While these flaws were noticeable upon close inspection, they didn’t detract much from the overall look. At a family wedding, no one noticed the back wrinkle, and I received multiple compliments on the suit.
For a first experience with a new tailor, achieving a flawless suit is rare. Tailors and clients often need time to establish mutual understanding. Despite a few issues, I’m satisfied with the overall result and rate Veneta’s work 7.5/10 - a solid score given the price, quality, and service.
I’m confident that future suits from Veneta will only improve, and I look forward to returning for another bespoke piece.
If you’re planning to have a two-button navy suit tailored, I recommend using these photos as a reference. Sharing specifics with the tailor, especially if you visit Veneta, will speed up the process and ensure a more precise fit.
Good luck with your next tailored masterpiece!
RYAN,
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