Shanghai is fast becoming a destination for custom-made fashion, as international travelers and residents seek personalized garments. From century-old tailoring houses to contemporary couture studios, the city's bespoke scene is drawing a growing overseas clientele.

In some ateliers, overseas customers now account for nearly half of total orders. Even at the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market — long known for affordable tailoring — around 30 percent of visitors come from abroad, reflecting sustained demand for personalized clothing and accessories.

Orders cover a wide range, from embroidered qipao and tailored suits to cashmere scarves and evening gowns.

High-end ateliers meet global demand

At Sand River's flagship store in Zhangyuan, clients from the Middle East recently collected custom cashmere headscarves crafted from ultra-fine 13.5-micron fibers. Woven using pulu techniques from the Xizang autonomous region — a traditional handicraft used in garments, boots, and ceremonial textiles — the pieces highlight how regional craftsmanship is being adapted for international markets. Some customers continue placing orders online after returning home, maintaining long-term relationships with the brand.

Designer studios across the city are also experiencing similar growth in overseas clientele. Han Art, known for its hand-embroidered qipao and tailored silhouettes, reports that nearly half of its customers now come from abroad. The atelier is said to have produced many of the qipao items worn by Maggie Cheung in Wong Kar-Wai's film In the Mood for Love, a reference point that continues to attract global interest in Shanghai-style elegance.

Beyond the traditional qipao, Han Art also produces contemporary Chinese menswear and theatrical robes featuring intricate dragon motifs.

From market tailoring to repeat global clients

While couture studios occupy the high-end fashion, Shanghai's tailoring markets remain a major draw.

The South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market continues to attract visitors seeking made-to-measure suits across a wide range of budgets. Many international clients praise the balance of craftsmanship, fabric choice and attentive service.

Some tailors at the market maintain measurement records for hundreds of repeat customers, enabling returning visitors to place orders year after year.

Heritage houses and modern ateliers coexist

Shanghai's bespoke culture is rooted in tradition as much as innovation.

Century-old labels such as Baromon continue to draw international customers with traditional Shanghai tailoring techniques. Historic qipao houses such as Longfeng Qipao preserve hand embroidery, decorative knotting, and edged finishing methods passed down through generations.

These established names now operate alongside modern ateliers and independent designers, creating a layered ecosystem in which heritage craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics coexist within the same urban landscape.

Additional bespoke ateliers in Shanghai

Beyond the well-known names above, several other ateliers contribute to the city's growing reputation for bespoke fashion:

Humsuit

Humsuit is a time-honored Shanghai menswear house best known for made-to-measure suits, jackets, and shirts. Its Fengbang tailoring technique was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

Where: Nos 199-201 North Shanxi Road, Jing'an district

Guo Pei Haute Couture Shanghai

The Shanghai couture space of designer Guo Pei focuses on bridal gowns and high-end formalwear, offering a close look at contemporary Chinese haute couture.

Where: No 468 Waimalu Road, Huangpu district

Lora Esatta

Founded in Shanghai in 2014, this atelier specializes in Italian-style bespoke tailoring for both men and women, combining imported fabrics with sharp, modern cuts.

Where: No 17 Alley 672, Changle Road, Jing'an district

Manloulan

A representative Haipai qipao brand and heritage preservation unit, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styling.

Where: Multiple locations across the city, including stores at New World City, Bailian Outlets Plaza, and No 1 Department Store

Leaves Fashion

Established in 2001, the brand reinterprets the classic qipao through intricate hand embroidery and refined tailoring, emphasizing textile artistry.

Where: No 70-1 South Maoming Road, Huangpu district

Jingbo Qinhan

Focused on high-end custom qipao rooted in Chinese aesthetics, the brand frequently presents its work at cultural exhibitions and runway events.

Where: No 482 Alley 1210, Zhiding Road, Qingpu district

China Chapter

Known for Haipai qipao and formalwear that merges classical silhouettes with modern sensibilities.

Where: No 135 South Maoming Road, Huangpu district

Dorm Kids Couture

Specializing in high-end children's formalwear, the brand produces handcrafted gowns and suits made from imported fabrics, positioning itself within China's niche luxury bespoke market for children.

Where: Room 114, The Peninsula Arcade, The Peninsula Shanghai, No 32 East Zhongshan Road, Number Two, Huangpu district

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Shanghai Observer, and WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center