For international visitors seeking custom-made clothing in Shanghai, the South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market (Chinese: 南外滩轻纺面料市场), commonly known as the South Bund Fabric Market, has become a default recommendation.

The market ranks second on Tripadvisor's "1,412 things to do in Shanghai", trailing only the Bund, and holds a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps, based on more than 500 reviews from visitors worldwide.

Unlike conventional tourist attractions, its appeal lies in practicality. It is one of the few places in the city where visitors can arrive with an idea and leave days later with a finished, made-to-measure garment.

The market combines fabric retail with on-site tailoring services. Visitors can commission suits, shirts, overcoats, qipaos, Tang-style jackets, evening gowns, and wedding attire, all made to order. Most shops accept reference photos, sample garments, or simple verbal descriptions, making the process accessible even for first-time customers unfamiliar with tailoring terminology.

For visitors, the procedure is relatively straightforward. After selecting a shop, customers choose fabrics and discuss styles, followed by on-site measurements. Production typically takes about six to seven days, although many shops offer express services, completing garments within two days for those on a tight schedule.

Pricing is another reason the market appeals to international customers. A tailored suit typically costs between 2,000 and 4,000 yuan (about $286 to $572), depending on fabric and tailoring, roughly one-third of the price of comparable bespoke services in Europe or North America.

Language is rarely a barrier. Many shop owners and staff members are accustomed to serving overseas customers and can communicate in basic English. Some shops also display international social media platforms on their storefronts, signaling experience with global clientele and online communication.

In recent years, international customers have come to represent a significant share of overall business. Shop owners say more than half of their clients are from overseas, discovering the market through Google Maps, Tripadvisor, or AI-based travel recommendations.

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy has further boosted short-term visits, leading to an increase in rush orders and international deliveries. For visitors continuing to other destinations or returning home before their garments are ready, many shops offer overseas shipping, delivering finished items directly to international addresses.

Repeat customers say flexibility and follow-up adjustments are among the main reasons they return. A customer from the United States described the experience as "addictive", saying he ordered six or seven garments last year alone. In some cases, he even brought in ready-to-wear pieces purchased elsewhere and asked tailors to refine the cut or add lining. "They can turn what you have in mind into an actual piece of clothing," he said.

Word of mouth within expatriate and traveler communities continues to play a role. One French visitor said that international customers often rely on informal recommendation networks. "This is one of those places people share quietly among themselves," he added.

If you go

Address: No 399 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu district

Hours: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Transport: About a five-minute walk from Exit 3 of Nanpu Bridge Station, Metro Line 4

Sources: WeChat accounts of Huangpu district and South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market