StroppyChops wrote:It should be noted that Khmer seamstresses are not necessarily tailors - many can knock off a factory garment perfectly but cannot create from scratch, work from a plan, or reproduce from a magazine. Mrs Stroppy had a dress made by the above-extolled lady, for a cousin's wedding in Europe. The end result was so stunning I wanted to tear it off her on the spot, but that would make it difficult to go back to psaar TTP.

*blushes* thanks honey!

I give up finding good value export market men's garments. So, I went looking for fabric at Ohsar Olympic. Various levels of fakes. Apparently Chinese and Thai textile manufacturers have no ethical problem with weaving bolts that read 'Italy' and 'England' and then selling them for prices that are clearly not made there. I don't mind copies. In facf my wallet loves copies. But spare me the BS. Most irritating is noone can tell me content. 90% polyester or 80% wool? And shopping for notions (rubberized elastic waistbands etc) - can't find 'em. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. There are hotel tailors ($$$$) and corner tailors ($). Very little middle market, like Bangkok in 1990.

My corner tailor sells suiting for from $8 -> $12 a meter. European suiting is $25.

Seems excessive for falsely branded fabrics. $4 to $8 is more realistic for the 1,5 width bolt.

StroppyChops wrote:Seems excessive for falsely branded fabrics. $4 to $8 is more realistic for the 1,5 width bolt.

Perhaps I misunderstood and she meant $8->$12 with tailoring. This is at a tailor shop that has fabric on hand. Close shop did a perfect job on copying a Hawaiian shirt for $5 (I supplied fabric). Maybe the international fabric market has devolved from 2001 or Saigon is a whole different story, but I had tropical weight wool trousers made that continue to drape well and are comfortable. Don't tecall the price.

Unsatisfied with not snug-fitting cotton/poly sheets and 100% polyester mattress cover (on top of plastic left on!) I decided to get my own beddings made. Vendor at PTTP. assured me favric was linen but to my touch felt like ramie or almost burlap cotton. PTTP seamstress did a perfect job on fitted sheet except she clearly ignored instruction to wash (shrink) first, fir which she charged a wee bit more.

I ran around looking for some shirts and also trousers. Russian and Olympic markets were a waste of time but I got at least a feel for the prices the people were dreaming of.
At the Central Market I got shirts. After having sorted out all the fake cotton shirt by burning a thread of fabric which turned into a black ball I finally went to the more expensive section inside the old art deco building. I paid 40K per shirt but got something (actually 10) that works fine. After several washings all fine and nice double stitch. The ladies claimed that it was made in Thailand which seems to be the claim of quality as far as PP goes. In Siem Reap the initial asking price in the touristy old market was 17 USD. F,,, that.

Trousers. All was pretty bad and I just bought one which I use for market visits where it can get messy. In other words, I dont mind spoiling it for that little money I spent on it.

I saw one cotton made pair of pants inside the art decor building. The feel was much better and the seller gave me a number for the cotton. Heavy material but right away 22 USD and no discussions. It was a copy but a good one. I figure that it makes more sense to buy originals when I am in the US and spent a little more than going for that stuff.

In sum, I confirm trousers is a real problem while shirts might work out. For my part, I am very happy with the product I got and friends ask me about the seller(s). I will stock up more while supply lasts. I hate shopping so if I found something good it is easy to store backup and avoid the procedure for some time.

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Sun Oct 19, 2014 12:01 am I buy material at Psaar Thmei and have pants and shirts made by one lady at Psaar TTP. Pants cost me $7 and shirts $8 to make, and the lady exactly matches whatever I give her to copy, or makes requested adjustments precisely. She's more expensive than the rest of the row of tailors, but worth it IME.

thanks for sharing!!

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Sun Oct 19, 2014 12:01 am I buy material at Psaar Thmei and have pants and shirts made by one lady at Psaar TTP. Pants cost me $7 and shirts $8 to make, and the lady exactly matches whatever I give her to copy, or makes requested adjustments precisely. She's more expensive than the rest of the row of tailors, but worth it IME.

nice sharing!!