Shipping Custom Suits from Shanghai: The Complete Guide for International Visitors
The safest international order is the one that treats shipping as part of the plan from the beginning, not as a rescue step at the end.
Why shipping should be decided before production begins
International shipping is not a Plan B — it is a standard part of the tailoring service for foreign visitors in Shanghai. Many of our clients plan from the start to have their garments shipped: they know their trip won't allow for a final collection, or they want to order ahead of a trip they're not yet on.
The key is to discuss shipping at the consultation stage, not on the final day. Once production is underway, changing the delivery plan can cause delays, address errors, and unnecessary stress.
What to confirm before your garment ships
A smooth international shipment requires a few things to be locked in early:
- Full delivery address including postcode, country, and a contact phone number
- Preferred carrier (DHL is fastest and most trackable; EMS is a reliable alternative)
- Whether hotel delivery is still possible if the garment is ready before you leave
- Awareness of import duties in your home country — these are the client's responsibility
- A final fitting or approval photo before dispatch, where possible
Which countries can we ship to?
We've shipped completed garments to clients in the UK, USA, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, UAE, South Africa, and many other countries. DHL Express typically delivers within 3–5 business days internationally. EMS typically takes 7–14 days.
Some countries have specific import restrictions on textiles. We'll advise if we know of any issues with your destination country. For very high-value shipments, we can assist with insurance documentation.
What about the fit — will it still be correct after shipping?
When we know a garment is being shipped without a final in-person collection, we err on the side of slightly roomier fits to give the client — or a local tailor — room to make minor adjustments. We keep your measurement record on file, so if you visit Shanghai again, we can refine the fit on your next order.
For clients who have been fitted in person before shipping, the fit should be very close to perfect. Garments are carefully pressed and packaged to minimise transit creasing.
Shipping is a service, not a complication
For experienced international tailors, shipping is routine. The most common problems occur when it is treated as an afterthought — when address details are confirmed at the last minute, or when the client hasn't decided between hotel pickup and overseas delivery.
Treat the shipping decision as part of your tailoring brief. Decide early, communicate clearly, and your bespoke garment will arrive in perfect condition — wherever you are in the world.