Tailors

From Alhannah

Tailors in the Souqs

The souqs are made up of groupings. The jewelry souqs, the material and clothing souqs, the electronic souqs, the spice souqs, and the fix anything souqs. In the material souqs there are plenty of tailors. Several will only make men’s clothing but some make both men and women. You have to ask.

I have a favorite tailor at the souqs. The name is Samraa Center and they are located in the Doha Souq and their number is 441-8354. The first time you go you meet the owner and the employees. You can browse around amongst all available materials. In the center of the store there is a large rack with all his finished projects awaiting pickup. After you decide what it is you want to make, the owner shows you his suggested materials in his own shop, but if you don’t find something you like there, never fear, the cloth connections go deep. He can take you to many more stores that are willing to sell the material. The supply of materials does not end.

If you have a favorite suit, any brand name or non brand, take it with you and he will get the measurements from that. Or if you don’t have the actual suit, just a picture of something you want will do. Now you meet the actual tailor himself and he measures you and writes in his book all the information. Now both the tailor and owner are prepared to start negotiations. They say one price and then you begin negotiating. If you feel it is just too much you can still run out the door. Once you agree upon a price you usually must leave your suit with him. You can pick that up in a couple of days. He will tell you right then how long it will take. The selection/negotiation visit takes less than one hour, about a week and a half later the fitting visit, and finally a day or two later the finished product visit. The end product is amazing.

Another good thing is if you decide at a later time that you want the pants to go with that jacket and skirt, he can do that. If you decide you want another pocket he can do that. He really can do anything you want. If you have an idea, picture, or drawing --he can make it. He makes it simple.

So far I have had two 3-piece suits and 1 long sleeve button down blouse made. My husband had a suit, several short and long sleeve shirts, and a sport coat made. .

The suits cost about $130 each. The shirt was about $19. After shopping for suits at home and seeing some beautiful Jones of New York for $$$$, I took the pictures to him and had my own knock off made.

Contributed by Cleah