Having a piece of clothing made in Abu Dhabi isn’t as much hassle as you might think. Unfortunately, it’s not always as cheap as you might expect either. But surely, spending an extra Dhs100 or so to get a dress, for example, tailored exactly to your measurements is a better bet than just pulling a size off the rack and hoping for the best? If you need an excuse to overhaul your wardrobe, are up for the investment and have the time to get it all organised, then many of the tailors in Abu Dhabi can whip something up for you. We visited Joury Tailors to test their credentials.
The idea is simple: if you want to recreate a certain look on a budget, just take a copy of the design you want and see if your local tailor can hook you up. The owner of Joury Tailors, Farouk, is more than happy to talk us through the process and explains his staff can offer advice on which materials will work best. The shop itself only stocks a range of fabrics for lining and undergarments, but there are plenty of textile outlets nearby where you can pick up something that suits your purse and taste.
For the copy of the blazer that we’re after, Farouk explains the price will be approximately Dhs250 excluding the cotton fabric, of which we’ll need 2.5 yards, and this is roughly the starting price for most basic designs that are being copied.
Once our measurements are taken the garment will change hands several times before it’s assembled for the first fitting (for which we can arrange a date and time during the first visit – it can take a while if the tailor is busy, but a week and a half should be ample). Joury Tailors hires a number of skilled textile workers, some of whom dedicate their hours solely to cutting, before the pattern pieces are passed on to the seamstresses, who will then begin the all-important task of putting everything together.
Once we’ve tried the item on, they will happily make alterations free of charge if it doesn’t quite fit, until we are completely satisfied with the end result. Even with repeat visits factored in to get the fit just right, our order shouldn’t take more than two weeks – and we’re guaranteed something that fits us like a glove.
Simple dresses from Dhs150-Dhs200 (excluding fabric), simple jackets from Dhs250 (excluding fabric). Joury Tailors, behind Al Muhairy Centre, opposite Souk, Khalidiyah (02 631 7323).
Others to try
Allure Fine tailoring and Fabrics
We’ve watched this place go from strength to strength. We remember when it was a hole-in-the-wall store cramped with textiles and rulers, but the great quality, fast turnover and friendly service meant people kept coming back. Now it occupies a great location at Madinat Zayed.
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, first floor (055 377 2050).
Belle Veste
While some of its copies are simply divine, and the proprietor has been known to bring mere sketches to life, the quality of the work and the price you pay depends on which of the tailors does the tailoring.
Where 3rd/Khalifa Street dead-ends near Al Noor Hospital.
Orchid Tailor and Textiles
This gifted tailor is so good it’s almost not worth mentioning him here because he’s always swamped with work. Great for both men’s and women’s clothing.
Down the side street opposite Cairo Fabrics on 3rd/Khalifa Street.
Kent Tailoring and Textiles Shop
Though it may seem like all men’s dress shirts are created equal, those tiny variations can make the difference between a much loved shirt and one that never gets worn. Take those worn out favourites to this place and get as many flawless copies as you need.
Behind Al Noor Hospital on 3rd/Khalifa Street.
Need some fabric?
Cairo Fabrics
A fantastic place for all sorts of great material with everything from pure cotton to linen and wool.
Near the Souk Central Market opposite Mashreq Bank (02 629 9455).
Madinat Zayed
A cross between a shopping mall and a souk, this local style shopping centre is home to several fabric shops – some that carry hard-to-find fabrics like leather and seersucker.
Next to the Gold Souk on 4th/Muroor Road between 7th/Electra and 9th/Al Falah Street.
