A few tips, with Mr. Gopal S. Varmaowner of Radiant Tailors, a quality tailoring house established in 1938 on the corner of Barrow and Boman Behram Road, just behind the Taj Mahal Palace.
A question of time "Let's be honest: to make a made-to-measure suit in the right conditions, you need time. Of course, it can always be done in one or two days, but for a quality result, it's better to allow 8 to 10 days. This also means that alterations can be made if necessary. The same goes for shirts: allow three to four days. It's best to be wary of those who promise the best for the next morning.
A question of money "It all depends on the fabric. Good ones range from 2,500 to 5,000 or even 7,000 rupees a metre (editor's note: 40, 80 or 110 euros). To make a costume, you need about three metres of fabric. Add to that the labour and, for 25 to 40,000 rupees (editor's note: 400 to 650 euros), you can get a good result. It may sound expensive, but it's nothing compared with London, where you'll be asked to pay £2,000 just for the work. For a shirt, expect to pay between 1,000 and 3,000 rupees (16 to 49 euros), depending on the fabric. And beware of people who promise you less. "
A question of location "There are lots of shops that call themselves "tailor" but, in my opinion, there are no more than three really good tailors, plus one or two other well-established houses in the suburbs. There's no secret: 'old is gold'...".
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