Fabric Market

Dedicated to: The Wonders of Custom Fabric

It's been a strange week here in Shanghai, China. Rain has been bringing in intense heat and humidity. With most of Asia running on an open-sewer system...yeah...fun and interesting smells have been noticed to say the least.  Fortunately, some exciting events have occurred since the last time I posted. Unfortunately, I've also been a lazy-ass/flat out exhausted and not been as on top of my postings as I should be. Well, with that I'm just going to get into the awesomeness of the Fabric Market.

The Fabric Market is a three-storied building, and when observed from the outside, it actually doesn't look very large. The moment you step inside, it's like stepping into another unique realm in Shanghai. Each building's story is cluttered with hundreds of small shops offering foreigners and natives their fabric wares. For the most part, the market is packed with people that are constantly being pestered by vendors who want them to come into their shop.This place in Shanghai is called the Fabric Market because it is a renowned area for people to order custom-made business suits, slacks, coats, jeans, shirt-tops, traditional Chinese garb, and just about anything else you could think of that can be worn and made to exactly fit the individual.

You may wonder, what's the best part? YOU CAN HAGGLE. That's right, if you don't haggle for your prices you will definitely be ripped off, or worse, realize that what you ordered wasn't even that great of quality.

I've already been to the Fabric Market market 4 times. I've been going to the same vendors for those last minute gifts, with prices that continue to improve because of the repeated visits. Of all the times I've gone, I had friends that either came with me, or I escorted them to the best vendors. Thankfully, most have been satisfied in what they purchased, because of me haggling for them, while giving them a chance to learn the ropes. It has definitely been enjoyable for me in helping them hone their haggling skills. I can also say for sure that my own haggling skills have improved a great deal. It's only embarrassing when I actually try to haggle in an established department store u_u ... But, I still ask if there is a discount before I think about purchasing something :)

I probably won't return to the Fabric Market again, but I can't help but think about getting a pea coat custom-made...