Buying a Cheap Suit in Hong Kong: How I Bargained My Way Into a Suit — and Out of My Dignity
One of the best things about traveling overseas is you get the chance to have clothes custom-made for way less than what you’d shell out at home. I’ve done this a couple of times—once in Singapore, actually, where I picked up some suits and a few shirts tailored just for me. Back then, everyone wore suits. It felt like money well spent.
Later, I had a work trip to Hong Kong and brought my son along—he was about fourteen. After I wrapped up my program, we wandered the city. And honestly, you can’t walk more than a few feet in Hong Kong without a tailor trying to get your attention. They’re everywhere, hanging around shopping centers, ready to size you up for a new suit.
I picked a tailor I liked, even though I had only about a day and a half left in town. Didn’t matter. They measured me up right there and got to work. Quick turnaround. I ended up with a cashmere suit that looked sharp and cost way less than what I’d pay back in the States.
A little later, I’m back in the U.S., heading to Boston for another program—this one at the Ritz Carlton. Every time I have to speak at something like this, I get those usual nerves. Sweaty palms, anxious energy, the works. About thirty minutes before I’m supposed to go on, I’m backstage in my new cashmere suit, feeling pretty good. Then I feel this weird draft—something’s off. I reach behind, and sure enough, there’s a pretty sizable tear in the seat of my pants.
No way I’m stepping onstage like that. I rush back up to my hotel room, thankful I always travel with a sewing kit. Off come the pants, out comes the needle and thread, and I manage a quick patch job. Disaster dodged. The Hong Kong suit didn’t exactly stand the test of time, but my sewing held up. I made it onstage—patched up, but ready to go.
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Greg Smith | 
