When considering a customised shirt, one of the most common questions that arises is, "How long does it take to order a customised shirt in Singapore?" The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your design, the type of shirt, and the service provider you choose. While the process of ordering a customised shirt can be faster than you might expect, there are various steps involved that can affect the timeline. Let’s break it down.
1. Choosing a Tailor or Online Platform
The first step is to decide whether you will use a local tailor or an online customised shirt platform. Both options have different timelines.
Local Tailors: If you choose to visit a brick-and-mortar store or a local tailor in Singapore, the process can take anywhere from 5 to 14 business days. Local tailors typically offer personalized fittings and consultations, which can add time to the process, especially if you require adjustments or have a complex design in mind.
Online Customised Shirt Platforms: Many online platforms in Singapore allow you to design and order shirts remotely. These platforms often offer faster turnaround times, with orders typically being completed within 5 to 7 business days, depending on the complexity of the design and the production process. However, some premium options may take longer if you request custom fabrics or intricate details.
2. Measurement and Fitting
The time it takes to complete your order largely depends on how well you communicate your measurements and fit preferences. A perfectly fitted shirt requires accurate measurements, and depending on the method used for measurement, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
In-person Fittings: If you visit a tailor in person for measurements, the fitting itself may take 30 to 60 minutes. However, the availability of appointment slots may impact the time it takes to get an appointment, especially during busy seasons. Once your measurements are taken, the tailor will usually require a few days to produce the first prototype or sample shirt.
Online Measurement Tools: For online customisation, many platforms offer easy-to-use measurement guides or tools that can help you take your own measurements at home. Some online services also offer virtual fittings, where you can input your measurements into a digital system that automatically suggests the best fit. This process can be faster than in-person fittings, but accuracy is crucial to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
3. Fabric Selection
Customised shirts are available in a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, poplin, silk blends, and even performance fabrics. The time needed for fabric selection will vary based on the availability of your preferred materials.
Ready-to-Ship Fabrics: If you select a fabric that is in stock, the process can be quick. Most services have a wide range of popular fabrics that are readily available, and these fabrics usually do not add significant time to your order.
Custom or Premium Fabrics: If you opt for custom or premium fabrics, such as high-end Egyptian cotton or specialty materials, the production time may increase. Some fabric options may require special ordering or sourcing, which can add 2 to 5 extra business days to the delivery time.
4. Design and Customisation
Designing your shirt is another important step that influences the timeline. The more customised you want your shirt to be, the longer it may take.
Standard Designs: Many customised shirt services in Singapore offer ready-made templates where you can choose the fit, collar style, cuff design, and fabric. These standard options typically don’t take much time to complete, with designs being processed relatively quickly (within 1 to 2 days).
Fully Customised Shirts: If you’re looking for a fully bespoke shirt with custom embroidery, monograms, or unique styling elements (such as special stitching, cufflinks, or personalised buttonholes), the production time may be longer. Fully customised shirts can take up to 10 to 14 business days due to the additional work involved in creating the custom details.
5. Production Time
Once the measurements, fabric, and design are finalised, the actual production of the shirt begins. This step typically involves cutting the fabric, stitching, and assembling the shirt according to your specifications.
Standard Production: For a shirt with no complex customisation, the production time can range from 5 to 7 business days. Many Singaporean tailors and online platforms have in-house production teams, ensuring that your shirt is crafted efficiently without compromising on quality.
Customised Production: For shirts with highly detailed customisation or unusual fabrics, production can take longer—around 7 to 10 business days. These shirts may need special attention to detail or additional handwork, such as embroidery or special button placements.
6. Shipping or Delivery Time
After the shirt is made, the next factor is shipping or delivery. If you’ve ordered your customised shirt online, you’ll need to consider the shipping time.
Local Delivery: In Singapore, most customised shirt providers offer local delivery, which can take anywhere from 1 to 3 business days, depending on the courier service.
International Shipping: If you're ordering from an international online store, delivery could take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the shipping provider and any customs processing that may be required.
7. Rush Orders
If you're in a hurry and need your customised shirt sooner, some services offer rush orders for an additional fee. For example, you may be able to receive your shirt in 2 to 3 business days if the service has the capacity to prioritize your order. Keep in mind that rush orders might come with limitations on fabric choices or customisation options.
Conclusion
In general, ordering a customised shirt in Singapore can take anywhere from 5 to 14 business days, depending on the type of shirt, level of customisation, fabric availability, and production process. If you’re ordering a shirt with a simple design, the process will likely be quicker, while a highly customised shirt may take a little longer.
Whether you choose a local tailor or an online platform, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and allow some extra time for the shirt to be made to your exact specifications. After all, the extra time is an investment in a shirt that fits perfectly and reflects your personal style.