Made-to-measure clothing

Who this is for

People who want a chokha or Georgian dress made to their own measurements for a wedding, a celebration or as a keepsake.

Also those having a modern suit, shirt or dress made individually by a tailor in Tbilisi.

Our role

We do not sew or sell fabric: we introduce you to tailors and help with the choice, organising measuring and fittings, and shipping.

You pay the tailor directly for the work and the fabric, and we never hold your money. We take no commission from tailors or shops, and the fee for our help is agreed in advance.

The chokha

The chokha is the traditional long, fitted coat of Georgian men, with cartridge holders across the chest.

Today it is worn at weddings, celebrations, feasts and national ceremonies.

A well-made chokha fits the body exactly, which is why a ready-made one rarely sits like one made to order.

History of the chokha

For centuries the chokha was the dress of Georgian warriors and nobles.

In the Soviet period it almost vanished from everyday life, but in recent decades its popularity has grown again.

Today people of every generation wear it, from weddings to national holidays.

Parts of the outfit

A full outfit includes the chokha, the arkhalukhi worn beneath it, a belt, trousers and often a hat and boots.

The cartridge holders on the chest once held measured charges of powder; today they are decorative.

We agree each detail separately with the tailor so that the outfit is coherent.

Colours

A black chokha is the most classic and versatile.

A groom often chooses white, while burgundy, blue and grey are common at modern weddings.

We choose the colour together with the tone of the arkhalukhi and belt.

The Georgian dress

The traditional women's dress is long and fitted at the waist, often with gold or silver embroidery.

A headband and a fine veil complete it, and some brides choose it as their wedding dress.

The embroidery is done by hand, and that is what takes the most time.

Modern interpretations

Some Georgian designers use chokha elements in women's and men's jackets and coats.

Such pieces can be worn every day and carry the tradition forward in a new way.

If you would like a modern take instead of classic dress, we will find the right designer.

Regional differences

Each part of Georgia has its own version of traditional dress.

In the mountain regions, such as Khevsureti and Tusheti, clothing differs in embroidery and colour.

If you are interested in a particular region's dress, we will find a master versed in ethnography.

A child's chokha

A child's chokha is very popular for a christening, a birthday or a dance class.

Children grow fast, so the tailor leaves spare fabric in the seams for letting out later.

For a child's chokha we choose a soft, easy-care fabric.

A modern suit

Experienced tailors in Tbilisi make bespoke suits, jackets and trousers.

A suit can be made during a trip, if you have time for two or three fittings.

The cut and style are chosen to suit your build and the purpose of the suit.

Shirts and dresses

A shirt is the quickest to make, and one fitting is often enough.

A dress or blouse needs one to several fittings, depending on fabric and design.

If you have an old favourite, the tailor can make a new one on its pattern.

Choosing a tailor

We choose a tailor by their samples, the quality of workmanship and what clients say.

A chokha master and a modern suit tailor are often different people.

At the first meeting we look at finished work and check the quality of the seams.

Fabric

A chokha is most often made of dense wool, which holds its shape well.

For a dress, velvet, silk and light wool are used.

Either the tailor offers fabric, or we choose it together in a shop.

Season and climate

A heavy wool chokha is hot at a summer wedding, so we choose a lighter fabric or a blend.

For winter, dense wool with a lining sits warm and handsome.

If you will wear the garment in another country with another climate, we take that into account when choosing fabric.

Measuring

The tailor takes the measurements personally, and it takes about half an hour.

For measuring, wear the shoes and underlayers you will wear with the garment.

Body measurements change with even a few kilograms, so if you are planning a change, tell the tailor.

Fittings

A chokha usually needs two or three fittings.

The first fitting checks the shape, the second the length and sleeves, and the last the details.

We take photos at every fitting so that changes are clear.

Timing

A chokha usually takes several weeks, and an embroidered dress longer still.

At the peak of the wedding season tailors are busy and queues grow.

So where possible we start the order before your trip.

A short trip

If you are in Georgia for only a week, we arrange measuring on the first day.

We plan fittings for the middle and the end of your trip.

The tailor finishes the final details after you leave, and we ship the garment.

Ordering remotely

Having a chokha made remotely is possible, but risky.

A tailor in your city takes measurements from our list, and we do the fitting by video call.

In that case a small alteration may be needed locally.

Belt and accessories

A silver belt is the chokha's main accessory.

An old belt passes down the generations in a family, while a master makes a new one with traditional motifs.

We choose accessories together with the chokha, so the tone of the metal matches.

The dagger

The khanjali dagger is a traditional part of the chokha, but it may count as a bladed weapon.

For weddings people often choose a decorative, blunt dagger.

A dagger may not go in cabin baggage, and the rules for checked baggage vary from country to country.

The hat

Traditionally a fur or felt hat is worn with a chokha.

A hat is not always required, especially at a city wedding.

Some countries restrict importing fur items, so we confirm the material in advance.

Boots

Soft leather boots are the traditional footwear, and they are made to measure.

Instead of boots, people often choose classic high-cut shoes.

Bring your shoes to the fitting so the trouser length can be set correctly.

Embroidery

Embroidery on a dress or arkhalukhi is done in gold, silver or silk thread.

Hand embroidery differs from machine work in its slight asymmetry and living texture.

We choose the embroidery motif with the master, and sometimes it includes initials.

Local wool

Some masters use local wool and hand-woven cloth, which gives a garment a special character.

Such cloth is less even and heavier, but it gives traditional dress its most authentic look.

We check its availability with the master in advance, as it is not always to be had.

Restoring an old chokha

A grandfather's chokha kept in the family is often damaged by time and moths.

An experienced master can clean and repair an old chokha and carefully alter it to a new size.

We treat such work with particular respect, as it is part of a family's history.

Photos of the process

Many couples want a record of how their wedding chokha or dress was made.

With the master's consent we take a few shots in the workshop, from measuring to the last stitch.

These shots become a lovely story in the wedding film or album.

Measurements for the future

After measuring, the tailor keeps your measurement sheet with your consent.

In future a new shirt or suit can be ordered without coming, or with just one fitting.

If your measurements change, we update the sheet with one short visit.

Weddings

A groom in a chokha and a bride in a Georgian dress are the most photogenic picture of a Georgian wedding.

Many foreign couples who marry in Georgia choose traditional dress.

We write about organising the wedding in the wedding section.

Group orders

Some couples dress their best men and friends in matching chokhas.

A group order is made by one tailor or several masters, using the same fabric.

Every participant's measuring and fittings must fit into one schedule, and we arrange that.

Photoshoots

A photoshoot in a chokha or dress against a Georgian backdrop is beautiful.

For a single photoshoot, renting is often more sensible than having one made.

We write about photoshoots on a separate page.

Renting or making

Renting is quick and enough for a one-off event.

A made-to-measure chokha fits you exactly and serves you for years.

If you plan to wear a chokha often, having one made is better.

Respect

For Georgians the chokha is a symbol of history and dignity.

A foreigner who wears a chokha properly and respectfully is usually warmly received.

We do not treat the chokha as a carnival costume, and tailors appreciate that.

Wearing it right

The belt is fastened snugly at the waist, and the skirts of the chokha fall freely.

The collar of the arkhalukhi should show beneath the chokha.

The tailor shows you how to put it on at the last fitting.

Comfort and build

A good tailor finds a flattering shape for any build.

A true master values comfort no less than shape: you should be able to dance in a chokha.

If you have limited mobility, we tell the tailor in advance.

A tailor at your hotel

If getting to the workshop is difficult, some tailors come to the hotel to take measurements.

This is especially handy for a family or a group.

We agree the time and place of the visit in advance.

What sets the price

The price is set by fabric, complexity of the design, embroidery, accessories and the master's name.

A silver belt and hand embroidery make up the largest part of the price.

The tailor gives you a detailed estimate after measuring.

Payment

A tailor usually asks for a deposit, especially to buy the fabric.

You pay the rest at the last fitting or on collection.

Ask for a receipt for every payment, and we put the deposit terms in writing.

A written agreement

Design, fabric, timing, number of fittings and price should be agreed in writing.

That way both sides know what to expect.

If anything changes, we record the change in writing too.

An interpreter

With many tailors, Georgian or Russian comes in handy.

An interpreter conveys the nuances of length, ease and comfort precisely.

Our interpreter takes no commission from tailors.

Care

A wool chokha needs dry cleaning and must not go in a washing machine.

Keep the chokha on a broad hanger in a fabric garment bag, so the shoulders keep their shape.

Use cedar or lavender sachets to protect against moths.

Repairs and letting out

A well-made chokha has spare fabric in the seams, so it can be let out later.

Replacing or repairing the cartridge holders and belt is easy with a master.

Sending a chokha back from abroad for alterations is possible, and we arrange it.

In your luggage

A chokha or dress travels best in a garment bag as cabin baggage.

Folding in checked baggage leaves creases, which come out of wool with steam.

Pack the silver belt and cartridge holders separately in a soft pouch.

Shipping

A garment finished after your trip is sent by courier.

We send the parcel with a declared value and insurance.

Before sending, we send you photos and a video of the finished garment.

Customs

New clothing for personal use usually passes customs easily.

For a valuable item, some countries charge tax above a certain value.

Keep the receipt with the garment, and we check the rules for daggers and fur separately.

As a gift

A chokha or dress is a very precious gift for a Georgian friend or family member.

Making one as a gift without measurements is hard, so we often suggest a gift card.

We write about gift cards on a separate page.

Dance ensembles

Georgian dance ensembles and schools often order stage chokhas as a group.

A stage chokha is roomier and more hard-wearing for dancing.

We give such orders to a specialist master.

Honesty

We work with tailors who do not hide the origin and composition of their fabric.

We will not sell you a tourist factory chokha as handmade.

If a garment is mass-produced, we tell you so plainly.

Common mistakes

Ordering a chokha a few days before the wedding.

Being measured in different shoes and underlayers from those worn at the event.

Choosing heavy wool for a summer wedding.

What we need from you

What garment you want and for what occasion.

The dates of your trip and of the event.

Your preferred colour, fabric and budget range.

Cost

The tailor and masters set the price of the work, fabric and accessories, and you pay them directly.

We take no commission from tailors, shops or masters.

The fee for our help is separate and agreed in advance.