Everything from a pair of custom-made shoes to a new dress or a business suit can be made to measure. Chelsea Chapman and Eloise Florence check out the options in the capital

Beautiful Shoes Probably the best known of the cluster of shoemakers who work near Tuol Sleng. At the back of the shop are buckets of heels and soles, huge rings of fabric samples and stacks of folders with illustrations of various styles. Take your pick of the combinations you prefer, or else bring in an old pair to be copied. For as little as $25, the friendly staff will make them up in about two weeks. A friend tells us she has been sporting a custom-made pair of heels from the store for almost two years, with hardly any signs of wear and tear. #138BEo Street 143

Eda Lux Tailor If you’re in the market for a suit or business shirt, you’ve come to the right place. This Phnom Penh institution for tailor-made clothes sources materials from Singapore, Thailand and Europe. Prices range from $8 for a simple business shirt to $500 for a bespoke suit. Don’t be fooled by the undiscerning shop front and the lack of spoken English; these lads know what they are doing when it comes to design. #154 Street 110; 012 538 060

Tom & Alice So popular it has expanded to two stores, Tom and Alice can help with all bespoke needs. Known for friendly service and high-quality fabrics, the franchise does a booming trade in custom-made dresses, suits and more. Bring in a picture, or else come with some ideas and the staff will help with the design. The owner sources materials from the local market as well as overseas suppliers and special fabrics can be ordered. #84 Street 118 / #153 Street 278; 855 92 222 083 / 855 97 633 3120

Store 1008 – Russian Market The tailoring process at the sprawling Russian Market, home to a whole row of tailors, is longer than visiting a one-stop-shop, but more rewarding. First, choose a tailor – we recommend shop 1008 – and explain your design, making sure to ask how much material is needed before you buy. Take the fabric to the tailor – a simple dress should cost from $20 to $25 – and wait one or two days before they turn out the finished product. Russian Market (Tuol Tompong), Street 155

Angkor Independent Tailor On busy Sihanouk Boulevard is Angkor Independent Tailors, who have been tailoring men’s dress shirts and suits since 1994. Depending on the quality of fabric, Angkor can whip up a shirt in about five days, depending on demand, and starting from about $13. The staff don’t scramble to assist you, but good quality workmanship was evident in the samples they offered. Check out the array of faux military patches and badges in the front window, if you’re in need of extra decoration. #49 Sihanouk Boulevard; 012 889 711

Dara Shoes Little more than a few display cabinets and two plastic chairs, Dara Shoes is a deceptively humble shop tucked away on a street close to O’Russey market. Anything goes here: buy off the shelf, make alterations, pick from the extensive catalogue or bring in a new design and rock a pair of pumps that no one else has. Prices start at $25 but rise when you start adding designs and alterations. Shoes are made to measure and can take about two weeks to make.​ #10Eo Street 166; 012 855 173 /097 8097 143