A hanbok you plan to keep deserves a few questions before you buy. None of them depend on price, and none of them assume one fabric is better than another. They help you know what you are getting.
What is it made of? Ask what the piece is made of, and check any fiber-content information supplied with it. Silk, cotton, linen and synthetic fabrics each drape, feel and wear differently, and each can be the right choice for a particular occasion. What matters is that the description matches the piece.
How should it be cleaned? Follow the care instructions for the specific piece. If instructions are missing or unclear, ask the seller for written guidance before cleaning.
How is it finished? Look inside: are the seams finished, and is the jeogori or chima lined? Neither answer is right or wrong in itself, but the seller should be able to tell you.
Is the embroidery by hand or by machine? Both are used. Ask, and expect a straight answer.
Is it made to your measurements or sold in standard sizes? Either can work. Knowing which tells you what to send and what to expect.
Who checks it before it reaches you, and what happens if something is wrong?
For custom-ordered garments, our sourcing and inspection process is that Eric selects pieces in Seoul through authorized Korean suppliers and makers, places the order to your measurements, and inspects each piece in San Mateo. For accessories and any specific piece, ask Eric directly.
Related: the collection, caring for your hanbok, piece by piece and authentic hanbok and costume hanbok. Questions about a piece? Write to us.