Batgung

Hi acb;

I feel for you on this one, man!

I'm really quite tall, about 6'5" (i.e. 195cm), but I'm lucky in that my feet aren't especially big. I wear size 44-45, which I usually can find in shops here; it seems, though, that 44 or 45 is often the biggest size available. At a 46, you're going to be out of luck much of the time.

For shirts, I find lots of T-shirts, polos and short-sleeved button-up shirts available both in the factory outlet shops in places like Wan Chai (especially along Johnston Road) and in Stanley market. And recently even Bossini (a cheap local clothes chain) has been stocking XXL turtlenecks and long-sleeved T-shirts that fit me quite well.

For long-sleeved dress shirts, I buy them overseas or have them tailored. For the latter, I've recently had them done on trips to Bangkok, where tailoring is generally a tremendous deal.

For trousers, the only place I reliably track any down is Stanley market. There are a couple of shops that stock overruns of chinos, jeans and low-end 'smart casual' trousers, and they usually do have big sizes.

For nicer trousers/blazers/suits (I wear a 44 or 46 long) it's pretty hopeless here these days. Oddly, in the past (i.e. about 10 years ago) I bought a couple of nice blazers in Marks and Spencer; their size 44 long fit me perfectly, and they carried that size in at least a few of their HK outlets. Now, however, although that size is still sometimes available, I find that it's far too small for me -- the sleeves and body are way short, although it's roomier width-wise. Are people in the UK just getting fatter, and M & S has followed that trend, or are they now stocking 'Asian' sizes that assume a fatter but shorter figure for the same size? Mysteries abound!

Anyway, I hope this helps. A couple of other links on our site that might help:

Here's our general guide to shoppping in Hong Kong in case you haven't seen it.

This thread has information on tailors in Hong Kong.

I'd say the solution for clothing would be to have some tailor made (Shenzen has some great tailors in the Lo-Wu commercial centre, I'd recommend the one in shop 21 on the 5th floor), especially shirts, suits and trousers are great. Best if you take something of your own for them to copy. they speak English and can help you get the material as well. A shirt would be about $200 including material, I've had ladies suits made (lined) for $450 including the material (jacket and trousers).
Sorry I can't help on the socks and shoes side, I know there are some shoe stores in the Admiralty building (behind Queensway plaza) which also make shoes, and have some on hand, so that may help (don't know about prices though), and a tall friend of mine with large feet has used Rockport in TST which had his size.

If you go to Shenzen I'd recommend you go with someone who knows their way around, or that you get that book shopping in Shenzen (little red book) it gives you some price guidelines and ideas of who is "reputable"
http://www.shopinshenzhen.com/index.htm

Otherwise get a couple of newbies together and organise a shopping tour with Tula Mylonis, http://www.shenzhenshopping.banyancreative.com.au/ she's a hoot and knows her way around really well. It's worth the charge.

rule of thumb is to offer 20% of the asking price and work you way up. But first check out the prices in HK so you're not still way off the mark!
enjoy!

I've got size 46 feet as well. The only place I shop is Marks & Spencers!