Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review a new suit from the local tailor AZS Studio. Unlike most tailors in Singapore, AZS Studio operates as a fully mobile tailoring service. Instead of having clients visit a showroom, founder Azra brings the entire tailoring experience directly to their homes or offices.
Curious to see whether this home-based experience could match the service and craftsmanship of a traditional tailoring house, I commissioned a suit with AZS Studio and invited Azra to my home for the initial consultation and subsequent basted fitting. Here’s how the experience went.
AZS Studio – the Video
Those interested in seeing some hands-on footage of my experience at AZS Studio can watch the YouTube video below:
AZS Studio – the Experience
When I first met Azra, she brought along a curated selection of fabric books for me to browse. It’s helpful to have a general idea of what you’re looking to commission—or at least the occasion you’re dressing for, whether it’s work, a wedding, or a formal event—so she can bring the most relevant fabric collections.
That said, this also highlights one of the inherent trade-offs of a mobile tailoring service. Unlike a traditional showroom, where dozens of fabric books are readily available, a travelling tailor is naturally limited by how much they can physically transport. As such, clients who want to browse an extensive range of fabrics on the spot may find the selection more focused than at established showroom-based tailors such as Edit Suits or HST.
During Azra’s first visit to my home, we discussed the direction for my first suit. Knowing that she holds a bachelor’s degree in Menswear Tailoring from Goldsmiths, University of London, I told her I wanted something that embodied classic British tailoring, while remaining practical for Singapore’s climate and lifestyle.
She recommended a full linen ensemble to me— shirt and suit —both in earth tones, lightweight, breathable, and very much in line with current menswear trends. Given that this was my first commission with her, she highlighted that the linen fabrics were from her house fabrics (i.e., the cheapest) range, so the pricing was affordable. To retain that unmistakably British character, she also suggested a double-breasted jacket, a timeless silhouette that adds a touch of formality and elegance. It was a combination that struck the perfect balance between tradition and practicality, and one I was more than happy to go with.
Despite her youthful appearance, Azra possesses a remarkable depth of knowledge in tailoring. She began her journey in the craft at just 18, interning with Rossi, one of Singapore’s oldest tailoring establishments. It was there that she developed a genuine appreciation for bespoke tailoring, which eventually led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Menswear Tailoring from Goldsmiths, University of London. After graduating, Azra further refined her craft through international experience in countries such as Japan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, before returning to Singapore to launch her own mobile atelier. With more than a decade of experience spanning multiple countries and tailoring traditions, she inspired in me a strong confidence that I could trust her sartorial judgment—especially when it came to the suit’s styling and overall direction.
During the basted fitting, I first tried on the shirt and trousers in the fabrics Azra had recommended. Almost immediately, she noticed that the shirt’s shoulders needed adjustment—a recurring issue for me, as long-time readers will know I have noticeably sloping shoulders—and swiftly pinned the areas to be altered.
As for the trousers, we both agreed that they were slightly too long, so Azra recommended shortening them by about an inch to achieve a cleaner, more contemporary silhouette. As she pinned the adjustments, it became apparent that she was completely at ease with the tools of her trade. Less experienced tailors often handle pins rather tentatively for fear of accidentally pricking their clients, but Azra worked with confidence and precision throughout the fitting. It was a small detail, but one that further reinforced my confidence in her expertise.
Next, I tried on the basted jacket. For those unfamiliar with the process, a basted fitting involves trying on a partially constructed version of the jacket, temporarily held together with white basting stitches. It gives both the tailor and client an opportunity to assess the garment’s balance, fit and drape before the jacket is permanently assembled.
Personally, I consider a basted fitting to be an integral part of the bespoke tailoring experience. As one tailoring writer aptly put it, “It’s the difference between flying first class and flying on a private jet.” The analogy may be a little tongue-in-cheek, but it aptly captures the level of refinement and customisation that a basted fitting affords.
My first impression was just how well the khaki linen fabric had turned out. Seeing it made up into a jacket immediately brought to mind the classic cloths used for safari jackets—a resemblance that Azra revealed was entirely intentional. Her aim was to create a look rooted in British sartorial traditions, yet one that felt relaxed and approachable rather than overly formal. It struck a careful balance: unmistakably British in its styling, yet without the stiffness (both metaphorically and literally, since linen is a soft fabric) sometimes associated with traditional Savile Row tailoring.
The basted jacket fitted remarkably well from the outset, with key elements such as the drape across the back and the sleeve pitch already spot on. Do note that the visible creasing is not indicative of poor fit, but rather a natural characteristic of linen. In fact, these gentle wrinkles are part of the fabric’s charm, lending the suit a more relaxed, effortless character.
That said, Azra identified a few minor refinements that would further improve the jacket. One of her recommendations was to shorten the sleeves slightly to reveal more of the shirt cuff—a classic tailoring proportion that I readily agreed with.
Secondly, Azra suggested shortening the jacket slightly to create a cleaner, more contemporary silhouette. Since we had already decided to hem the trousers to a quarter break rather than a half break, this adjustment complemented the suit’s overall proportions, so I was happy to go along with her recommendation.
AZS Studio – Suit Review
After another two weeks, Azra dropped by my place again to deliver the finished suit.
From the front, the jacket fits exceptionally well, with clean, wrinkle-free shoulders that provide a strong foundation. The waist is gently suppressed to create an elegant, tailored silhouette, while the jacket length is well judged, finishing just below the thumb bone—a classic proportion that flatters the overall look.
Furthermore, the sleeve pitch is perfect, letting the sleeves hang smoothly with minimal creasing. As mentioned earlier, the shortened shirt sleeve also reveals about an inch of shirt cuff – slightly more than the usual tailoring convention, but intentional for a more modern, casual look.
Finally, the back of the jacket drapes beautifully, with minimal creasing—an especially impressive result considering this was my first commission with Azra. Long-time readers may remember that I have a pronounced arched back, a figure irregularity that often causes fit issues across the back, particularly in the hands of less experienced tailors. Azra, however, managed to achieve a remarkably clean fit on her first attempt, which speaks volumes about her technical ability. The trousers are equally well executed, with the back draping cleanly and elegantly.
Moving on to the cloth itself, I have to say that I’ve grown particularly fond of this brown linen-wool blend. The earthy hue immediately brings to mind the safari jackets I’ve commissioned in the past, giving the suit a relaxed yet distinctly elegant character. The fabric also features a subtle herringbone weave, which adds visual depth while complementing the suit’s rugged, casual aesthetic. Despite its substantial appearance, the cloth is surprisingly light and breathable thanks to its linen composition, making it well suited to Singapore’s tropical climate. One can also see a conspicuous lapel roll here, which stands in sharp contrast to the flat lapels found on more affordable double-breasted suits.
Rounding out the package are thoughtful sartorial details that Azra includes as standard, such as a barchetta breast pocket and a hand-finished Milanese buttonhole—small touches that elevate the suit and reflect the level of craftsmanship on offer.
Other premium details include functional sleeves (sometimes referred to as surgeon’s cuffs) and gorgeous natural horn buttons.
As always, I opted for side adjusters instead of belt loops, along with front pleats to achieve a classic, sartorial-inspired silhouette. I particularly appreciate that the side adjusters feature a keeper tab to secure the excess strap, resulting in a cleaner, more refined appearance—a thoughtful detail that is often overlooked by more affordable tailors.
The jacket also features a quarter-lined (or butterfly-lined) construction, which enhances breathability—a welcome feature when paired with a linen-rich fabric. Interestingly, a quarter-lined jacket is often more labour-intensive to produce than either a fully lined or half-lined jacket, as the exposed interior demands greater precision and a cleaner finish from the tailor.
My only gripe with the suit jacket is that the alteration marks from shortening it are still visible, which detracts slightly from its otherwise clean and polished appearance.
Still, I thoroughly appreciate Azra’s creation as a whole. Having commissioned my fair share of double-breasted suits over the years, I can confidently say that this brown linen ensemble is one of the most distinctive additions to my wardrobe. Its styling strikes an excellent balance between classic and contemporary—firmly rooted in traditional tailoring, yet relaxed and modern with a unique character of its own. In particular, I love the wide peak lapels, the pronounced lapel roll, and the horn buttons, which complement the earthy fabric beautifully. The fit is equally impressive: classic in silhouette, yet sharp and flattering without feeling overly slim.
Azra also encouraged me to wear the jacket unbuttoned, arguing that it creates a more relaxed, “chic” aesthetic. Traditionally, leaving a double-breasted jacket unfastened has been considered a sartorial faux pas—you’d be hard-pressed to find King Charles wearing one that way. That said, menswear has become far more flexible in recent years, and many enthusiasts are now more willing to bend the traditional rules.
Azra herself is a strong advocate for wearing double-breasted jackets unbuttoned, and I have to admit that the look has grown on me. Worn this way, the jacket takes on a rakish, effortlessly debonair quality while offering a refreshing alternative to the conventional buttoned-up appearance. It also makes the jacket feel noticeably more versatile, particularly when cut from a casual, earth-toned linen fabric like this one.
Conclusion – so AZS Studio “shiok” or not?
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Azra of AZS Studio, as well as the finished linen suit and shirt she delivered. The mobile tailoring concept proved incredibly convenient, allowing me to complete consultations and fittings from the comfort of my own home. According to Azra, clients tend to be more relaxed in a familiar environment—a philosophy that certainly resonated with me. Furthermore, I also appreciated Azra’s design sensibilities. The brown linen double-breasted suit is one of the most distinctive pieces in my wardrobe, blending classic sartorial tailoring with a relaxed, contemporary aesthetic. Better still, thoughtful details such as a Milanese buttonhole, surgeon’s cuffs, horn buttons, a barchetta breast pocket, and a quarter-lined construction all come as standard. Most importantly, the suit fits beautifully, with excellent sleeve pitch, a clean drape, and a flattering silhouette. For a relatively new name in Singapore’s tailoring scene, Azra has exceeded my expectations, and I would gladly recommend AZS Studio to anyone looking for the convenience of a mobile tailor without compromising on style, craftsmanship, or fit.
Suits at AZS Studio start from $1,500, while bespoke shirts start from $200. First-time customers currently enjoy a 10% discount, and readers of Wah So Shiok can also flash this article (or my YouTube video) when booking their appointment to receive a complimentary shirt with every suit purchase. Better yet, the promotions are stackable, meaning you can get the same suit-and-shirt combination that I commissioned for just $1,350. While AZS Studio isn’t positioned as a budget tailor, I believe the pricing is justified by the personalised service, convenience of its mobile tailoring model, and Azra’s strong sense of style and fit. It certainly won’t be my last commission with AZS Studio.
Book a door-to-door consultation with AZS Studio here.
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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