In this article, I’ll be rounding up my picks of tailors in Singapore – all starting from under $1000. In my personal experience, most Singaporeans are either unaware of the existence of these local tailors, or have the impression that having a made-to-measure suit would be incredibly exorbitant. Through this article, I hope to shine a spotlight on the noteworthy efforts of these Singaporean tailors, whom I believe distinguish themselves from others in the industry.
Without further ado, these are 11 tailors in Singapore I’ve personally tailored garments from that won’t break the bank. The tailors listed below are in ascending order of price. I would like to emphasize that the tailors are not ranked in any particular order, so do take the time to read through my comments on each individual tailor to better know their strengths and weaknesses. This is probably the most comprehensive guide on local tailors out there currently – there are other listicles out there, but none whereby the writer actually personally tailored from all the mentioned tailors.
Update: I’m pleased to offer curated tailoring packages – partnering with some of the below-mentioned tailors – on The Shiok Shop. If you’re looking for bang-for-buck deals, do check out the webstore.
Under $500:
The “affordable tailor” segment is by far the most saturated space in the local tailoring industry. If you’re active on Facebook, you would probably have seen a barrage of “$399 suit promotion” advertisements by multiple tailors. Unfortunately, most of these tailors (in my opinion) often deliver sub-par products, and are staffed by inexperienced part-timers. To find out more on what to look out for when buying a suit, do read my tailoring guide here. I’ve been to most of these affordable tailors in Singapore and based upon my personal experience, have shortlisted five. If you’re on a budget, do check out the tailors below!
1) Mohan’s Custom Tailors
There’s no shortage of affordable tailors in Orchard – there’s probably over a dozen of them just in Far East Plaza alone. Having been situated at Far East Plaza since the shopping mall opened in 1982, Mohan’s stands out from the many tailors there.
Basted Fitting: Depends. Mohan’s starts off with a muslin fit, and depending on whether the muslin fit is satisfactory, there may or may not be a basted fit. A Muslin fit is similar to a basted fitting, with the difference being that while a basted fitting uses the cloth that you chose, a muslin fitting garment is often fashioned out of a cheaper material. Muslin fitting is sometimes used by tailors to save cost and wastage.
Lead time: 2-4 weeks
My opinion: In the local tailoring scene, the Mohan’s brand is recognisable, with Mr Max Mohan himself being somewhat of an icon. In fact, the government (more specifically, Gov.sg) actually did an entire episode on Max Mohan and his work! I may be wrong, but I can’t think of another local tailor that was the feature of a government-sponsored documentary. Like most of the older generation tailors – and unlike most affordable tailors – production for their garments are done in-house locally, overseen by master tailor Mr Koh (who also appears in the aforementioned video). Overall, I think that Mohan’s Custom Tailors is a great value proposition. For as little as $350, you get a mixed wool suit, as well as a shirt (after the promo code below). If you have more cash to splash, Mohan’s also offers full-canvassed Reda suits (with a free shirt) for just $900, which might be the best price in town. Their garments are well-crafted, and fits rather well too. Mohan’s get the important stuff – fit and craftsmanship – right, and in these two aspects, they really shine. Mohan’s has developed a healthy brand reputation over the decades (boasting a 4.9 Google rating with over 400 reviews) and after experiencing their tailoring, it was easy for me to see why. Mohan’s – and Max Mohan himself – have been in the business for over 50 years now, and it’s easy to see why they have not only survived, but thrived over the decades.
In comparison: As compared to Ehkay Corner, Mohan’s has a shorter lead time. If you’re in need of a suit urgently, Mohan’s is the better best bet. Mohan’s also has an edge over Esquire’s Atelier, Stitched Custom and The Suited Label when it comes to experience and reputation.
Price: Suits at Mohan’s start from $250. Just for my readers, Mohan’s is offering a free shirt with every suit purchase from $350 and up! Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” whilst making your appointment or flash this post while at the store to enjoy the complimentary shirt.
Recommended: While suits at Mohan’s start at $250, I recommend topping up for the $450 half-canvassed mixed wool suit, which comes with a free polyester cotton shirt. For those looking for better material (important if you’re planning on wearing the suit/shirt frequently), my advice would be to go for the $650 half-canvassed full wool suit, with a free full cotton shirt included. The $200 increment may be substantial, but it is definitely worth it.
Location: 14 Scotts Road, #02-73 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Reviews: I reviewed my experience at Mohan’s Custom Tailors here, and the suit and shirt I got here. I also reviewed a new single-breasted suit (pictured above) from Mohan’s here.
The Shiok Shop: Curated package deals from Mohan’s can be found here. In particular, I recommend the $900 Full Canvassed Reda Suit package, and the $750 Back to Office package.
2) The Suited Label
Though affordable and relatively new, The Suited Label actually possesses an in-house production, thus setting it apart from most of its peers.
Basted Fitting: No.
Lead time: 4-6 weeks
My opinion: I was left impressed by my experience at The Suited Label. They seem to be a perfect blend of youth and experience, with prices being very affordable too. Their in-house production translates to increased consistency and quality, as well as a lower lead time. It also means that alterations can be made on the spot. And given that all their suits are half-canvassed, I would say that The Suited Label offers unbeatable value propositions. The fit and workmanship are good too, with ample attention to detail. Those who prefer a more modern Italian/Korean-esque cut should consider The Suited Label – at their current promotional pricing, it’s a no-brainer.
In comparison: The Suited Label offers a more modern style and cut as compared to similarly priced “uncle” tailors like Mohan’s and Ehkay Corner Tailors, but with more expertise and technical know-how than younger tailors such as Stitched Custom and Esquire’s Atelier due to their in-house production capabilities.
Price: Suits at The Suited Label currently start from $299. Just for my readers, The Suited Label is offering a free shirt (worth $89) with any suit purchase. This offer is stackable on any in-house promotions they run, including the current $299 2-piece suit promotion for March. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” while making your appointment, or show this article in-store.
Recommended: Those on a budget can consider the rayon 2-piece half-canvassed suit for $299 or the 3-piece half-canvassed suit for $399. Those with a larger budget can opt for a 2-piece half-canvassed suit from “branded’ European fabrics (such as the Reda suit above) for $799. Remember to quote “WAHSOSHIOK” for the free shirt as well!
Location: 998 Toa Payoh N, #03-09, Singapore 318993
Reviews: I reviewed my experience at The Suited Label here, and the fit and workmanship of the eventual suit here.
3) Ehkay Corner Tailors
Based in Orchard Plaza, Ehkay Corner has been offering great affordable suiting options since the 1980s.
Basted Fitting: No, but they do a Muslin fit.
Lead time: 3-5 weeks
My opinion: Despite their affordable price point, Ehkay Corner ticks a lot of boxes. Unlike the majority of the other affordable tailors popping up on Facebook currently, Dinesh and his wife Hina have been managing Ehkay Corner since the 1980s – that’s almost 40 years! In fact, Dinesh picked up the trade from his father and elder brother, who ran the business before him. In terms of experience, Dinesh and his wife definitely have it in spades. In addition, Ehkay Corner boasts a local, in house production – all garments are produced in their workshop locally. Their Google ratings are also great – a near-perfect 4.9/5 rating from over 400 satisfied customers. Furthermore, their shirts are rather affordable. Lastly, Ehkay Corner offers affordable rental services, so if you only have a temporary need for a suit (e.g groomsmen, prom, etc) that could be an option as well. Their rental prices are for 72 hours, so that’s a relatively better value than other tailor rental services that mostly only rent for a day. Overall, I would say that Ehkay Corner is one of the best affordable tailors in Orchard.
In comparison: As compared to Mohan’s, I find Dinesh’s service at Ehkay Corner more personal and approachable. For example, they never fail to offer me a drink every time I’m there. If customer service is important to you, Ehkay Corner is the right choice. In comparison to Esquire’s Atelier, The Suited Label and Stitched Custom, Ehkay Corner has more experience – their Google reviews outnumber all three combined.
Price: Readers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on all products at Ehkay Corner. After the discount, a mixed wool suit at Ehkay Corner starts from $342. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” or flash this post to enjoy the discount. Readers can also get 5% off rental services.
Recommended: I recommend going for the mixed-wool $342 2-piece suit – it’s a great starting point, especially given its half-canvassed construction. For weddings, you can consider the $468 3-piece suit set (pictured above) for more aplomb. I also recommend the $688 tuxedo set, which is inclusive of a 2-piece tuxedo suit, a tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, and accessories such as a bow-tie and pocket square. Finally, their $68 shirts and $77 pants are bang-for-buck options too! Prices stated are after the aforementioned discount. Readers can also rent a two-piece suit at $114, or a tuxedo set at $166.
Location: #01-57 & #01-01 Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road Singapore 238841
Review: I reviewed my experience at Ehkay Corner Tailors here, and the tuxedo I got here. I also reviewed a 3-piece suit here, and the abovepictured double-breasted suit here.
The Shiok Shop: Curated package deals from Ehkay Corner can be found here. In particular, I recommend the $580 Three-piece Suit + Shirt package, as well as the $980 Tuxedo Suit package.
4) Esquire’s Atelier
Located in Chinatown, Esquire’s Atelier is currently a popular choice in the wedding scene. With sharp style and a basted fitting process, Esquire’s Atelier is a great affordable option if you’re looking for a wedding/event suit.
Basted Fitting: Yes.
Lead time: 6 to 8 weeks.
My opinion: If you’re looking for a wedding/event suit, I believe Esquire’s Atelier may be one of the best affordable options. On your big day, you want to stand out – you’re the star, and all eyes are upon you. As such, you need a tailor with a sharp sense of style, and Esquire’s Atelier is just that. Not only do they have over 5 years of experience in dressing grooms and groomsmen for their big day, but they are also unafraid to push boundaries stylistically without breaking the bank. The production of their garments is also made locally, which should translate to a higher level of consistency. They offer both affordable half-canvassed suits starting from $404, as well as VBC suits from $989 (after the promo code below). For those planning to re-use their wedding suit for work afterwards, I highly recommend topping up for the VBC option. Overall, if you’re looking for something sharp to stand out from the crowd during an important event, Esquire’s Atelier is one of the best bang-for-buck options around.
In comparison: As compared to Ehkay Corner and Mohan’s, Esquire’s Atelier is younger, fresher, and has a sharper sense of style. There are also more customisation options available (lining, button, style options, etc) which are included in the price. And in contrast to The Suited Label and Stitched Custom, Esquire’s Atelier offer a baste fitting process, which should result in a better fit.
Price: Readers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount off suits at Esquire’s Atelier. After the discount, a 2-piece half-canvassed suit at Esquire’s Atelier would start from $404, while a fully canvassed VBC suit would cost a mere $989. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” whilst booking the appointment or flash this post when at the showroom to enjoy the discount.
Recommended: I would recommend their $494 premium Tecron half-canvassed suits for weddings. For those with a little more to spend, I highly suggest going for the $989 fully canvassed VBC wool suits – it will last you for the rest of the decade. Prices are after the abovementioned discount. In addition, readers also get to enjoy special pricing on shirts (starting $79), pants (starting $89), and vests (starting $120) when they purchase a suit.
Location: 64A Pagoda St, Singapore 059223. Interested parties are highly encouraged to book an appointment first here – which states Wah so Shiok as a referral source – to enjoy the 10% discount!
Review: I reviewed my experience at Esquire’s Atelier here, and the fit and style of the outfit I commissioned here. In addition, I also reviewed a Holland & Sherry suit from them here, and a brown oblique suit from them here.
5) Stitched Custom
For those who prefer a more modern fit, or like to customise their clothing, Stitched Custom is a great affordable option – especially if you’re in a hurry.
Basted fitting: No, though they do have fitting garments available.
Lead time: 2-3 weeks.
My opinion: The vibe at Stitched Custom is youthful and trendy – they are no stranger to colourful suits, as eye-catching patterned fabric swatches line their walls. Being a one-stop shop, they carry a variety of interesting accessories for their clients’ sartorial needs as well – I loved the cupid cufflinks I got from them. That being said, they do plenty of business suits too. For a work suit, you will likely be wearing the suit for the entire day – it is important that you are comfortable with what you’re wearing. Currently, Stitched Custom carries a stretchable fabric (they call it their CS fabric) that has spandex in it, which provides more flexibility and comfort for the wearer. It’s something unique that I have not seen in the other affordable tailors that I’ve visited. Furthermore, the lack of a fitting process translates to more convenience as one do not have to drop by an additional time for a fitting session, making them perfect for busy professionals. It also results in a short lead time of just 2-3 weeks – perfect for those who need a suit urgently. In addition, Stitched Custom offers extensive customisation options at no additional cost. Lastly, Stitched Custom offers affordable rental options, including an interesting “Made-to-rental” program where the suit is made to your customisations – like a regular made-to-measure suit, but at 20% off – but have to be returned thereafter.
In comparison: As compared to both Ehkay Corner and Mohan’s, the style is younger and there are more customisation options available. In contrast to Esquire’s Atelier and The Suited Label, the showroom of Stitched Custom is larger, and they also carry plenty of accessories (ties, cufflinks, etc) making them a one-stop shop.
Price: Suits at Stitched Custom start from $499. Just for my readers, Stitched Custom is offering a free shirt with every suit purchase, as well as 20% off all accessories. Those interested in rentals can also get a 15% discount on both the “Made-to-rental” programme and general rental suits.
Recommended: I would recommend the $499 CS Fabric suits. I’ve seen videos of grooms doing wedding festivities (door bashing, kneeling, etc) in the suits, and the spandex really helps in terms of flexibility. I would assume it’s a comfortable option for daily work suits as well. For those without a permanent need for a suit, I think their “Made-to-rental” programme (priced 20% off usual made-to-order pricing, with readers enjoying an additional 15% off after the promo code) is intriguing as well.
Location: 193A Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208534
Review: I reviewed my experience with Stitched Custom here, and the fit and workmanship of the eventual suit here. I also reviewed a velvet tuxedo (pictured above) from them here.
Under $700:
At the $700 price point, there is a noticeable increase in either the quality of the garments (fabric or construction), or the customer experience. The aforementioned sub-$500 tailors are great, but at $700 one begins to appreciate the experience in addition to the product.
6) Perfect Attire
Located in the heart of the CBD, Perfect Attire offers a wide variety of premium fabrics (VBC, Drago, Holland & Sherry, Piacenza, etc) at very affordable prices.
Basted fitting: Yes.
Lead time: 4 weeks
My opinion: Personally, I believe that Perfect Attire provides the best craftsmanship for the money. Even on their entry-level $650 house fabric suit, the suit comes half-canvassed, the buttons are shanked, buttonholes are hand-sewn, pic stitching is available and jacket cuffs are functional. Furthermore, all of Perfect Attire’s garments are made in-house, with the canvassing done by hand – consistency and quality control are top-notch. Fit is great as well, with at least one fitting process implemented to perfect the fit. Overall, if you’re looking for a great fitting, well-crafted suit constructed with premium fabrics at an affordable price, Perfect Attire is a terrific choice. One of the best bang-for-buck tailors I’ve personally experienced!
In comparison: As compared to Sors Studio and Edit Suits, the craftsmanship of their suits are superior. Details such as hand-sewn buttonholes, Milanese buttonhole, Barchetta pockets and surgeon cuffs can be found on all of Perfect Attire’s suits – these cost additional at the other two tailors. Perfect Attire also offers the lowest priced “premium” fabrics (Drago) at this price point.
Price: A 2-piece half-canvassed suit starts from $650, with fully canvassed suits starting from $800. A fully canvassed Super 130s full wool suit starts from $950. Just for readers, Perfect Attire is offering a free shirt with any suit purchase. Readers can get a free house fabric shirt with a purchase of a 2-piece suit. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” whilst booking the appointment or flash this post when at the showroom to enjoy the discount.
Perfect Attire has also kindly extended a 10% discount on any shirt, trousers and waistcoat purchase from its Elite collection. The Elite collection comprises cotton, linen, as well as wool blends, so there’s a great variety of fabrics available. After the discount, tailored shirts, trousers and vests would start at just $162 each.
Recommended: I wholeheartedly recommend the half canvassed house fabric (mixed wool) suit at $650, as well as their fully canvassed Super 130s full wool suit at $950. That’s a steal, especially considering the current free shirt promotion.
Location: Oxley Tower Unit 03-38, 138 Robinson Road, Singapore 068906. Interested customers are recommended to book an appointment online prior to dropping by.
Review: I reviewed my experience with Perfect Attire here, and the fit and workmanship of the resulting suit here. I also reviewed a waistcoat-led ensemble from them here, which I really liked.
The Shiok Shop: Curated package deals from Perfect Attire can be found here. In particular, I recommend the $950 Full Canvassed Super 130s Full Wool Suit + Shirt package, and the $720 Back to Work package.
7) Sors Studio
Sors Studio is really interesting as the owner, Gary, does not see himself as a tailor, but rather as an image consultant. While most tailors simply alter the fit to the individual, Gary goes one step further by tailoring (pun intended) his style advice for each client as well.
Basted fitting: Yes, usually 2.
Lead time: 4-5 weeks.
My opinion: If you’re absolutely clueless in terms of fashion, go to Gary at Sors Studio. Over there, you get not only clothing, but also invaluable style advice. In essence, you’re paying not just for the product, but for a makeover as well. Furthermore, if you’re the type who likes personalisation, Sors Studio is the perfect outlet to express your individuality. From custom inner linings for suits to uniquely patterned vests, these are designs that you won’t see at other tailors. Gary (pictured above) regularly searches for unique fabrics from suppliers, and buys a small amount of fabric if he sees something he likes. As such, most of these designs are extremely limited – often, only 2-3 garments with the same design are created. In addition, their production is local as well, which should translate to a higher level of consistency. Gary regularly experiments with different customisation options too – Sors Studio has one of the most extensive customisation options I’ve experienced. Currently, their suits are half-canvassed, and mother-of-pearl/horn buttons come standard on shirts/suits respectively. Overall, if looking good and standing out is your top priority when it comes to getting a tailored garment, Sors Studio is the perfect place for you.
In comparison: As compared to Perfect Attire, Sors Studio is superior in the styling department. And in contrast to Edit Suits, Sors Studio utilises a baste fitting process, which should result in a better fit – especially if you have an unusual body shape.
Price: A 2-piece mixed wool suit (half-canvassed) at Sors Studio starts from $650, while a vest starts from $200. Shirts start from $150 and trousers start from $130.
Recommended: I would recommend the $650 mixed-wool suits, as well as the $200 vests. For the more adventurous, Gary does denim/cotton suits too! If you’re looking for intriguing office shirts, their $150 shirts will definitely make you stand out at work. I really love the designs of Sors Studio – they are really stunning, and surprisingly affordable. However, the true value comes not from the clothing, but Gary’s styling advice.
Location: 34 Arab Street #02-01 Singapore 199733
Review: I reviewed my experience with Sors Studio here, and the fit and style of the resulting garments here. I also reviewed their suit jacket here, and did a smart casual outfit with them here.
8) Edit Suits Co.
Baste fitting can be great, but the multiple fittings that are required can sometimes be a hassle. For those who don’t have the time to drop by for multiple fittings, but still want a quality suit that doesn’t break the bank, Edit Suits is your answer.
Basted fitting: No, though they do have fitting garments for you to try on.
Lead time: 4-6 weeks.
My opinion: As compared to the other two tailors in this category, there is no basted fitting process with Edit Suits – though that is not necessarily a bad thing. With the other tailors, I had to drop by at least 5 times (measurement, 2 fittings, alteration, final collection) – not everyone has the time for that. Effectiveness and convenience are Edit Suits’ key strengths. In fact, they also boast a brilliant online shop, whereby customers can customise and place subsequent orders based upon the initial measurements taken during their first order. Thereafter, customers can either opt to collect it from the Edit Suits showroom, or have it delivered to their home for free. Furthermore, Edit Suits features an integrated production, and thus one can expect a high level of consistency and stringent quality control. Their cut is refreshingly modern as well, developed for the modern professional – a breath of fresh air from the style of older, more established tailors. They are quite popular in the wedding scene too, with many grooms opting for a 3-piece suit from Edit Suits. Lastly, suits from Edit Suits start at an affordable $699, with their canvassed VBC suits starting at just $999. Overall, if you’re a busy professional who does not have the time (or patience) to drop by a tailor multiple times, Edit Suits delivers quality suits at affordable prices with minimum hassle.
In comparison: As compared to Perfect Attire and Sors Studio, Edit Suits does not have a basted fitting, which results in less hassle in the tailoring process. Yet, the fit is still pretty good – no compromise there.
Price: A 2-piece house fabric (100% wool) suit at Edit Suits starts from $699, with canvassed premium suits (VBC, Loro Piana, Dormeuil, etc) starting from $999. Shirts start from $99. . For readers, Edit Suits has kindly offered a $100 discount with every purchase of a suit+shirt with a minimum spend $999, and a free pair of chinos (worth $189) with every purchase of a suit with a minimum spending of $1499. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” while booking your appointment or flash this article in-store. You can also quote the promo code “wahsoquick20” to enjoy 20% off your first shirting order online.
Recommended: I definitely recommend opting for the $999 VBC suit. Firstly, to get a canvassed VBC suit under $1000 is quite a steal – in contrast, other tailors at this price point offer mixed wool house fabrics. Secondly, you actually get a free shirt with the above promo code, making it a steal. I’m also a fan of their $1499 Loro Piana Australis suit, which comes with a complimentary pair of chinos. For those looking for shirts, I recommend their $103 Somelos shirts (after the abovementioned 20% discount).
Location: 35A Duxton Road, Level 2, Singapore 089499. Interested customers can book their appointments here, and choose “Wah so Shiok” as the referral option when prompted to enjoy the free shirt/chinos.
Review: I reviewed my experience at Edit Suits Co. here, and the fit and workmanship of their garments here. I did a recent review of the Loro Piana suit (pictured above) with Edit Suits’ new outfitters here. I also reviewed their online QuickMeasure shirting process here.
Under $1000:
For $1000, one begins to experience tailoring the way it’s meant to be experienced. Sure, the below-mentioned tailors are still some way off Saville Row (literally and figuratively), but I would say that they are the closest alternatives you can visit locally without breaking the bank.
9) Hwa Seng Textiles
Hwa Seng Textiles (HST) was established in 1960, and is the oldest tailor on this list. In terms of expertise and experience, the people at Hwa Seng Textiles has been practising their craft for a very, very, long time.
Basted fitting: Yes, usually 2.
Lead time: 4-5 weeks.
My opinion: To date, I’ve been to over 30 tailors in Singapore – none has wowed me upon the first impression more than HST. Step into the shop, and you will be greeted by rows upon rows of fabrics (see the first image of this article). Unlike other tailoring showrooms where you can only feel the fabric in little booklets, the staff at HST will bring down the entire roll of fabric for you to see, touch, and drape against your body. HST’s fabrics are of great quality – HST started out as a purveyor of textiles, and till today still supplies fabrics to tailors locally, some of whom are on this list. In addition, the staff are very experienced. Chief of which is Ye Shifu, who has been in the industry for almost 60 years. Knowing that Shifu nitpicked over the fit of the garment put me straight at ease. That feeling of trust and comfort when you visit an ‘uncle’ barber? It was exactly the same feeling here. He pointed out little peculiarities about my body to me that I didn’t even know myself, such as my arched back, unevenly sloped shoulders, and left forward shoulder (probably caused by a lifetime of pressing WASD on the keyboard). The attention to detail, as well as the sheer amount of customisation choices at HST, astounded me while I was there. Furthermore, each piece at HST is measured, drafted, cut and fitted precisely, their exactness enhanced with the use of a state-of-the-art Computer CAD System. That’s right – despite being one of the oldest tailors in Singapore, their outlook is futuristic with the owner unafraid to invest in IT to enhance the effectiveness of their operations. In addition, HST also offers custom jeans for denim fanatics and those looking for well-fitting casualwear. For those looking for an affordable Saville Row experience, I highly recommend HST. All suits at HST are fully canvassed.
In comparison: In contrast to Meiko Tailor, there’s a much higher degree of customisation available, in terms of fabric, buttons, etc. Prices are also generally lower. As compared to P+ by Pimabs, HST utilises a full-fledged baste fitting system, which would be more appropriate if you have atypical body proportions (like me and my arched back).
Price: Readers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount off all products from HST. After the discount, a 2-piece fully canvassed mixed-wool suit from HST would start at just $855. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” whilst booking your appointment or flash this post when at the showroom to enjoy the discount.
Recommended: I recommend the $855 mixed wool fully canvassed 2-piece suit – it’s surprisingly affordable for a fully canvassed suit in general, even more so considering the experience and expertise that HST possesses. For those looking for a “branded” fabric, I recommend the $1350 VBC Revenge (Super 150s) fully canvassed 2-piece suit. For an older, more established tailor, that’s one of the lowest (if not the lowest) price in the market for a fully-canvassed VBC. In a surprisingly modern twist, HST also offers bespoke denim jeans, which I recommend if you’re looking for a more casual look.
Location: #07-12 Gemini@Sims, No 2 Sims Close, Singapore 387298.
Review: I reviewed my experience with HST here, and the fit and workmanship of the resulting suit here. They also do custom jeans, which I reviewed here. I recently commissioned another suit (black, seen above) with them, and reviewed it here.
10) Pimabs
A pioneer in the local bespoke tailoring scene, Leslie of Pimabs has been offering sartorial advice to gentlemen for almost two decades.
Basted fitting: Template fitting
Lead time: 4-5 weeks.
My opinion: I first met Leslie at Closeknip, which was positioned as a more affordable, mass-market complement to Pimabs. For those in the sartorial scene, Leslie is a familiar name, having dressed luminaries such as Dick Lee and Ken Loon over the years. Unfortunately, Closeknip couldn’t survive the financial woes brought by the pandemic, and the brand has since ceased operations. However, its spirit continues to live on at Pimabs under a new line/sub-brand named P+ by Pimabs. The process is fundamentally identical to Closeknip (same fabrics, same fitting process) except that at Pimabs, Leslie now personally oversees every aspect of the customer experience. The advice and experience of Leslie make P+ by Pimabs even better than Closeknip was, especially considering that the price point remains the same – suits start at just $899. That’s a steal, considering that a typical suit from Pimabs usually starts from $2000. The catch is that it remains a template fitting system (as opposed to a baste fitting) but in my multiple experiences, the fit has been more than good enough – in fact, sometimes better than other tailors that used baste fittings. Once again, that speaks to the experience of Leslie, who prioritises a clean drape. Whether you consider yourself more fashion-forward, or simply have no idea what your style is, you will be in very safe hands with Leslie.
In comparison: As compared to both HST and Meiko Tailor, I would say that the vibe at Pimabs is more modern in style. If you’re looking for a runway look – perhaps for a wedding, where all eyes will be on you – then Pimabs would be my personal pick out of the three.
Price: Readers can enjoy suits from just $899, as well as special rates on shirting and trousers packages – exclusively on The Shiok Shop.
Recommended: I recommend the $899 suit package, which (as mentioned earlier) is a steal considering the usual price point of Pimabs. I like Leslie’s trousers as well, and would thus also recommend the $720 pants bundle (for three) – the price is a tad steep, but the drape, cut and finish is definitely a step above the norm.
Location: 20A Cavan Rd, Singapore 209851
Review: I reviewed my experience with Leslie at Closeknip here, and the resulting fit/workmanship of the suit here. I also reviewed a safari jacket ensemble designed by Leslie here. Lastly, I reviewed an outfit styled by Leslie at Pimabs here.
The Shiok Shop: Curated package deals from Pimabs can be found here. P+ by Pimabs is currently available exclusively on The Shiok Shop – unless you were a past customer of Closeknip – so the aforementioned package deals can only be bought online.
11) Meiko Tailor
Located within the luxurious premises of Pan Pacific hotel, Meiko Tailor pays homage to the art of tailoring. Run by Head Tailor Uncle Chung – who has over 50 years of experience in tailoring – Meiko Tailor is perhaps the personification of the maxim ‘old is gold’.
Basted fitting: Yes, usually 2.
Lead time: 2-4 weeks. Surcharge may apply for urgent orders (<2 weeks), or during peak periods.
My opinion: Out of all the tailors mentioned in this listicle, Meiko Tailor is perhaps the only true blue bespoke option. A tailor is considered bespoke when he specialises in the drafting, cutting, and fitting of the garments – all of which Uncle Chung oversees for every customer. There’s no template used at Meiko Tailor, as everything is custom-made from scratch, based upon an individual’s specific measurements. The experience of Uncle Chung (who started as a tailor even before my parents were born) shone through during my experience at Meiko Tailor. In addition, Meiko Tailor boasts a local in-house production. Not only does that translate to more stringent quality control and greater consistency (Uncle Chung personally inspects every finished garment), it also allows Meiko Tailor to offer one of the shortest lead times amongst bespoke tailors. The lead time of bespoke tailoring is often 1-2 months – due to Meiko Tailor’s in-house production, their usual lead time is just 2-4 weeks. Furthermore, Uncle Chung has recently been joined by his daughter Adele in the business. Adele, being a trained image consultant, brings modern styling advice to an established lao jiao tailor, ensuring that customers get the best of both youth and experience. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable bespoke tailor with an emphasis on craftsmanship, or simply need a well-crafted suit in a jiffy, I highly recommend paying Meiko Tailor a visit.
In comparison: As compared to HST and Pimabs, Meiko Tailor differentiates itself by offering true bespoke tailoring. At Meiko Tailor, Uncle Chung oversees the drafting, cutting, and fitting of all the garments – that’s a level higher than Ye Shifu of HST and Leslie of Pimabs.
Price: A sports jacket starts at $990, while 2-piece fully canvassed mixed wool suit (poly-wool mix) starts from $1290. Readers get to enjoy a complimentary set of cufflinks and tie with every purchase of a 2-piece suit – simply flash this post to enjoy the free accessories.
Recommended: While prices at Meiko Tailor technically start from $990 (for a seersucker sports jacket), I would highly recommend going for their $1690 house-fabric suits – it’s a slight premium for significantly better quality fabrics, and was the fabric I chose for my initial red suit. For those looking for more breathable fabrics, I recommend the $1890 Irish linen suit (pictured on me above), which is perfect for Singapore’s humid weather.
Location: 7 Raffles Blvd, #02-01 The Pan Pacific, Singapore 039595
Review: I reviewed my experience at Meiko Tailor here, and the fit/craftsmanship of the eventual suit here. I also reviewed a linen suit and a sports jacket from them here, a more casual ensemble here, and a smart casual outfit here.
The Shiok Shop: Curated package deals from Meiko Tailor can be found here. In particular, I recommend the $649 Back to Office Wardrobe package, as well as the $2380 Groom & Bride Wedding Package.
Conclusion:
I hope that this list of affordable tailors in Singapore has been useful. In many ways, this is my definitive list of tailors in Singapore that I recommend – I had personal experience getting garments tailored at all the aforementioned tailors, and my experiences have been nothing short of positive across the board. I made sure to include tailors across a wide variety of price ranges too so there’s definitely something for everyone here.
Aside from the individual promotions at each tailor, do also consider the curated tailoring packages listed on The Shiok Store. I believe The Shiok Shop is the first of its kind to offer curated tailoring packages online, just as Wah So Shiok was – and still is – the first to do personal reviews of affordable tailors. The package deals are all very attractive, so if you’re on the hunt for tailored clothing and want to stretch your dollar do consider purchasing them. Redemption is fuss-free: an email invoice will be sent to you after purchase. Simply book an appointment with the respective tailors stating the package you bought, and show them the invoice while in-store if necessary.
Other listicles
If you found this tailoring listicle helpful, do check out some of my other listicles below:
- 6 Affordable Briefcases in Singapore
- 12 places to get Watch Straps in Singapore
- 6 Perfume Brands in Singapore to check out
- 6 Affordable Wallets in Singapore
- 10 Underrated Singaporean watch brands that won’t break the bank
- 4 Affordable Dress shoes in Singapore
- 11 Affordable Hotels for Staycations in Singapore
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wahsoshiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.P.S If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.
P.P.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.
