For special occasions when you want to look your best, visit these fine dressmakers and tailors in Singapore.
It’s true what they say: once you go bespoke, you never go back. Shopping off the rack is perfectly fine, but on special occasions (perhaps a black-tie affair or your wedding day), it’s wise to enlist the help of pros. They’ll get you looking your absolute best – whether it’s fashioning a sharp suit from scratch or altering a cocktail dress to perfection. Here are our picks of expert tailors and seamstresses in Singapore who make the cut.
Best tailors in Singapore
1. Meiko Tailor
This is a true blue Singaporean brand. With almost five decades of experience under its belt, Meiko truly upholds the definition of bespoke tailoring. From drafting and cutting to fitting garments, no stone is left unturned (or, in this case, no stitch is left unsewn). You’re in good hands here. Oh, and your measurements are kept on file after your first consultation, so you can request a new suit, shirt, or trousers even when you’re not in Singapore.
Meiko Tailor, #02-01, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
2. Suit Commune
It’s fair to assume bespoke tailoring comes with a hefty price. But if you’re looking for custom creations that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, Suit Commune is your best bet. Its website lists the prices of its services, so you roughly know how much you need to set aside. During the consultation, the team will lend its styling expertise to help you design pieces that are uniquely you.
Suit Commune, #02-16, T-Space, Tampines North Drive 1, Singapore 528559
3. SorsStudio
As a tailor, this homegrown brand is tops. It customises bespoke and ready to wear apparel for any occasion, using unique fabrics from suppliers bought in small quantities. As such, you can be assured that the designs are in limited quantities. Beyond that, SorsStudio also conducts basic coaching and image consultation. So if you’re clueless about fashion, this is where you’ll gain invaluable style advice.
SorsStudio, #02-01, 34 Arab Street, Singapore 199733
4. Suit Yourself
Started by undergrads, Suit Yourself offers professional and affordable suits for students by students. Using advanced technology to take your measurements, the tailoring service promises high quality apparel and personalisation services. E-orders are available too, with self-measurement video instructions. Best part: the materials are ethically sourced!
Suit Yourself, 5 Lichfield Road, Singapore 556825 (by appointment only)
5. Mohan’s Custom Tailors
Ask any tailoring veteran, and they’ll tell you Mohan’s is an institution. It is, after all, one of the oldest tailors in Singapore. Catering to ladies and gents, it has a straightforward five-step custom tailoring process for newbies. That begins with the selection of fabrics from more than 500 choices, followed by narrowing down your design from the collar to the button cuffs. Next, it’s all about measurements, the fit and, finally, the pick-up.
Mohan’s Custom Tailors, #02-73, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
6. The Prestigious
When it comes to bespoke, few things hold more weight than experience and history. With over half a century of work in tailoring, it’s an understatement to say Thomas Wong has an intimate understanding of the craft, from baste to blazer. His label, The Prestigious, distinguishes itself by completing all commissions entirely in-house by Wong and his team of personally-taught Lasalle graduates. While his designs lean towards the classic British look, he’s open to modern creations as well.
The Prestigious, Level 3, 62B Boat Quay, Singapore 049850
7. CYC Made to Measure
Focused on producing custom-made shirts for men and women, these folks guarantee quality and stylish workmanship. With over 80 years in the business, the brand features 1,000 fabrics from mills that supply designer brands like Prada, Hugo Boss and Zegna. CYC brings in new fabrics regularly according to the latest seasons, colours and trends. You’ll never be left out of the fashion loop! Have a wedding around the corner? Hit CYC up for wedding suit services and recommendations.
CYC Made to Measure, #01-12/13/14, Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
8. Time Taken To Make A Dress
Part-fashion label and part-bespoke tailor, this is the brainchild of the talented duo Letitia and Jade. Not just tailors by trade, they’re designers too. The pair have their own fashion line of avant-garde womenswear, which you can get customised and made to measure. If you’ve got a dream dress in mind, no problem. They’ll make it come to life. It’s no surprise they’re a favourite amongst brides-to-be seeking the true bespoke experience for their big day. Oh, and local actress Constance Lau wore one of the brand’s designs to the Hollywood premiere of Crazy Rich Asians! How cool is that?
Time Taken To Make A Dress, 337A Beach Road, Singapore 199565 (by appointment only)
9. Q Menswear
Want to dress to impress? Q Menswear is the way to go. The label offers ready-to-wear casual apparel, accessories and grooming tools. But if you’re looking for something unique, go the bespoke route. No doubt, gents will appreciate the selection of spiffy fabrics such as paisley and batik. Plus, other finishing touches add a dash of modernity to traditional, dapper menswear.
Q Menswear, 116A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585 (by appointment only)
10. Iris Tailor
Here, the attention to detail and fit is impeccable. The couple who runs the store is known for menswear. That means you can tailor a brand new suit, alter store-bought jackets, taper your pants or jeans and more. Look for Nani, who has years of experience. But keep in mind they get busy at times, so be prepared to wait if you need last-minute altering.
Iris Tailor, #01-102, Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
11. Valens Couture
Formerly known as Ted Collection, these folks do made-to-measure evening gowns, cheongsams and wedding dresses. We promise you won’t regret it – they create lovely creations that’ll garner you tons of compliments.
Valens Couture, #01-1236, 163 Stirling Road, Singapore 140163 (by appointment only)
12. Este Bartin
We’re lovin’ the contemporary tailoring services with quality fabrics at a reasonable price. The team aims to provide you with shirts that fit perfectly. Each is creatively customised to suit your lifestyle and profession. Apart from shirts, they also provide tailoring services for pants and suits. Plus, all the fabrics are specially handpicked, giving customers the best quality. Also, alteration is always free!
Este Bartin, #04-09, Braddell Tech, 15 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319262
13. Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre
This shop is recognised for its work with designer clothes, so you (and your dress) are definitely in good hands. Having been around for some time, Clancy Boutique has built a rapport with fashionistas in Singapore. The workmanship quality is unrivalled, so remember to book your appointments early to avoid any last-minute rush!
Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre, #04-89, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
14. Haute Alteration Initiative
We love organisations with big hearts, and Haute Alteration Initiative fits this to a T. Its practice seeks to empower women and it’s inclusive. Amongst its employees are single mothers, persons with disabilities and former low-income workers who are offered proper training and good work-life balance here. This one’s a favourite amongst the well-heeled! Only senior seamstresses with decades of sewing experience in high fashion are employed. Additional services include resizing, restyling, repair and replication.
Haute Alteration Initiative, 55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055 (by appointment only)
15. Victor York
With an extensive catalog of Turkish and Italian fabrics, the Victor York team puts creative flair into crisply fitted menswear. Visit the boutique in Tanjong Pagar and master tailors will guide you towards a perfect fit and style. Plus, once you’ve got your measurements figured out, you can order more customised shirts from the nifty online store anytime.
Victor York, #02-02, 50A Tras Street, Singapore 078989
16. Jenny & Me Dressmaking
With over three decades of experience under her belt, Jenny is a force to be reckoned with. Aside from her well-honed expertise at crafting dresses and shirts from scratch, she does meticulous alterations for all sorts of clothes. Above all, she won’t hesitate to dish out her professional advice on how best to get the right fit!
Jenny & Me Dressmaking, #03-45, Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278967
17. May Tailor
May Tailor has been dedicated to the biz for a long time. From measurement-taking to garment alteration, work is done with utter precision and at affordable prices. Want your garments dropped off? The travel fee is free when you spend over $200. Otherwise, you’ll be charged a $50 fee.
May Tailor, multiple locations including Marina Square and Lucky Plaza
18. Kevin Seah
As one of Singapore’s finest tailors, Kevin Seah offers local lads the Savile Row experience. The sheer variety of suit customisation options is staggering – from fabrics to specific stitching patterns and buttonhole styles. It’s a testament to how bespoke the Kevin Seah experience really is. But even if you’re not in the market for a new suit, it’s worth paying a visit to his atelier. The perfect embodiment of a swanky gentlemen’s club, it stocks ready-to-wear polo shirts, designer ties and pocket squares, vintage cufflinks, and dapper accessories.
Kevin Seah, #03-01, The Mill, 5 Jalan Kilang, Singapore 159405 (by appointment only)
19. Michelle Alteration
Make this your go-to for a quick and no-fuss fix that’s easy on the wallet. Michelle’s team of trained tailors can perform basic alterations in less than an hour. In addition, there’s no extra charge for same-day services. So if you need a hem shortened or a patch job, you know where to go!
Michelle Alteration, #03-126, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
20. The Bespoke Club
Nothing spells luxurious like a bespoke garment, and the people at The Bespoke Club know how to scratch your itch for exclusivity. The boutique invites you to be a designer – you’re encouraged to be the master of your own style by selecting fabrics, takeaways from the latest trends and fine details. You’ll be paying top dollar, but consider it petty change if you love quality suits.
The Bespoke Club, #04-01, 17 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059906
21. Gee’s Creation
An open secret amongst the creme de la creme of Singapore’s fashion industry, Gee’s Creation is helmed by some of Singapore’s most skilled seamstresses. Above all, they’re well-versed in the art of nailing down the right silhouettes, garment construction and impeccable workmanship. You’ll be in good hands – the team regularly get designer jeans and dresses for alterations.
Gee’s Creation, #03-53, Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
22. Inventory
Looking for everyday wear? Inventory is your best bet. The timeless designs and traditional techniques put these folks on the map. Expect handwoven apparels that’ll have you coming back often for more quality work. Organise consultations with the craftsmen for bespoke jackets, trousers and vests. You’re in safe hands here!
Inventory, 78 Guan Chuan Street, Singapore 160078 (by appointment only)
Bookmark this list of tailors in Singapore for your next one-of-a-kind creation!