For special occasions when you need a sharp suit or a perfectly tailored gown, visit these fine dressmakers and tailors in the city
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 (say for example, a black-tie affair or your wedding day), it’s wise to enlist the help of pros to get you looking your absolute best – whether it’s fashioning a three-piece suit from scratch or altering a dress to perfection. Here are our picks of expert tailors and seamstresses in Singapore who have made the cut.
CYC
Focused on producing custom-made shirts for men and women, these guys guarantee to deliver quality and stylish workmanship. With over 80 years in the business and 1000 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 – making sure that you’ll never be left out of the fashion loop.
CYC, multiple outlets
Kevin Seah
As one of Singapore’s finest tailors, Kevin Seah offers local lads the Savile Row experience right in Singapore. The sheer variety of suit customisation options is staggering from fabrics to specific stitching patterns and buttonhole styles – a testament to how bespoke the Kevin Seah experience really is. Even if you’re not in the market for a new suit, it’s worth paying a visit to his atelier in Boat Quay. The perfect embodiment of a swanky gentlemen’s club, it stocks ready-to-wear polo shirts, designer ties and pocket squares, Gaziano & Girling shoes, vintage cufflinks, and dapper accessories.
Kevin Seah, 55B/C Boat Quay, Singapore 049844, p. 65322018, e. [email protected]. By appointment only.
The Prestigious
When it comes to bespoke, few things hold more weight than experience and history. With over half a century in tailoring, it would be an understatement to say that Thomas Wong has an intimate understanding of the craft, from baste to blazer. His newly revitalised label, The Prestigious, distinguishes itself by completing all commissions entirely in-house by Wong and his team of personally taught LASALLE graduates (Wong is also Lead Lecturer of the Men’s Fashion specialization at the LASALLE College of the Arts). While his designs lean towards the classic British look, he’s open to more modern looks as well.
The Prestigious, 62B Boat Quay, Singapore 049850. p. 6705 6708. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. By special appointment for other times.
Time Taken To Make A Dress
Part-fashion label and part-bespoke tailor, Time Taken To Make A Dress is the brainchild of talented duo Letitia and Jade. Not just tailors by trade, they’re designers too – they have their own fashion line of avant-garde womenswear, which you can have customised and made to measure just for you. And if you’ve got a dream dress in mind, no problem; Time Taken To Make A Dress can make it come to life. It’s no surprise then they’re a favourite amongst brides-to-be seeking the true bespoke experience for their Big Day.
Time Taken To Make A Dress, 337A Beach Road, Singapore 199565, p. 65 6391 9802, e. [email protected]. By appointment only.
Aston Blake
Redefining the bespoke mens tailor service, Ashton Blake provides both off-the-racks collections and also, bespoke services. Here, you should definitely give its bespoke and made-to-measure services a try, with seasonal collections serving as inspiration for both customers and in-store stylists to refer to. Recognised for its fine craftsmanship with playful details, Aston Blake is surely a tailor that can meet your every needs.
Aston Blake, 89 Club Street, 2nd Floor, Singapore 069457, 6337 3504. By appointment only.
Michelle’s Alteration
For a quick and no-fuss fix that’s easy on your wallet, this is your place. Michelle’s team of trained tailors can perform basic alterations in less than an hour. There’s also no extra charge for same day services, so if you need a hem shortened, or a patch job, you now know where to go!
Michelle’s Alteration, #03-126 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213, p. 6737 8238. Open Mon-Fri 11am-830pm, Sun 12pm-7pm. Closed on Sat.
Q Menswear
Want to dress to impress? Then Q Menswear is the way the go. The menswear label, which was founded just four years ago, offers ready-to-wear casual apparel, accessories, and grooming tools. But if you’re looking for something more unique, they do bespoke too. No doubt, the gents will appreciate Q Menswear’s selection of spiffy fabrics (such as paisley and batik) and other finishing touches to add some modernity to traditional, dapper menswear.
Q Menswear, 116A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585, p. 6636 6939, e. [email protected]. Open Mon-Fri 11am-730pm, Sat 11am-3pm (by appointment only).
Iris Tailor
Unlike many other tailors, the attention to detail and fit of the clothes at Iris Tailor is impeccable. The couple who runs the store is known for their menswear, so you can tailor a brand new suit, alter store-bought jackets, taper your pants/jeans and more. Look for Nani, who has years of experience! Keep in mind that they do get very busy at times, so be prepared to wait for last-minute altering.
Iris Tailor, #01-102 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863, p. 9649 6047.
Valens Couture
Formerly known as Ted Collection, they do made-to-measure evening gowns, cheongsams, and wedding dresses. We promise you won’t regret it, as they come out with lovely creations that will garner you tonnes of compliments.
Valens Couture, #01-458, Block 235 Yishun Street 21, Singapore 760239, p.62571008/62279577 .
Suitsupply
Our video producer Hubab swears by Suitsupply, so much so that he got married in their suits! The custom made services lets you create your dream suit from scratch within three to four weeks, by choosing the fit of the jacket and trousers, fabrics and other finer details. If you’re in a rush, go for the made-to-measure route – purchase a readymade suit and alter it to your size.
Suitsupply, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 03-14B/15, Singapore 238801
Este Bartin
Offering contemporary tailoring services with quality fabrics at a reasonable price, Este Bartin is the go-to tailor shop if your man needs a new tailored shirt. At Este Bartin, they aim to provide you with shirts that fit perfectly – each creatively customised to suit your lifestyle and profession. Apart from shirts, they also provide tailoring services for pants and suits. What’s more? All the fabrics available at the boutique are specially handpicked, giving customers the best quality material ever. Also, alteration is always free!
Este Bartin, #01-829, 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310128, p. 9457 7808.
Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre
Recognised for its work with designer clothes, you (and your dress) are definitely in good hands at Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre. Having been around for quite some time, Clancy Boutique has definitely built a rapport with many fashionistas in Singapore. The quality of their workmanship is unrivalled, so remember to book your appointments as early as you can to avoid any last-minute rush!
Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre, 14 Scotts Road #04-89 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213, p. 6738 6971.
Haute Alteration Initiative
We love organisations with big hearts, and Haute Alteration Initiative fits this to T. Its practice seeks to empower women and is inclusive – more than half of its staff are made up of women aged 50 years old and above. Amongst its employees are single mothers, persons with disabilities and former low-income workers who have since enjoyed proper training and better work-life balance. A favourite amongst the well-heeled, quality is unparalleled here as only senior seamstresses with decades of experience sewing in high fashion are employed here. Services include resizing, restyling, repair and replication.
Haute Alteration Initiative, Mandarin Gallery, #03-30, Singapore 238897
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 clothings, and won’t hesitate to dish her professional advice on how best to get the right fit.
Jenny & Me Dressmaking, Holland Road Shopping Centre, #03-45, 211 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278967.
Victor York
With an extensive catalog of Turkish and Italian fabrics, the Victor York team puts creative flair into crisply fitted menswear. Visit their new boutique in Tanjong Pagar, and their 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 their nifty online store any time.
Victor York, 50 Tras Street, #02-02, Singapore 078989
May Tailor
Located at six branches across Singapore, May Tailor has been dedicated to the business for a whopping 20 years. From measurement-taking to garment alteration, work here is done with utter precision and at affordable prices. Want your garments dropped off? The travel fee is free for spending over $200. Otherwise, a $50 fee will be charged.
May Tailor, Locations include Marina Square, Lucky Plaza, Raffles Plaza and ION Orchard.
Mohans Tailor
Ask any tailoring veteran and he or she will tell you that Mohans is an institution – it is, after all, one of the oldest tailors in Singapore. Ladies and gents are catered to here, with a straightforward five-step custom tailoring process for newbies. It begins with the selection of fabrics from more than 500 choices, narrowing down of your design from the collar to the button cuffs, measurements, fitting and finally the pick up.
Mohans Tailor, 14 Scotts Road, #02-73 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
The Bespoke Club
Nothing spells luxurious like a bespoke garment, and the guys at The Bespoke Club know exactly how to scratch your itch for exclusivity. Catered for those with discerning tastes, the boutique invites you to be your designers – you’re encouraged to be the master of your own style, by selecting your own fabrics, takeaways from latest trends and fine details. You’re paying top dollar here — we’re talking suits from $1095 here — but consider it petty change if you love quality suits.
The Bespoke Club, Suntec City Mall Tower 1 North Atrium, #01-484, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
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 – they’re well-versed in the art of nailing down the right silhouettes, garment construction and impeccable workmanship. You’ll be in good hands here; people regularly drop off their designer jeans and dresses for alterations.
Gee’s Creation, Lucky Plaza, #03-53, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
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