Singapore tailors
Discussion
I'm heading out to via Singapore for a wedding in a few months and could do with a new suit. I'm not at the top end of the suit game (think more M&S than Saville Row) but am tempted by getting suit made up in Singapore. Obviously the big question is time, ie it'd need to be made up in a few days rather than weeks. Does anyone know if this is possible/any recommendations? The easy thing on the time is to ask them, but there seem to be so many on the web, which also makes me think these are random 'big boys' rather than random small manufacturers. Alternatively any good ideas for somewhere in the UK is welcome...
Cheers!
Cheers!
I've no doubt you can find a tailor who'll make up a suit for you in a couple of days at a Marks and Spencer price. Post a picture of you wearing it at the wedding so we can all have a laugh!
In all seriousness though if you are heading out there for a wedding your chancing your arm getting one made there plus eating into precious time.
You might be better served buying a suit here and then getting it altered if needed for £50. Then you'd have a suit that'd look good for a modest price all in.
In all seriousness though if you are heading out there for a wedding your chancing your arm getting one made there plus eating into precious time.
You might be better served buying a suit here and then getting it altered if needed for £50. Then you'd have a suit that'd look good for a modest price all in.
OP - as a general rule there should be no problem making the suit in 24 / 48 hours. Ensure you allow yourself time for second fittings etc to ensure 'it fits' ! and to allow for adjustments. Always always haggle the price. You'll stand out like a sore thumb walking in saying I want a suit. Know what you want to pay and start at that heading downwards. Plenty to choose from so down feel rushed especially as they are generally grouped together so that aids the competition issue. Choose the best material you can afford. Lots of nasty shiny stuff about. If you have an old suit you particularly like take it with you as a template. Asian style v European style can be very different and less flattering depending on your body style. Where ? The posher the mall the bigger the price. Avoid Orchard Road / Raffles Plaza or anywhere where high end shops are clustered. There are plenty of small operators in Little India / Chinatown who could do it . I've been home a year so probably a bit out of touch but post your question on Singapore Expats for the most up to date opinion. Good luck.
I had a superb made-to-measure leather jacket tailored for me when I was in Hong Kong years ago for a fraction of the price in the UK. He measured me up in the afternoon, I went back at noon next day for a first fitting, and it was ready at 4pm. Fantastic service and quality.
Many of my colleagues ( RAF ) had suits and shirts tailor made for them whilst in Singapore, usual service was 24 hours.
Edit: As the previous poster advises, haggle like mad! Even turning round to walk out of the shop will get an immediate price reduction. They will also offer you a nice cup of tea or other refreshing beverage to keep you there. Bartering is a real art that takes a while to perfect
All part of the experience.
However, if you are only going out there for a brief stay, I would advise you to get a suit here at home, and use your time in Singapore to experience the sights, sounds and smells and tastes of the place. Give my regards to Bugis Street whilst you're there.
Here in the UK, I can heartily recommend Slaters. Amazing range of off the peg stuff at prices to suit ( ha ha ) most pockets, and they can do alterations if required. I recently bought a suit from their Manchester branch, for my daughter's wedding. I am very pleased with the service, quality and value.
Have a good trip
Many of my colleagues ( RAF ) had suits and shirts tailor made for them whilst in Singapore, usual service was 24 hours.
Edit: As the previous poster advises, haggle like mad! Even turning round to walk out of the shop will get an immediate price reduction. They will also offer you a nice cup of tea or other refreshing beverage to keep you there. Bartering is a real art that takes a while to perfect
All part of the experience.
However, if you are only going out there for a brief stay, I would advise you to get a suit here at home, and use your time in Singapore to experience the sights, sounds and smells and tastes of the place. Give my regards to Bugis Street whilst you're there.
Here in the UK, I can heartily recommend Slaters. Amazing range of off the peg stuff at prices to suit ( ha ha ) most pockets, and they can do alterations if required. I recently bought a suit from their Manchester branch, for my daughter's wedding. I am very pleased with the service, quality and value.
Have a good trip
Edited by glenrobbo on Friday 24th July 14:13
I'm in Oz and need a suit myself. The option of flying via somewhere for a few days on the way to or from the UK seems tempting. I've heard good stories, but are Singapore and similar wortb the effort? A good suit for a snip of the price? Too good to be true?
I'll follow with interest.
I'll follow with interest.
24-48hrs is ample time, get some shirts as well.
My recommendation, with no affiliation other than being a happy customer:
http://www.jackcustomtailors.com
Contact them before you go, saying what you need and arrange a time to visit. They'll do a hotel pickup and give you a beer while doing the measurements too.
They also hang on to your measurements so you can call up and get a load more shirts made and have them FedEx'd to wherever you are in the world. Think they'll also copy the sizing of an existing shirt or suit if it's a good fit.
My recommendation, with no affiliation other than being a happy customer:
http://www.jackcustomtailors.com
Contact them before you go, saying what you need and arrange a time to visit. They'll do a hotel pickup and give you a beer while doing the measurements too.
They also hang on to your measurements so you can call up and get a load more shirts made and have them FedEx'd to wherever you are in the world. Think they'll also copy the sizing of an existing shirt or suit if it's a good fit.
Had 4 shirts and 5 silk ties made to measure for around £100 in Thailand - done in 24hrs..fantastic value and still going strong 3 years later...wish i'd had a suit done as well.
Def do your research on what style / fit / extra's / material etc you like...(or take some pic's) and you'll be less bewildered when they ask you what you want!
Def do your research on what style / fit / extra's / material etc you like...(or take some pic's) and you'll be less bewildered when they ask you what you want!
Edited by aquarianone on Saturday 25th July 08:21
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