Six of the best Hong Kong tailors for contemporary suits and shirts
We rounded up the most innovative tailors in the city – and for good measure we’ve thrown in a couple of shirt makers to complete the package
The suit is back – or at least, temporarily. About once a decade a smart suit becomes the cornerstone of a man’s wardrobe. So how best to find the middle ground with a suit that’s appropriate for casual and more formal occasions? A new breed of tailor, free to reinvent the form as a bridge between classic and modern, can work some magic.
SUITS
The Armoury
There’s a fine balance to be had in contemporary suits and The Armoury in Central offers a range of cuts, fabrics, looks and accessories. Compared to the city’s many hectic sweatshop tailors, it’s a relaxing affair, one that’s easily paired with a tumbler of whisky. And unlike the nouveau tailors appearing on the scene, they refuse to discriminate between classic or modern, feeling that each has its particular place.
307 Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2804 6991; thearmoury.com
“Made to Measure” – it’s a classic tailoring phrase but a new generation is redefining the term for our technological age. What once was measured by a professional over days can now be matched by a computer in seconds. Gay Giano’s 3D tailoring technique is revolutionising the form: their scanner takes just seven seconds to measure 120 data points down to the nearest millimetre, while an upcoming virtualisation process will let customers digitally visualise looks long before any cut has been made. And with fabrics from Italy and Britain, including Zegna, Cerruti and Holland & Sherry, those looking to be suited are offered a blend of traditional forms with modern techniques, for a guaranteed perfect fit.
G09, Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2369 6638; gaygiano.com
You might have sworn off anything with lapels and embraced T-shirts for life, but Cuffs is a cool and contemporary spot that perfectly understands the fear or a stifling jacket or a tight collar.
Contemporary fashion looks are blended seamlessly with traditional tailoring methods, creating a beautiful Frankenstein where fabrics, cuts, looks and shapes are all custom-fitted.
Cuffs’ sheer variety of looks ensures that nothing is out of their bespoke reach.
2/F, Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2413 8098; cuffs.hk
With four dedicated stores around Hong Kong, as well as branches in the US, Philippines and China, Ascot Chang is as one of the most prestigious tailors in the city. To cater for the offspring of your long-time clients demanding something fresh, Chang’s offshoot brand TCNY is headed by his nephew and grandson. Suits are aimed at young professionals, with bold cuts and bright patterns, alongside a range of functional extras including hidden change pockets. TCNY also offers tailored shirts and casual winter wear, including bomber and field jackets.
Shop B, 43-49 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2259 5000; tcny.com.hk
SHIRTS
Di Lusso
Traditional shirt makers are notorious for limited fabric stocks but Di Lusso is changing all that: a subsidiary of a major Hong Kong textile wholesaler, the brand has direct access to thousands of fabrics. If you prefer to mix and match, its in-house tailors can take that plain off-white and bold multicolour plaid, and create a unique shirt unlike any on the high-street racks.
2/F, Hart Avenue Plaza, 5-9A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2368 5981; dilussoshirts.com
J.J. Threads was founded to broaden the shirt-making horizons, bringing in a range of fabrics that can be as easily worn on the beach, as paired with a tie. Their interactive design process allows you to create your own unique looks from scratch.
Shop 701, Hoseinee House, 69 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2576 6625; jjthreads.com
