We all want to feel cool and comfortable in this climate. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice on style! Here are some of our favourite brands for smart casual wear for women and gents in Singapore, from breathable linen shirts, relaxed dresses and tailored separates to casual shoes and accessories that work for any occasion.
CYC – smart casual wear for gents in Singapore
It’s not easy finding casual clothes that feel put-together without looking overdressed, but CYC’s newly launched ready-to-wear collection is exactly that. The 91-year-old tailoring house, known for its exceptional made-to-measure suits, has turned its attention to smart casual warm-weather dressing with menswear pieces adapted for modern lifestyles beyond the office.
From short sleeve shirts to linen Bermuda shorts, the collection has a relaxed, subtly nautical, resort-inspired feel. Think vibrant stripes, breezy fabrics and easy-to-style separates. And because CYC produces each piece in limited quantities, you won’t be showing up in the same outfit as someone else.
Unlike CYC’s made-to-measure programme, these smart casual wear pieces come in ready-made sizes, so there’s no fitting appointment needed. They’re also more accessibly priced, from $179 to $210. The fabrics, however, are anything but off-the-rack. CYC sources lightweight, breathable fabrics from renowned mills such as Thomas Mason and Albiate exclusively for this ready-to-wear range. What’s more, every piece balances breezy comfort with the refined details CYC is known for: one-piece collars, western yokes, double pleats and side adjusters.
Here are a few highlights we’re loving:
- Poolside Striped B.D. OPC Long Sleeve Shirt: Made from ultra-lightweight Thomas Mason cotton with a bold blue ticking stripe and a single-button cuff for a resort-inspired character. It features CYC’s signature one-piece collar, which sits neatly when worn open without a tie.
- Golden Dune Linen Cuban Collar Short Sleeve Shirt: A warm-weather essential in a multitrack stripe of brown, yellow and off-white. The Cuban collar features a breezy, open-necked silhouette that is especially comfortable in Singapore’s climate.
- Plum Denim Western Overshirt: Crafted from Albiate denim in a rich plum tone, inspired by traditional western shirts with a distinctive pointed yoke reminiscent of classic cowboy styling. Shirt buttons in place of the usual snap closures give it a more refined, city-ready finish.
- White Denim Voyage Trousers: A versatile alternative to jeans or chinos, with double pleats, side adjusters and a slight taper through the leg. The white colourway ties in beautifully with the collection’s nautical mood and makes them easy to style.
- Espresso Corduroy Voyage Trousers: Ultra-thin and lightweight, these offer the richness and tactile appeal of corduroy in a fabric suitable for Singapore’s climate. The same tailored details as the white denim make them just as suited to the office as to a weekend out.
- Sunbaked Khaki Linen Bermuda Shorts: Wide-fit and exceptionally light, with a warm khaki-brown tone that has a subtle golden sheen in natural sunlight. These feel cool and comfy while retaining a structured, tailored silhouette.
How to style them
Pair the White Denim Voyage Trousers with the Poolside Striped Button-Down One-Piece Collar Long Sleeve Shirt – tucked in for casual days at the office, or untucked for sunny weekends. For a rugged smart casual wear look suited to a leisurely stroll, wear the Plum Denim Western Overshirt with the Sunbaked Khaki Linen Bermuda Shorts. Have a date night by the beach? Tuck the Golden Dune Linen Cuban Collar Short Sleeve Shirt into the Espresso Corduroy Voyage Trousers for a clean but relaxed silhouette.
CYC is at #01-12/13/14 Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road.
6336 3556 | cyctailor.com
A few other places for cool, smart casual wear!
La Tienda – fashion and casual shoes with Spanish flair
Shopping in Singapore but dreaming of the Mediterranean? La Tienda on Joo Chiat Road stocks a well-edited collection of fashion pieces sourced from Spain, Europe and beyond. We love the boutique’s own in-house label, Luna BCN, which offers casual wear dresses with fluid, romantic silhouettes. Complete your look with casual shoes from Nayula made with durable jute insoles or something from Feith London, a female-owned footwear label that works with multi-generational shoemakers across Europe. Head-to-toe smart casual wear for any occasion, sorted!
Meiko Tailor – dapper smart casual wear, custom made
Men in Singapore can also get their smart casual wear wardrobe from shirts to blazers and trousers custom-made at Meiko Tailor. Choose from fine fabrics from premium European mills and brands like Alumo, Albini/Thomas Mason Group and Loro Piana as well as avant-garde geometric printed fabrics from Liberty London for a statement shirt. Stopping by its new Boat Quay atelier? Don’t miss browsing the limited ready-to-wear collections from new in-house label Uncommon Hem by Meiko Tailor that fuse the brand’s tailoring DNA with everyday versatility.
A Raft of Otters – slow fashion finds and handmade accessories
Tucked inside Tanglin Mall, A Raft of Otters brings together a great mix of labels like The Tangerine Road, an Italian slow-fashion brand based in Singapore and Hong Kong whose silhouettes and prints draw on the founders’ travels across Asia. There’s also the popular Summery Label with chic, easy and lightweight linen pieces that transition from office to happy hour without skipping a beat. Pair your smart casual wear look with a Desti Saint handbag and Lustre Jewellery’s one-of-a-kind coloured gem pieces and you’re good to go.
Cluny Court – smart casual wear for women and gents in Singapore
A few minutes from the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Cluny Court is a go-to shopping mall for those after some good clothes shopping under one roof. Benjamin Barker’s outpost here carries everything from its casual ready-to-wear shirts and polos to more formal suits and separates. A few doors down, you’ll find smart casual wear pieces for ladies such as Love Medley’s hand-embroidered mini, midi and maxi dresses handmade by artisans, Clémence’s rotating edit of European finds and Just Me & Paris’ smart casual wear dresses and accessories from handpicked French and Italian labels.
The Wyld Shop – effortlessly chic co-ord sets and more
For smart casual wear for ladies, you can’t go wrong with a great co-ord set. Over at The Wyld Shop on Joo Chiat Road, you’ll find a selection of matching sets from brands like Minkpink and Staple the Label. A super easy way to look put together with zero stress, you can wear the top and bottom together for an instantly polished look, or pair each piece with other wardrobe staples for endless mix-and-match options.
This article on smart casual wear for women and gents plus casual shoes in Singapore first appeared in Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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