I was getting dressed for a work event recently and realised that nothing in my wardrobe fit the bill! Whether you’re spending the day at the office or heading out for meetings, it really helps to have a few go-to pieces that look polished, are properly tailored and still feel like you. Here, we chat with a Singapore tailor about how she creates bespoke office wear for men and women – plus round up a few other local brands offering fabulous smart casual work clothes in Singapore.
Meiko Tailor on the benefits of tailored office wear
“With the flexibility of working from home, office wear may seem like a thing of the past. But actually that isn’t the case. Today, it’s no longer just about looking presentable. Work clothes are about comfort, fit and versatility,” says ADELE CHUNG. Adele leads 49-year-old tailoring house Meiko Tailor alongside her father, founder and master tailor Chung Chi Kwong.
For male professionals, fit and fabric are paramount. Many discerning gentlemen prefer tailoring their shirts and trousers rather than relying on off-the-rack options. One of the main reasons for this, explains Adele, is the improved silhouette and comfort.
“A well-tailored shirt sits cleanly on the shoulders, allows ease of movement and eliminates excess fabric around the waist,” she says. “Trousers are also cut to the right rise and taper. This creates a sharp silhouette without compromising mobility during long workdays.”
Another benefit is that you can avoid clashes in style often found in ready-to-wear collections. “With tailoring, details such as collar styles, cuff finishes, pleats, pockets and initial placements can be customised,” notes Adele.
Fabric choice also plays a crucial role in office wear, from breathable cottons for daily wear, cotton blends with stretch for flexibility to lightweight wool for a more elevated corporate look.
In short, tailoring offers a much greater choice in colour, texture and fabric. Case in point: Meiko Tailor’s new arrivals from Thomas Mason’s shirting collections, which range from oxford to pinpoint and twill.
Versatile work clothes for women
“As for female executives, I think versatility is what defines modern office dressing,” says Adele. Think a structured blazer layered over a shift dress to create a refined, boardroomready ensemble, or a floral silk blouse paired with tailored trousers for a look that strikes the perfect balance between femininity and authority.
Prefer a more formal and commanding presence? Adele recommends a tailored cropped jacket trouser suit which offers clean lines and contemporary elegance, ensuring a powerful yet polished impression.
Meiko Tailor is also seeing both male and female clients opting for a “one-style-fits-all” blazer – an adaptable throw-over piece designed to complement multiple outfits. This smart casual wardrobe essential transitions seamlessly from meetings to after-hours engagements in Singapore, reinforcing a cohesive professional image.
Special offer! Meiko Tailor is currently running a store credit promotion where you can enjoy $250 off for every $1,000 store value purchase. Redeem the offer at bit.ly/46Gcbdv.
• #02-01 Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
• 35A Boat Quay
6334 6911 | WhatsApp 8180 6418 (for appointments) | meikotailor.com
More boutiques for smart casual office wear in Singapore
Juliette C
Contrary to popular belief, office wear doesn’t have to be dull or monochromatic! French-designed brand Juliette C’s selection of office wear for ladies strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and style, with pieces like their signature jumpsuits, tops and shirts that reflect your personality through chic, smart lines.
Cluny Court
This shopping mall a stone’s throw from the Botanic Gardens is home to some of Singapore’s best boutiques for office wear for ladies and gents. Think Benjamin Barker for crisp shirts, Clémence by Rue Madame for smart casual dresses and Commune Wear for comfy heels and flats – just to name a few – all under one roof.
CYC
This established Singapore tailoring house (it’s been around since 1935!) is known for their exceptional made-to-measure menswear ranging from shirts to trousers, suits and more, offering a wide selection of office wear options each tailored to individual measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Ron & Rich
Here’s another bespoke tailor in Singapore that offers custom menswear. In particular, their signature lightweight classic linen shirts make perfect smart casual work clothes for Singapore’s climate and are available in a range of colours.
La Tienda
A lovely spot on Joo Chiat Road where you’ll find great womenswear (and a bit for men too), all personally handpicked by founder Eva from Europe. The carefully curated collection offers Mediterranean-inspired pieces from maxi dresses to tote handbags and jewellery that transition seamlessly from meeting to happy hour.
Kurun
This Tokyo-based ballet flat brand has just landed in Singapore with its first international flagship at Takashimaya. With sleek silhouettes and a super lightweight feel, each pair is handmade by skilled craftsmen in Asakusa, Tokyo. The boutique offers special waterproof versions made specifically for Singapore, plus an exclusive buckle design available only here.
This article first appeared in Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.
Interested in knowing about editorial options? Email us at sales@expatliving.sg.
Don't miss out on the latest events, news and
competitions by signing up to our newsletter!
By signing up, you'll receive our weekly newsletter and offers which you can update or unsubscribe to anytime.
