When it comes to mens fashion or men’s clothes in Singapore, it’s easy to think there’s not much scope for change, especially for business wear. But there’s some cool – and I mean cool – stuff out there. You can choose to get something custom made, shop online or shop from a line of menswear stores with a difference!
Meiko Tailor – Menswear for the boardroom and beyond
Keep a freshly-ironed “uppercrust” look by using certain fabrics; and get some fresh colours into your wardrobe, too. To show you menswear in Singapore can still look crisp and smart even in the heat, here are some great options.
Plenty of care and artistry goes into each suit – founder Mr Chung has been honing his tailoring craft for over 50 years, and he is still the only draftsman and cutter behind every custom made suit and trousers.
Now 73, he is working to hand over the reins – and his golden scissors! – to his daughter Adele. Together, the duo will be fusing traditional methods with modern sensibilities to come up with a bespoke suit made from luxurious wool, from cashmere to merino wool, from premium mills like Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry, and Standeven.
For mens fashion the more affordable fabrics from Italian and English mills are also available, including shirting fabrics from Alumo, Liberty London, Thomas Mason and Tessitura Monti.
For the ladies, if you’re looking for a tailored power suit or a modern qipao, the atelier also offers bespoke apparel and handmade jewellery from Baroqco.
To get a glimpse of Master Tailor Chung in action, be sure to drop by their main atelier at Pan Pacific Singapore. For added convenience, the pair are also happy to do house calls or pop into your office on a Friday (11am to 3pm -prior appointment required). Expat Living readers can enjoy a 10 percent discount on bespoke jackets made from the store’s vintage fabric collection
The store has also created quite a few blazers, drawstring shorts and lounge pants in seersucker – another fabric that doesn’t crease. It’s perfect for travelling; you can just roll it up in your case – no pressing required! It’s also good for Zoom calls as something to have nearby that looks smart but isn’t too hot or uncomfortable.
Smart casual men’s clothes include long-sleeve polo shirts in jersey cotton and mandarin-collared short- and long-sleeved shirts are also cooler options. As is their popular “untuck” shirt that comes just below the belt; it’s cooler, of course, because the heat doesn’t get kept in!
Meiko only makes clothes to demand. They’ll order just enough fabric to make what’s needed, and that ensures there’s very little waste. They also only deal in natural fabrics.
You can either adjust clothes that you already have, or get new clothes custom-made. Have a look through your wardrobe and see what needs to be thrown out or adjusted. Then, pop in and have a look at the fabrics, get measured up, and get sorted for a new, cool you!
Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, #02-01
6334 6911 | WhatsApp 8180 6418 (for appointments)
meikotailor.com
The Shirt Bar – From classic formals to quirky casual menswear
This mens fashion store has a huge selection of casual and workwear in their menswear collection. The Eco-ol Bamboo Collection is one that the “non-ironers”, in particular, will love! Among the key benefits of this collection is that it’s intrinsically wrinkle-free, and remains that way even after many washes. It also has a soft and silky feel and is antibacterial, anti-UV and odour-resistant. The pieces are very comfortable and cool – a perfect fit for our climate – and they’re available in short and long sleeves.
Another option for men’s clothes in Singapore – if you don’t have to wear a suit and tie to work or an event is a blazer. It transitions from casual to smart really easily and you can be a bit more adventurous with the colours. The Shirt Bar has some super-cool tailored-fit blazers – here are the deets:
- They’re knitted not woven, which gives them some stretchability.
- They’re single-breasted and half-lined, allowing for air to move much more freely through the fabric.
- The right inner-chest pocket is lined with technologically advanced fabric that acts as an RFID (radio-frequency identification) blocker to keep your digital information from your cards safe.
- Underarm sweat guards help with excessive sweating when you’re active in your jacket. With this more casual look and the right dress pants, you can also get more creative with shoes. Men’s shoes have evolved, and with the right combination you can find something cooler, in both meanings of the term – like these loafers (opposite)!
6 locations in Singapore | the-shirt-bar.com
Fancies Menswear – It’s what’s underneath that counts!
Underwear retailer Fancies uses supersoft, silky and thin micromodal fabric for its snazzy boxers. The plant-based fabric is moisture-wicking yet highly breathable (no need to say more …).
New in store are trunks that are even shorter than the brand’s standard boxer briefs. The latest collection features cool natural earth tones: think sand, tan and tiger prints. There are new messages on the prints, too, which the Fancies team says are designed to “reflect the fact that 2020 was tough on us all”; so, you can get a pair of boxers that say “Rule The Day”, “Dominate” or “You Got This”!
Micromodal turns out to be a great fabric choice for reusable facemasks, too. That’s why Fancies’ masks are so comfortable. Plenty of the brand’s customers say that these are the only masks out there that can be worn for prolonged periods of time without causing them rashes or other issues.
420 Joo Chiat Road
3159 2728 | shopfancies.com