Where to buy men’s clothes, shoes and accessories

When it comes to men’s clothes in Singapore, it’s easy to think there’s not much scope for change, especially for business wear. But I’m here to tell you that 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!

Keep a freshly-ironed “uppercrust” look by using certain fabrics; and get some fresh colours into your wardrobe, too. To show you menswear can still look crisp and smart even in the heat, here are some great options.

The Shirt Bar – From classic formals to quirky casual menswear

The Shirt Bar has a huge selection of casual and workwear. 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 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

Meiko Tailor – Menswear for the boardroom and beyond

The team at Meiko Tailor look at fabrics as well as structure when it comes to keeping you cool. They have the most amazing unlined sports jackets where the only parts that are lined are the sleeves (for ease of slipping them on). Depending on your body shape, there’s also little or no padding on the shoulders, just canvas built in to keep the form. They not only hang beautifully, but they’re obviously so much cooler, too.

Fabric consideration is all-important at Meiko; a mix of wool, silk and linen is actually cool and more breathable than all wool for suits. For shirts, their linen/cotton mix is also divine, especially in the Irish brands. It’s so soft! It still has the nice texture, but doesn’t crease as much as pure linen.

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.

Long-sleeve polo shirts in jersey cotton and mandarin-collared short- and long-sleeved shirts are also cooler options for a smart casual look. 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!

#02-01 Pan Pacific Singapore, Raffles Boulevard | meikotailor.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.

Special offer! Expat Living readers can enjoy a cool 10 percent off any purchase when they use code “EL10”.

420 Joo Chiat Road
3159 2728 | shopfancies.com

This article first appeared in the March 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

Rebecca Bisset

Heading up Expat Living, Rebecca started off in photography and video. A bit of a nomad before Singapore, she likes to travel when she can but she finds looking at properties as exciting! One day she's going to build her own house...