Guys, we know it can be hard to find a button-up shirt in Singapore that fits in all the right places. Not everyone has the same proportions, even if off-the-shelf brands seem to think we do. General issues with shirts can include being too short in the arm, or too long in the body if they need to be a bit wider. The solution? Opt for tailored shirts that are customised to your exact measurements. Here, we talk to an expat who went through the process of getting a shirt made at CYC Made to Measure, one of Singapore’s oldest tailoring shops.
Humble beginnings
In 1935, CYC’s namesake, Chiang Yick Ching, migrated to Singapore from Shanghai and started the business with his wife, Foo Ah Neok. They were perfectionists who were committed to quality, and their method of Shanghainese tailoring soon attracted customers from all over Singapore and the region.
The successful local business has served some of the most important change-makers in Singapore, including the late Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Today, CYC Made to Measure has expanded to include uniform arm CYC Corporate Label, working with big and small brands like Sentosa and Great Eastern to produce quality uniforms.
Our review
We sent one of our readers, Simon Davies, to CYC to get a shirt tailored.
I have had tailored shirts made a number of times internationally while on business trips, but the lack of consistency in the quality has almost always meant that the experience was disappointing. In places like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, you always feel like you’re being taken advantage of in some way, with some fast-talking salesperson trying to get you to buy more items. I’m happy to say that the team at CYC couldn’t be any further from that experience. The professional staff and transparent pricing made the buying process a relaxing experience – not one fraught with stress.
From the moment I stepped into the store, the CYC experience was different from anything I have experienced before. The CYC Fullerton Hotel premises were really welcoming; the décor is classically understated, giving a sense of calm and confidence. The shop also has a full range of cuff and collar options to make selections easy, and a seemingly inexhaustible range of fabric samples to choose from.
The measuring process took around 25 minutes, with the experienced staff walking me through each step. We started with choosing a colour and fabric then selected the button, cuff and collar options. I decided on a premium Thomas Mason fabric – the same European fabric mill that big names like Prada and Hugo Boss use. We also discussed stylistic details like the cut of the shirt, and the choice of having front pockets. Lastly, they took my measurements for the final time to ensure the perfect fit. Personally, the measuring always seems awkward for me, but the speed and the professionalism of the CYC team made it a pleasant and comfortable process.
The end product ($210) has far exceeded my expectations! The shirt fits unlike any other shirts I’ve had before, especially compared to many of my off-the-rack shirts. The quality of the workmanship is far superior to anything I’ve seen with the “overseas tailors”.
Since I was in a hurry between business trips, having a two-day express service (additional $15) was a real bonus. If you’re not in a hurry, delivery takes around two weeks after your appointment. Additionally, knowing that the shirts are all made in Singapore helps. If there are any issues with my shirt, I can easily return to get it sorted. I can’t recommend CYC’s great service enough and I’ll certainly be using them moving forward.
CYC Made to Measure
#02-11/12 Capitol Piazza
13 Stamford Road
6336 3556
#01-06 Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
6538 0522
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