Hong Kong’s Best Tailors
What could be more debonair than a bespoke suit or perfectly tailored shirt? If you're ready to upgrade your wardrobe then head to one of these expert tailors around Hong Kong.
Still bringing out that old, pinstriped number from the back of the wardrobe for the big night? Do people assume you’ve bought a cool, vintage suit from a hipster shop when really, you’ve been wearing the same, sad outfit for years? Whether it’s time, money or sheer laziness that’s keeping you from investing in new threads, we’re here to help. Hong Kong may be known for its stunning views and scenery, but it’s also a place with some of the best options in bespoke suits. Here’s some of the top tailors in the city who will make you stand out from the other guys.
Empire Tailors
One of the better-known and long established tailors in Hong Kong, Empire Tailors offer a truly bespoke experience. It’s no secret that these Hong Kong Tailors are good at what they do (they’ve been featured in The New York Times and CNN) and they pride themselves in non-rushed, in-house tailoring crafting mostly menswear (and some apparel for women). With 40 years of experience under their belts, their talented master tailors will create a tailored suit with fine attention to detail, taking all of your personal requirements in mind to fashion a custom-made modern-fit garment. You may opt for their house cut, a fairly slim design with a tapered silhouette that’s contemporary yet business appropriate or pick a style which suits you from their style guide & lookbook for tailored suits. Keep in mind that Empire Tailors isn’t one of those 24-hour suit joints – their delicate process usually takes a minimum of four to five days – but you won’t mind when you see the exquisite tailoring that brings out your best form.
Where: Shop No 6, G/F, Houston Centre, 63 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Contact: 2723 2673 or [email protected]
W.W. Chan & Sons
W.W. Chan has been suiting up Hong Kong’s best dressed men since 1952, maintaining the traditional “Red Gang” tailoring process. The Red Gang tailors, respected clothiers from Shanghai, merged aspects of English tailoring with the intricate handiwork of Chinese embroidery. The technique influences the fine bespoke creations W.W. Chan makes today, which includes attire for women as well as men, stitched by hand to ensure the perfect fit.
Where: Unit B, 8/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Contact: 2366 9738 or [email protected]
The Armoury
The three men behind The Armoury – Mark Cho, Ethan Newton and Alan See – came together in 2010 to produce classic menswear with outstanding design and craftsmanship. These guys are very selective with whom they deal with, and work closely with artisans to deliver tailored suits and casual wear from the UK, Spain, Italy and Japan.
Where: 307 Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central or B47 Landmark Central, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Contact: 2804 6991 (Pedder); 2810 4990 (Landmark); or [email protected] (either location)
Ascot Chang
Setting up shop in Hong Kong in 1953, Mr Ascot Chang now has locations in Beverly Hills, New York, Shanghai and Manila, quite the growth from his humble beginnings on Kimberley Road. The enterprising Ascot (a great name for the tailoring biz) found success the old fashioned way, knocking on the doors of Shanghainese businessmen in Hong Kong who were looking for the high-quality shirts they were used to. Fast forward to present-day, where four stores can be found in Hong Kong, still creating classic bespoke shirts done the traditional Shanghai way. But times change and so do customer’s needs, which means you can also get suits, pyjamas, boxer shorts, handkerchiefs and dressing gowns, all specially designed and hand-crafted. As Ascot himself once said: “My customers bring their own style to the shirt. I give the style substance.”
Where: Various locations
Contact: [email protected]
William Cheng & Son
Another long-standing Tsim Sha Tsui suit shop (since 1958), William Cheng & Son shirt up some of the biggest business people from around the world. But even the average Joe (and Jane) is welcome to pop in for custom-made shirts ranging from $370 for a simple cotton number, to $1,730 for a high-end one. You can also place an order online, coming in later for a fitting of your bespoke business suit or tuxedo.
Where: 8/F, Han Hing Mansion, 38 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Contact: 2739 7888 or [email protected]
Tai Pan Row
The tailors at Tai Pan Row start with a unique paper pattern for every client, guiding you through a large collection of designs to inspire, from luxury brands including Cerruti 1881, Ermenegildo Zegna and Loro Piana. Garments are hand-stitched, accentuating the lines and curves of the body for a gorgeous fit. And if your shape shifts a bit, they offer a free alteration service within the first three months of purchase.
Where: Shop 2033, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Contact: 2147 2828 or [email protected]
Gordon Yao
With suits well-known for their attention to detail, Gordon Yao also adheres to the fine Shanghai tailoring craftsmanship that his dad, T.D. Yao, was influenced by back in 1935. The Yao name has been known to Hong Kongers for more than 60 years, with fans from around the world visiting on a layover for a one-of-a-kind design. Each suit is handmade at their workshop with fabrics sourced from prestigious mills worldwide, with shirts to match.
Where: Shop 120B, The Royal Garden Hotel, 69 Mody Road, Kowloon
Contact: 2730 1545 or [email protected]
Bonham Strand
One of the new boys on the block, Bonham Strand opened for business in 2012 as a tailor and ‘productive social enterprise’. Their aim is to not only restore value to the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ brand, but to also provide stable and long term employment opportunities for disenfranchised groups. Here men and women can get bespoke apparel made locally by master tailors, and leave a healthy carbon footprint at the same time through their ‘Second Chance’ program: Bonham Strand can refresh or update your existing suit, or will happily take your pre-owned garments for re-tailoring or eco-friendly recycling.
Where: Suite B, 2/F, On Lok Mansion, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central
Contact: 2811 4768 or [email protected]
The Hackney
A menswear tailor store with a woman at the helm, The Hackney is a one-stop destination where owner Tanya Wong will help you get styled from head to toe with custom made suits and shirts, chic accessories and slick shoes. The stylish Causeway Bay shop in an inviting place to browse in while you make your mind up between a Merino Wool suit or double-breasted silk and linen blazer, along with fashions from their own clothing line.
Where: 3/F, 3 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay
Contact: 2566 2955 or [email protected]
CUFFS
Fresh and stylish, from the classy clothing to the hip store in Central, CUFFS’ modern suits, shirts, trousers and chinos are made locally by skilled tailors. Their cool suit and shirt ‘bars’ are a sort of tailoring for dummies, letting you research various fabrics on hand, along with diagrams of cuts and style, for your desired look. They’re serious about craftsmanship, right down to the colour of the thread and horn buttons used.
Where: 2/F, Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington Street, Central
Contact: 2413 8098 or [email protected]
Add comment