A Tailored Suit From WW Chan & Son, Photo Credit: WW Chan & Son
If you’ve heard anything about Hong Kong’s fashion, it’s likely been about the city’s famous tailoring scene. A Hong Kong suit has long been a sartorial badge of honor, thanks to the expert craftsmen and fine fabrics available in the city.
At one point in time, a Hong Kong tailoring was a steal compared with Western counterparts. These days, the savings aren’t quite as dramatic, but buying a tailored shirt, suit or tuxedo is still often less expensive than shopping off the rack. Depending on the tailor, cut and fabric, expect to pay anywhere from $200 up to $15,000 for a two-piece suit.
Ready to revamp your wardrobe? Here are a few of the best tailors in Hong Kong — just be sure to book ahead, especially if you only have a few days in the city.
The Mandarin Barber, Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The Mandarin Barber
Wait, a barbershop? Yes, that’s right, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong recently introduced a three-in-one concept at its handsome in-house The Mandarin Barber.
In addition to straight-razor shaves, dapper gents can enjoy style services from The Armoury, a fashion house and tailor that works with British, Japanese and Italian brands to curate the best fabrics, cuts, craftsmen and accessories. The barbershop features a handpicked selection of ready-to-wear looks, as well as personal tailoring by appointment.
Head there in the evening for the best of all worlds — a Caribbean-inspired bar serves up rare rums, such as Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo along with tapas and cocktails.
The Armoury’s Leather, Photo Credit: The Armoury
WW Chan & Sons
An esteemed couturier with locations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, WW Chan & Sons opened its doors in 1952. The elegant store in the Entertainment Building, conveniently located in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central Business District, provides professional service and smart surrounds, where you can be fitted for timeless waistcoats, trousers and jackets made with premium fabrics from mills in Italy and the United Kingdom.
The Chans use Shanghainese tailoring techniques — think paper-drafted designs, labor-intensive stitching and pressings to mold the shape — which means suits here will take roughly two to three weeks to finish. Though the tailors can ship the finished product to your home address.
Elsewhere in the shop, look for a range of Skultuna cufflinks from Sweden to complete the ensemble.
Ascot Chang
One of the most respected tailors in Hong Kong, Ascot Chang opened in 1953 and has since expanded internationally with a location at Five-Star The Peninsula Hong Kong and those in Beverly Hills, Manila, Hangzhou and Shanghai.
An upscale option — suits here start at $2,000 — Ascot Chang hand-cuts beautiful bespoke shirts, trousers, jackets, pajamas, handkerchiefs and even boxer shorts using designs that complement your figure and personal style. Expect only hand-stitched finishes and premium fabrics, including Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry, Harrisons, Drapers, Ermenegildo Zegna and more.
Inside Sam’s Tailor, Photo Credit Sam’s Tailor
Sam’s Tailor
It’s natural to feel a bit star-struck by the smiling celebrities who’ve been immortalized in photos all over the walls at Sam’s Tailor. Since opening its doors in 1957, this Hong Kong tailor has worked with musicians and politicians, including David Bowie, President Bill Clinton and even actress Sigourney Weaver.
Tucked away inside Tsim Sha Tsui’s busy Burlington Arcade, the family-run tailor shop is best known for its 48-hour suits — even turning around new threads in 24 hours, if necessary.
Raja Fashions
A stalwart choice in Tsim Sha Tsui, Raja Fashions stands out along Cameron Road, where tailors are a dime a dozen. The haberdashery offers fair prices for its shirts and suits, which start at just a few hundred dollars, depending on the fabric.
The tailor has a 60-year track record of friendly service and bespoke suiting, beginning when the family first emigrated from northern India three generations ago and set up shop in Hong Kong.
Now headed by Raja Daswani, the enterprise offers one of the largest selections of fabrics (more than 20,000 choices) in the city and hosts global trunk shows for overseas clients.
