Bespoke tailors are a longstanding fashion tradition in the city. Here are some of the best shops.
Hong Kong has a long history of tailors and getting measured for a made-to-measure or custom suit in Hong Kong used to be an attractive reason for a stopover. Today, Hong Kong's best tailors represent some of the highest workmanship in the world rivaling Savile Row quality. Each of these shops can meet a client’s special request for custom features made to exact specifications. But, we suggest you defer to their distinct and tasteful house styles. Remember nothing fits better and conforms to your body movements like a bespoke suit.
W.W. Chan & Sons Tailor (Unit B, 8th floor, Entertainment Building, 30 Queens Road Central, www.chan.com).The Hong Kong store was founded by Mr. Chan in 1948, who practiced the early twentieth-century Shanghai tailoring style that mixed Chinese, Russian and British styling influences. The evolution of their sartorial heritage has resulted in exacting standards of craftsmanship that are reflected in the construction of top-notch suits. Chan, who passed the business down to his son Peter, continues the traditional processes in the craft of creating a bespoke men’s suit. W.M. Chan offers a full floating canvas construction, hand-stitched lapels and as many basted fittings as necessary. They resist any mechanized production techniques. And they follow the Savile Row discipline where all cutting and tailoring are still done on-site. W.M. Chan and A Man Hing Cheong (see below) have historically represented the top two suit makers in Hong Kong.
Ascot Chang (Shope 131, Prince's Building, Central, ascotchange.com). Ascot Chang originated in Shanghai and has been one of Hong Kong’s leading tailors for over 65 years. They built their reputation beginning with stylish and luxurious bespoke and ready-to-wear dress shirts. Their headquarters remains in Hong Kong, and over the years they expanded to stores in New York, Beverley Hills and throughout Southeast Asia. Ascot Chang continues to demonstrate fine tailoring, expert advice, impeccable fit and many unique styles. Fabrics are sourced from over 3,500 brands, including Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry and Loro Piana. Their house style for bespoke suits utilize a lightweight canvas for a comfortable, classic jacket that retains excellent shape over each wear. Moderate padding and roped shoulders are incorporated to frame the shoulders, while curved lapels and a high notch are cut according to your build for a stronger silhouette.
Gieves & Hawkes Private Tailoring Service (Shop M7, Mezzanine Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Road, Central, gievesandhawkes.hk). While Gieves & Hawkes is certainly not from Hong Kong, they are the only Savile Row tailor that has established a branch store in Hong Kong from their flagship No. 1 Savile Row headquarters in London. Gieves & Hawkes started as a tailor to British military offices and has been dressing and defining the British bespoke style for over two centuries. Their unique service begins with an initial consultation. Clients are invited to share and discuss their personal style preferences and suit requirements. Then, extensive measurements, adjustments and repeated fittings ensure a perfect fit. They also sell ready-to-wear collections, including a range of hand-made suits, jackets and outerwear.
Attire House (29th and 30th floor, Asia Pacific Centre, 8 Wyndham Street, Central, attire-house.com). This full service shop offers a full range of men’s tailoring and grooming needs. The two-story shop features a bespoke tailor, ready-to-wear retail store, Korean barbershop and mixologist’s bar. Bespoke tailored suits can be commissioned from visiting tailors. Leading gentlemen’s brands from all over of the world have been curated including King Charles’ shirtmakers Turnbull & Asser and shoemaker GJ Cleverley. Bespoke trunk shows are staged almost every month. Visiting designers have included Gennaro Solito and Luigi of Sartoria Solito, one of Naple's most renowned tailors.
The Armoury (Shop 307, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central). Established by connoisseurs of gentlemen’s fashion, the passion is evident in their curation of the Armoury’s classic styling and well-crafted men’s fashion accessories. They collaborate and feature what they consider to be the best tailors and artisans. And for those who demand the very best they invite famous international tailors who offer fine bespoke suits and fashion. Currently, The Armoury hosts three bespoke tailors; Liverano (Florence), Musella Dembech (Milan), Ciccio (Japan) Ambrosi, and a custom trouser maker from Naples. The tailors visit Hong Kong about every three months for fittings and orders. The knowledgeable staff can explain all the nuances and features of their fashion lines and the store also stocks handcrafted and stylish accessories, including shoes, cufflinks, ties, belts, wallets and umbrellas. Perusing their store reveals many new, obscure fashion items that are both timeless and tasteful.
A Man Hing Cheong (Mezzanine Floor, Bank of East Asia Building Shopping Arcade, 10 Des Voeux Road Central). This tailor was founded in 1898 and has upheld the age-old traditions of English suiting for more than 100 years. It is so traditional that it still hasn’t erected a website. Its clientele always seems to be able to find it whenever they visit Hong Kong. Their custom shirts, suits, and jackets are custom made by hand. Their showroom boasts over 1,000 premium fabric samples, primarily sourced from the UK. For a conservative, classic English suit with a floating canvas lining and clean silhouette, A Man Hing Cheong remains one of the best tailors in Hong Kong.