From quality basics to insider cult favorites, here’s where dudes, bros and gentlemen in Singapore can buy stylish clothes.
For Casual Basics…
The Faculty
If you love merticulous Japanese craftsmanship, Asian fits and are the type to wax lyrical about contrast stitching and placket placement, shop at this local label. Former creative turned designer Larry Peh’s label offers a curated selection of elevated staples in Japanese-made, 100% pre-shrunk cotton oxford and poplin shirts, seamless jersey tees and raw denim jeans.
If you love merticulous Japanese craftsmanship, Asian fits and are the type to wax lyrical about contrast stitching and placket placement, shop at this local label. Former creative turned designer Larry Peh’s label offers a curated selection of elevated staples in Japanese-made, 100% pre-shrunk cotton oxford and poplin shirts, seamless jersey tees and raw denim jeans.
Best for: Those with a microscopic eye for detail.
Price: From USD$55 (SGD$77.43) for a jersey tee to USD$519 (SGD$730.67) for a pair of jeans.
Where: www.faculty.com.sg
Sifr
Sifr
Giving chill-bros a less starchy alternative is this home-grown casualwear label by Suraj Melwani and Chris John Fussner. The brand is pretty well-known for their quality Pima cotton tees, but also great is their range of unfussy shirts in poplin, seersucker, linen and jersey, all sourced from Japan, US, UK and Thailand. The relaxed fit 100% cotton designs might be more smart casual than boardroom sleek, but wear them with crisp work pants and oxfords and you could probably fake it.
Best for: Channeling an ‘I’ve Got This’ vibe.
Giving chill-bros a less starchy alternative is this home-grown casualwear label by Suraj Melwani and Chris John Fussner. The brand is pretty well-known for their quality Pima cotton tees, but also great is their range of unfussy shirts in poplin, seersucker, linen and jersey, all sourced from Japan, US, UK and Thailand. The relaxed fit 100% cotton designs might be more smart casual than boardroom sleek, but wear them with crisp work pants and oxfords and you could probably fake it.
Best for: Channeling an ‘I’ve Got This’ vibe.
Price: From $39 for a Pima cotton tee to $129 fro a button-down shirt
Where: PACT, #02-16 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-6368, www.sifrsite.com
For Work…
Jack Wills
Jack Wills
High street stuff is ever-reliable, so zoom in on this British label for preppy staples that range from classic oxford shirts to casual chambray designs. We especially like the brand’s checked designs, available in patterns like gingham (for the more quirky dandy) and plaid (for lumbersexual bros). To complete your outfit, pair your top with wool trousers or colored chinos—either way you’ll look pretty sharp.
High street stuff is ever-reliable, so zoom in on this British label for preppy staples that range from classic oxford shirts to casual chambray designs. We especially like the brand’s checked designs, available in patterns like gingham (for the more quirky dandy) and plaid (for lumbersexual bros). To complete your outfit, pair your top with wool trousers or colored chinos—either way you’ll look pretty sharp.
Best for: The city slicking boy-next-door
Price: From $44.50 for basic tees to $500 for a blazer
Where: #01-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6338-6342, www.jackwills.com
Button N Stitch
Button N Stitch
It’s shirts galore at this local men’s label, which prides itself in offering Singaporeans affordable and finely-crafted shirts. They have a boggling array of 100% cotton dress shirts for the office, which you can buy online if shopping is the least of your priorities. Plus, designs range from basic colors like white and blue to slightly more flamboyant prints like pink gingham (of course, it’s all very subtle and sleek).
Best for: Those who are tired of same-same work shirts
Price: From $69 to $89
Where: www.buttonnstitch.com
q. menswear
For Major Parties…
q. menswear
Home grown menswear designer Chong Han San has finally launched a ready-to-wear answer to his bespoke main line, Q Menswear. What’s different is an adventurous take on classic tailoring, such as slim-cut silhouettes, shrunken jackets and even lapels that can be popped up. There are unusual zig-zag prints, contrasting buttons and fabrics—our favorites include a white shirt with a pleated asymmetrical hem.
Home grown menswear designer Chong Han San has finally launched a ready-to-wear answer to his bespoke main line, Q Menswear. What’s different is an adventurous take on classic tailoring, such as slim-cut silhouettes, shrunken jackets and even lapels that can be popped up. There are unusual zig-zag prints, contrasting buttons and fabrics—our favorites include a white shirt with a pleated asymmetrical hem.
Best for: Men who think pocket squares are absolutely essential.
Price: From $180 for shirts to $570 for jackets
Where: Takashimaya, level 3 men’s department
Kevin Seah Bespoke
Can’t find anything off-the-rack? Then invest in a suit tailored to ahem, suit your style and preference. Taking a leaf from Savile Row traditions, each order is finished by hand and features 1/8″ French seams, 23 stitches per inch stitching and mother of pearl buttons. Customers can also choose cloths sourced from famous Italian and UK mills like Acorn Fabrics and Fox Brothers. Kevin Seah is all about a collaborative experience with his clients, so you’re in good hands.
Can’t find anything off-the-rack? Then invest in a suit tailored to ahem, suit your style and preference. Taking a leaf from Savile Row traditions, each order is finished by hand and features 1/8″ French seams, 23 stitches per inch stitching and mother of pearl buttons. Customers can also choose cloths sourced from famous Italian and UK mills like Acorn Fabrics and Fox Brothers. Kevin Seah is all about a collaborative experience with his clients, so you’re in good hands.
Best for: Dapper dudes who enjoy making an entrance.
Price: From $400 for a bespoke shirt to $4,000 onwards for a bespoke suit
Where: 55B/C Boat Quay, 6532-2018, www.kevinseah.com
Lastly, the Shoes
Ed Et Al
The Blind Cobbler
This multi-label footwear boutique specializes in brogues from British brands Grenson, Hudson and Swear. You’ll also find styles like slip-on loafers, desert boots and even pointed-toe sneakers. We are a little disappointed there’s a lack of more cutting-edge designs from Swear, which is famous for their cult sneakers, but we heard that the boutique may be bringing in more styles soon.
This multi-label footwear boutique specializes in brogues from British brands Grenson, Hudson and Swear. You’ll also find styles like slip-on loafers, desert boots and even pointed-toe sneakers. We are a little disappointed there’s a lack of more cutting-edge designs from Swear, which is famous for their cult sneakers, but we heard that the boutique may be bringing in more styles soon.
Best for: No-brainer shoe shopping.
Price: From $300 for brogues to $675 for leather boots
Where: 98 Club St., 6225-7463, www.theblindcobbler.com
Ed Et Al
The formerly bespoke-only home grown shoe brand, launched by shoemaker Edwin Neo in 2010, now offers ready-to-wear options spanning from 16 different styles like Double Monk, Derby and Wingtip. You can still expect the same level of craftsmanship off-the-shelves but if you prefer a personalized pair, there’s still the appointment-only bespoke service available.
The formerly bespoke-only home grown shoe brand, launched by shoemaker Edwin Neo in 2010, now offers ready-to-wear options spanning from 16 different styles like Double Monk, Derby and Wingtip. You can still expect the same level of craftsmanship off-the-shelves but if you prefer a personalized pair, there’s still the appointment-only bespoke service available.
Best for: Shoe lovers with a weakness for fancy footwear.
Price From: $349 for ready-to-wear to $3,000 onwards for bespoke
Where: #01-67 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6337-8919, www.edetal.sg
