They say the suit maketh the man, but what of the woman? In the centuries since its conception, the modern suit has been the standard amongst men, a symbol of class and power. But as women continue to come up in the world, the style has slowly found a place in our wardrobes too, from high-powered ladies in the corporate world to fashion-forward celebrities. 

Take BLACKPINK singer Rosé, for whom Saint Laurent suits and oversized blazers have become a signature look, or rapper Doechii, whose ventures with Thom Browne have put her in everything from commanding pinstripes to deconstructed iterations of the style. Between the resurgence of corp-core and this year’s Met Gala theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," the once male-centred silhouette is seeing countless new interpretations in the hands of women. But despite growing demand, tailors who cater to women’s suiting remain few and far between.

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While off-the-rack options are aplenty, suit shopping is notoriously tricky for women. Many of us are familiar with the nightmare that is women’s sizing, even for everyday pieces. When it comes to dressing the female body, there are far too many variables to consider for a truly standardised sizing convention—and this becomes glaringly obvious with the structural nature of suits. For a style that’s meant to exude power, too many women are left feeling disheartened and uncomfortable in clothing that just doesn’t feel right. But here in Singapore, a number of tailors are working to bridge the gap, adapting their offerings for women and our needs. 

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Bespoke Tailoring

“At its core, tailoring is about structure—but how that structure serves the body differs significantly between men’s and women’s suiting,” says Adele Chung, a designer and trained image consultant. Chung also forms half the father-daughter duo behind Meiko Tailor here in Singapore. While men’s suits emphasise symmetry and posture, suiting for women requires a more nuanced approach, taking into account bust, waist and hip ratios to flatter the female form, she explains. The value of a bespoke experience lies in the ease of mind that comes with knowing the fit is specific not just to your measurements, but down to the most personal details, from skin tone and posture to lifestyle and sartorial preferences.

Traditional suiting was never made for women, but tailors like Chung are eager to reclaim the silhouette as a form of empowerment and self-expression. “Women deserve the same luxury: A suit tailored precisely to our bodies, preferences, and the way we want to show up in the world,” she says. “A bespoke suit is one of the most empowering garments a woman can own.”

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What To Expect

For the laywoman, the world of bespoke tailoring is understandably overwhelming—from finding a suitable tailor to knowing what to ask for, and how to ask for it. Chung recommends coming in with an idea of your desired style or vibe. It helps to look through your own wardrobe and the pieces you gravitate towards in order to understand what you feel most confident in. When in doubt, bring references from fashion editorials. “The more insight you bring, the more personal the outcome. More importantly, know what you want to express,” she says.

A bespoke tailoring experience begins with a consultation, where you explore your needs and preferences with your tailor. A good tailor will use the opportunity to learn about your needs, colour and fabric preferences and offer suggestions based on your style goals. Upon deciding on the final design, your measurements will be taken, and the suit-making process begins. While different tailors have their own process and timelines, a bespoke experience typically requires several fittings over the span of weeks, through which refinements and tweaks can be made before the final suit is ready. 

Transparency is key throughout the experience. From pricing and timeline to fabric sourcing and construction methods, a good tailor should be able to answer your queries clearly and confidently. “The key to a positive bespoke experience lies in open, intentional dialogue. It begins with a tailor who listens,” adds Chung. “You should feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the process.” 

Whether for work or special occasions, a bespoke suit is a valuable investment for any woman. Ready to shop for your first bespoke suit? See our curation of local tailors below to start.

3EIGHTH

One of few women-focused tailors in Singapore, 3EIGHTH was created by local designer Sheryl Yeo, whose background in men’s tailoring and frustration with lack of women's tailoring options inspired her to launch her own label with a feminine twist. From power suits and alternative bridalwear to more casual styles, the brand has a strong focus on experimenting with materials and a knack for quirky designs that burst with personality, along with a wide collection of ready-to-wear offerings.

A bespoke two-piece suit for ladies at 3EIGHTH starts at $1,100, and typically takes six to eight weeks from first consultation to collection.

3EIGHTH is located 37 Lor 23 Geylang #08-04. For more information or to make an appointment, visit their website.

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Meiko Tailor

A homegrown business with nearly 50 years of history, Meiko Tailor is led by Master Tailor Chung and his daughter, Adele. Originally a men’s tailoring business, it has since expanded its offerings to cater to women, with Adele bringing in her creativity and expertise in women’s tailoring and image consulting. They are a fully Made-in-Singapore house that does not outsource any of its production, ensuring consistent quality. Additionally, its new sub-label Uncommon Hem offers bespoke services using responsibly-sourced and archival fabrics to create unique, environmentally conscious ready-to-wear and bespoke garments.

A bespoke two-piece suit for ladies at Meiko Tailor starts at $1,900, and typically takes six to eight weeks from first consultation to collection. 

Meiko Tailor is located 35A Boat Quay and 7 Raffles Boulevard, #02-01 Pan Pacific Singapore. For more information or to make an appointment, visit their website.

Made Suits

Founded in 2016, Made Suits was co-founded by local fashion design graduate Benjamin Tay out of a passion for Italian-style menswear. The brand developed a formula known as the Romania Cut, which aims to address a lack of understanding of modern cuts in the local market with its simple yet contemporary style. The signature cut has since been adapted for female customers with a carefully developed silhouette that flatters the feminine form while retaining its strong tailoring structure that translates from fitted suits to oversized blazers.

A bespoke two-piece suit for ladies at Made Suits starts at $1,399 and typically takes six to ten weeks from first consultation to collection.

Made Suits is located 45B Craig Road. For more information or to make an appointment, visit their website.