The tailoring capitals of Asia worth travelling for
In Southeast Asia, tailoring isn’t just a service—it’s a heritage. Amid the rise of fast fashion and viral TikTok tailoring trends, certain cities across the region still offer something rare: the chance to witness and wear garments crafted the old-fashioned way. These tailoring hubs aren’t just surviving—they’re adapting, evolving, and welcoming a new generation of travellers who appreciate the elegance of bespoke craftsmanship.
Whether it’s a family-run atelier in Manila, a centuries-old craft passed down in Bangkok, or a Savile Row-influenced legacy in Taipei, these destinations reveal the enduring soul of Southeast Asia’s sartorial scene. Here’s where to go if you want to step into a suit—and a story—stitched by hand.
In case you missed it: A Savile Row tailor’s 6 essential tips for the perfectly fitted suit
Sukumvhit Road in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has long been famous (and sometimes infamous) for its tailoring scene. The city’s tailoring scene grew after World War II, serving American GIs stationed in the region. Today, while the area is filled with fast-turnaround shops, a handful of legacy tailors continue the art of slow, made-to-measure work.
Sukhumvit Road, especially around Nana and Asoke, remains lined with tailoring shops offering everything from rushed tourist suits to genuine bespoke craftsmanship. Travellers seeking quality can look for the decades-old ateliers that have earned international respect for their traditional hand-cut tailoring, full canvas construction and a loyal expat following.
What’s next?
While many of Bangkok’s older tailors still lead the craft, younger family members and apprentices are slowly stepping in. The respected tailoring houses now see a mix of veteran cutters and next-generation designers, keeping the tradition alive while experimenting with lighter fabrics and more modern silhouettes for a new clientele.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An remains one of the most famous tailoring towns in Southeast Asia. It's a small riverside city known for its lightning-fast turnaround times and walls of fabric rolls. Its tailoring legacy grew during the French colonial era and later boomed as backpackers and travelers sought affordable custom clothing in the 1990s and 2000s
Streets like Tran Phu and Le Loi are packed with tailor shops promising custom suits in under 48 hours. But behind the tourist-friendly offerings, a few longstanding family-run shops still provide higher-end tailoring with meticulous attention to fit and fabric.
What’s next?
The pressure to cater to tourists means many younger tailors are focusing on speed over craft. However, some family businesses are investing in training and skill development to sustain Hoi An’s reputation for quality tailoring.
See more: The heritage of tailoring at Cao Minh
Binondo and Makati in Metro Manila, Philippines
While the Philippines is globally known for its hand-embroidered barong Tagalog, Manila has a quiet but enduring men’s tailoring tradition centred around family-run ateliers. The capital’s suiting culture took shape in neighbourhoods like Binondo and Makati, where family-run ateliers served government officials, business elites and international visitors.
Philippine tailoring is distinct for its adaptation to a tropical climate: breathable fabrics, softer constructions and elegant restraint define the local aesthetic. Even today, many ateliers continue to operate as multi-generational businesses, maintaining a tailored identity that is both formal and functional.
What’s next?
A quiet renaissance is underway. Young designers and tailoring houses are modernising the Filipino bespoke tradition with updated silhouettes and tropical wools, making the craft more accessible and relevant to a new wave of professionals and creatives.
See more: 10 bespoke tailor shops in Metro Manila for dapper men
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei’s tailoring roots are intertwined with the island’s modern history. Following the Chinese Civil War, master tailors from Shanghai brought their knowledge to Taiwan, establishing a suiting tradition influenced by British tailoring and adapted to East Asian physiques and climates.
The tailoring districts of Taipei still reflect this legacy, with a preference for muted colours, classic cuts, and a disciplined, detail-oriented approach. These ateliers have historically catered to business leaders, diplomats and those seeking understated elegance.
What’s next?
While interest from younger Taiwanese clients has waned slightly, there is renewed momentum as tailors embrace social media and experiment with fusing traditional methods with more contemporary design languages. Some are also drawing influence from Japanese tailoring to appeal to evolving tastes.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur’s tailoring culture developed in tandem with its commercial growth, especially within the city’s old Chinatown area. Chinese-Malaysian tailors once produced suits for merchants, civil servants and visiting colonial officials, favouring classic British cuts and tropical wools.
Though fewer in number today, the city’s tailoring workshops still reflect a deep respect for handwork. Many are family-run, operating with a quiet discipline that prioritises form, function and tailoring suited to Malaysia’s humid climate.
What’s next?
While some workshops struggle to attract apprentices, others are finding ways to appeal to younger clients by refreshing their styling approach. A few newer boutique brands are beginning to reinterpret Malaysian tailoring with fresher cuts and bolder fabric choices.
Singapore
Singapore’s tailoring scene was once anchored in the colonial districts of Raffles Place and Orchard Road, serving both locals and British officers. Today, while the number of traditional shops has decreased, the city-state remains a bastion of quiet luxury and precision tailoring.
Singaporean tailoring tends to favour slim European cuts and minimalist colour palettes, tailored for boardrooms and formal occasions. Many contemporary ateliers are run by artisans who trained abroad, infusing global sensibilities with local finesse.
What’s next?
In Singapore, younger tailors and designers trained abroad (often in London or Milan) are bringing back knowledge to refine and modernise local tailoring standards. Social media and bespoke trunk shows are helping them reach new clients.
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