Looking to get a customised suit or a bespoke shirt? Hong Kong has a long history as a world-renowned hub of the tailoring. And the epicentre of that hub is Kowloon, which has a host of tailors sought out by celebrities, businesspeople and political leaders who want made-to-measure clothing. Here’s our guide to some of the best Hong Kong tailors in Kowloon.
Empire International Tailors
Empire International Tailors was established in 1983 by brothers Andy and Anthony Asaf. These Hong Kong tailors have a reputation around the world for excellence, and has been written about in The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. Although consisting of a small team, the work of Empire’s award-winning master tailors speaks for itself. The tailors in their in-house workshop in East Tsim Sha Tsui have more than 30 to 40 years’ experience in making tailored suits.
The family-run tailor shop’s approach is not to rush the work, but instead pay attention to detail with a personal approach that begins with the first fitting. Empire Tailors suggest bringing in pictures which represent the look their clients are going for, and allowing as much time as possible to guarantee the best results for their custom suits. As Andy says: “Everything is overseen by the family, so it’s personal for us. We make sure all of our customers have a personal and comfortable experience. We avoid rush orders and refuse to do the famous 24-hour turnaround Hong Kong is known for. Instead, we allow time for careful fittings and alterations to make sure the final results are perfect.”
Shop 6, G/F, Houston Centre, 63 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Lee Baron
This high-quality custom tailor offers tailored suits, jackets, shirts, pants, coats, formal wear and more. Established by Jimmy Baron in 1962, the company has expanded – largely through word-of- mouth referrals from customers – from its Hong Kong base to have showrooms in New York, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Toronto. You can make an appointment at one of the showrooms, or provide your measurements to the Lee Baron team. They have a selection of garments on their website which can be customised to suit any customer, and they can also recreate garments from your existing wardrobe.
G/F Shop 33 Far East Mansion, 5-6 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Rocky’s Fashions
Located in Far East Mansion, just off Nathan Road, Rocky’s Fashions is a classic Tsim Sha Tsui family-run tailoring store. Open 7 days a week and offering a quick turn-around option if necessary, the store has gathered a loyal clientele over time of visitors passing by Hong Kong. Suits and shirts are reasonably priced if you’re on a budget and a good variety of fabrics are readily available. Like most tailors in Hong Kong, Rocky’s frequently conduct trunk shows all over the world.
Shop 19, G/F, Far East Mansion, 5-6 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Gordon Yao & Co.
In 1952, Gordon Yao’s father opened the Asia Arts Fashion House in Miramar Hotel Arcade after moving to Hong Kong from Shanghai. He joined the family business in 1961 after doing an apprenticeship. Under his father’s tutelage, he honed his craft and, in 1969, the business was renamed Gordon Yao & Co. Since then, Gordon has continued the family tradition of focusing on excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company offers bespoke menswear, with every suit and shirt handmade in the workshop. It sources fabrics from prestigious mills around the world, and stocks brands such as Holland and Sherry, John G. Hardy, Hunt and Winterbotham, and Loro Piana. Team members visit the US regularly, along with various European locations.
Shop 120B, The Royal Garden Hotel, 69 Mody Road, Kowloon
Simpson Sin Tailor
Simpson Sin Tailor has been offering full service custom tailoring from their Carnarvon Road premises since 2005. Among its specialities are bespoke suits, tuxedos, sport jackets, pants, and topcoats, which are 100 percent handmade in Hong Kong in a large range of fabrics, patterns and colours. They Simpson Sin team understands the city’s busy lifestyle, so they can offer fittings in two to three hours – whether you’re after a shirt for both business and social purposes, a purely business shirt, an oxford shirt, a button-down shirt or a linen shirt. The team also travels regularly to the US.
Block B, 1/F, Lip Seng Mansion, 15-19 Carnarvon Road, Tsm Sha Tsui
2723 9228 | simpsonsintailor.com.hk
William Cheng & Son
After launching in 1958 by William Cheng, Sandy Cheng took over this family business in 1982. Since then, Sandy has carried on the family tradition of offering an excellent tailoring service dedicated to stocking a large variety of fabrics with an around-the- clock service for customers. William Cheng & Son offers bespoke business, casual and evening wear, through its store in TST, on international trips and through its website.
8/F, Han Hing Mansion, 38 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
3105 2691| williamcheng-son.com
Bobby’s Fashions
Bobby’s Fashions specialises in custom-made clothing for men and women – it offers suits, shirts, tuxedos, overcoats, dresses, blouses and leather jackets, handcrafted by master tailors to whatever style and specifications you might have. The team has more than 65 years’ experience and hand-stitches all garments to ensure the clothing will fit you down to the last millimetre. They also offer any alterations free of charge. They can provide a made-to-measure garment in three to five days, but can finish a piece in as little as two days if needed. There’s a huge range of fabrics and finishes available, and the Bobby’s Fashions team will work closely with you to ensure you find the right thing. Visit them in store or see one of their master tailors on their overseas visits.
Shop 3A, Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
2724 2615 | bobbysfashions.com
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