22 October 2025

    Finding the Perfect Fit with a Women’s Tailor in Singapore

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    When we think of a tailor in Singapore, the image that often comes to mind is a gentleman in a sharp three-piece suit, sitting through fittings at a traditional bespoke shop. For decades, tailoring here has been heavily male-centric, with suiting and shirting designed largely with men in mind.

    But women face a very different set of challenges. Off-the-rack clothes often don’t drape the way they should. A blazer may sit right on the shoulders but balloon at the waist. A dress may flatter in one area but gape awkwardly in another. 

    And traditional garments like cheongsams or kebayas, with their figure-hugging cuts, are notoriously unforgiving when bought ready-made.

    That’s where women’s tailoring comes in, which is a niche but growing corner of the fashion world that ensures clothes are shaped to women’s proportions, lifestyles, and style preferences.

    So how do you know if it’s time to invest in a women’s tailor in Singapore? Here are the tell-tale signs, along with the ateliers that can help you solve them.

    Signs You Need a Women’s Tailor in Singapore (and Who Can Help)

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    1. Your Workwear Never Fits Quite Right
    If you’ve spent hours in shopping malls only to find blazers that either drown your frame or pinch at the bust, you’re not alone. Women’s suits are notoriously tricky because they require a balance across shoulders, chest, waist, and hips. 

    These are proportions that rarely fit neatly into a standard size.

    Where to go: 3EIGHTH was founded to fill this gap. Designer Sheryl Yeo, trained in men’s tailoring, launched the label after realising how underserved women were in the suiting space. 

    Her creations are sleek, modern, and designed with the female form in mind, with structured shoulders softened by feminine silhouettes. 

    Bespoke two-piece suits here start from about S$1,100, but the investment pays off in confidence. Imagine a boardroom look that finally feels made for you, not borrowed from a men’s rack.

    2. You Struggle with Wedding or Occasion Wear

    Few moments are more deflating than shopping for a big event and finding nothing that feels right. 

    Cheongsams in department stores can feel too stiff or dated, and evening gowns sometimes veer into either “bridal” or “prom” territory. The middle ground, modern yet elegant, is surprisingly hard to find.

    Where to go: Outpost Clothing steps in with contemporary cheongsams and dresses. Each piece is designed to highlight the wearer’s individuality, from bold appliqués to softer, understated fabrics. 

    Brides have commissioned alternative gowns here, while others go for Chinese New Year dresses that feel chic, not costume-like. 

    Because every piece is custom-tailored, you won’t have to wrestle with zips that don’t close or hems that ride too high. Instead, you walk away with something timeless and truly yours.

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    3. Alterations Cost More Than the Dress Itself

    It’s a familiar frustration: buying a dress from Zara or Mango for S$60 and then being quoted S$40 for alterations. Sometimes the bill even exceeds the price of the garment. This is because alteration specialists in Singapore are few and in high demand, which drives up labour costs.

    Where to go: Jenny & Me Dressmaking in Holland Village has built a loyal following over the years for precisely this reason. They offer a wide range of services, from small tweaks like hemming and taking in seams to fully custom-made dresses. 

    Clients praise the balance between affordability and attentive service, with some even trusting Jenny & Me to craft entire wedding gowns. For women who are tired of feeling “nickel-and-dimed” at every alteration counter, this boutique is a refreshing change.

    4. Traditional Wear Feels Out of Reach

    For many women, traditional clothing carries deep cultural and emotional significance. A cheongsam for Lunar New Year, a kebaya for Hari Raya, or a sari blouse for a wedding should feel empowering, not discouraging. 

    Yet ready-made versions often come in limited sizes, use polyester-heavy fabrics, and feel more like costume than couture.

    Where to go: Golden Scissor Cheongsam has over four decades of experience in crafting qipaos, with a reputation for offering a wide range of fabrics and cuts that flatter rather than restrict. Their dresses are known to “fit like a glove,” according to loyal customers.

    For Malay and Indian wear, Ziya Fashion on Victoria Street is a trusted name. From baju kurung to sari blouses, the atelier is known for marrying traditional silhouettes with precise tailoring. 

    Brides, in particular, turn to Ziya for custom lehengas and kebayas that look regal without sacrificing comfort.

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    5. You Want a Suit That Feels Like You

    Sometimes, the tailoring journey isn’t about fixing a problem but about self-expression. Maybe you want a suit that reflects your personality, whether that’s bold and experimental or minimalist and understated. 

    The catch? Many tailoring houses feel overly formal, making the process intimidating.

    Where to go: Suit Commune flips that perception. Run by Priscilla, who is one of the few female tailors in Singapore, the atelier prides itself on being approachable and fun. 

    Made-to-measure suits here start at just S$349, making it one of the most accessible options for women stepping into bespoke. 

    Beyond the price point, the experience itself is unique: fittings are collaborative, fabrics are contemporary, and clients feel comfortable experimenting with colour, cut, and detail. For first-timers, Suit Commune is an ideal entry point.

    Conclusion

    While the tailoring industry in Singapore has traditionally leaned towards men, the landscape is changing. More women are seeking clothing that celebrates their individuality. Whether through a perfectly fitted suit, a cheongsam that feels current, or everyday wear that simply fits.

    From the refined silhouettes at 3EIGHTH to the heritage craftsmanship at Golden Scissor, women’s tailoring in Singapore is no longer an afterthought. Instead, it’s a growing movement that values comfort, confidence, and self-expression.

    For Singaporean women, a tailor isn’t just about fabric and fit. It’s about the joy of slipping into clothes that feel like they were made for your body, because they truly were.

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