When the Office Went Home
James Harris, a partner at a global law practice, knew that fit is a race against time. He’d swap out his tailored suits for throw‑away shorts and a casual polo during the first two years of COVID‑19 – because who really had a “meeting” in the traditional sense when you’re at home?
“The lines between days started to blur,” Harris recalls. “By the workweek I’d throw on a sharper Ralph Lauren polo. On weekends, a Nike or Adidas style keeps me from feeling too much like a corporate drone.”
Fashion’s Big Shift: From Suit to Street
For a while, industry insiders whispered that the eking‑up suit’s demise was nearly inevitable. The rise of athleisure and streetwear seemed to herald the end of the classic office attire. The pandemic, for many, felt like the final strike in that narrative.
Until then, suits were the go‑to gear for senior execs, especially in fields that demanded a polished, client‑face look – law, finance, big‑picture negotiations.
Zooming Out of the Suit
With the “house‑style” of work booming, the double set of jacket and trousers fell flat into closets, while the “math” of the office adjusted to a new standard: just the top half of the body mattered.
Even on video calls, people kept the jacket and shirt on camera, letting the shorts “go unnoticed” – a playful reminder that you’re still semi‑professional, even if you’re effectively lounging.
UK’s Tailored Trend Checks
Across the pond, in an area famous for its tailoring tradition, the UK Office for National Statistics dropped the traditional suit from its inflation basket for the first time in an era dating back to 1947. The “jacket” now takes its place – a veritable nod to the new normal.
What Does It Mean?
- Work-from‑home has blurred the rigid day‑night wear line.
- Suit lovers have discovered that a dress‑code can be less about formality and more about personal comfort.
- The market is adapting: more people are picking “half‑suits” that feel both smart and relaxed.
- The UK’s new statistics signal that fashion’s language is evolving faster than ever.
Bottom line? The suit may have changed its vibe, but its romance is still alive – just maybe wearing just the top half in a world that’s embracing both style and sanity.
Tailoring back in demand
Tailoring Ambitions – From Pandemic Tumble to Post‑Lockdown Triumph
When the coronavirus hit, the first two years felt like a rollercoaster without a seatbelt for tailors. Zoom‑calls and “home‑office” vibes were the new norm, and many small ateliers had to grab a second job – or at least a second product line – to keep the cash flow humming.
Dodging the “No‑Cuff” Zone
- Dylan Chong of Dylan & Son turned to casual wear. “We’re offering everything from drawstring shorts to polos—made‑to‑measure or off the rack,” he said. “You only need a few pairs of sub‑$100 tees in your wardrobe, so the impact was modest, but it did keep the lights on.”
- Leslie Chia of Pimabs followed a similar path, making comfortable basics that didn’t hurt the pockets.
- Kevin Seah didn’t just pause for a breather; he pivoted to a lifestyle brand. His webshop now boasts gourmet picks like wine and sake, turning a sweater store into a “chef & sweater” destination.
Why Casual Isn’t a “Last Resort” Sale
“We see a lot of folks not buying those low‑cost, high‑frequency items because they’re not thrilled about cluttering their closet,” Duck‑down (Chong) explained. “That said, a few extra short sales helped — but they didn’t change the big picture.”
Warming Up After the Lockdown
Fast forward to 2022: the tailors are feeling the rhythm again. Seah reports, “Our business rebounded in the last quarter of last year and we’re on track to hit pre‑COVID numbers by year’s end.”
At The Prestigious at Boat Quay, co‑owner Alvin Lin is riding a good wave. “Sales from just the first week of May put us into profit territory for the month,” he said, his smile wide enough to cover a whole shirt cuff.
He remembers the “on‑and‑off” rule‑tightening days when a stretch of four to six weeks could bring in zero new orders. But the buoyant days that followed were like a “shelf‑full” of sales that carried us through two or three months. He’s hoping for steadier, smoother tape of commissions this time.
Takeaway
From a tough pandemic start to a steady post‑lockdown upswing, these local tailoring shops demonstrate that a little pivot—whether offering casual basics or adding gourmet goodies—can keep the needle turning. Now that the world is finally loosening restrictions, the only question is how fast the curtain will lift on a full‑throttle return to the stitch‑ing groove.
Eager to suit up
Suit Up: The New Normal is Here (and It’s Pretty Expensive)
As offices splash back in, the suit renaissance is booming. Clients—new and old—are suddenly itching to look sharp, and their wallets aren’t quite as picky as before.
Why the Wardrobe Is on Fire
- Premium fabrics are the new gold standard. Business owners and C‑suite execs are spending an average of S$7,000 to S$9,000 per single suit. No wonder Lin is feeling like she’s entered a boutique kingdom.
- It’s all about setting the tone. These high‑rollers need to look the part to win meetings, negotiate deals, and maybe, just maybe, stand out on LinkedIn.
- Price‑insensitivity is the new vogue. With rising inflation, they’re still pulling out the cash because, frankly, their future ventures look bright enough to justify it.
Kevin Seah Bespoke: Weddings, Weddings, Weddings!
At Kevin Seah Bespoke, the pandemic’s “hot date” trend has turned into a wedding trend. “In Q1 2022, a 30% jump in wedding suits compared to last year.” Guess love (and tuxes) survive pandemics.
Classics Still Reign
Many clients, especially those in finance, stick to the timeless, conservative aesthetic. They’re less about “fashion statements” and more about “investment-ready vibes.”
Body Metrics: The Pandemic’s Side Effect
Chong calls out the body-roulette that followed lockdown:
- Some have gained pounds and are now tripping over their own closet.
- Others are shedding kilos and fighting a new battle—trying to bulk up again. The result? A flood of alterations hits the tailors’ tables.
“The number of alteration jobs this year is not just high—it’s off the charts,” Chong notes. Truly, the only place where you see a suit literally ‘adapting’ to a belly or a lanky frame.
Bottom Line: Suit Up or Else!
Whether for a corporate meeting or a prom‑like wedding, the suits are back in vogue, and the price? Well, everyone’s headed straight to the shop with wallets open and a smile that says, “I’ve got this.”
Refined but relaxed
Suit Trends Remain Strong—But They’ve Got a Relaxed Twist
While suits still attract a loyal following, the mix of pandemic‑era “work‑from‑home” chic and the wobble between office and leisure has nudged designers toward more laid‑back tailoring. That relaxed vibe had already been on the rise before Covid, but the pandemic gave it a sudden boost.
Alvin Gan: “Everyone’s Going Casual with Their Suits”
Alvin Gan, the mastermind behind Last & Lapel, notes a clear shift. “When folks shop now, they want suits that aren’t just for the office,” he says. “They’re looking for something that can double as a travel blazer or a Tuesday‑night coat.”
Joseph Koh’s Take on the Smart‑Casual Boom
Joe’s Tailoring’s founder Joseph Koh sees a similar trend. He attributes it to a lingering wariness about in‑person meetings. “Even though restrictions are easing, people still stick to Zoom as much as possible,” Koh explains. “So the demand for blazers that look sharp on a screen—but stay comfy off it—has gone through the roof.”
James Harris: “I’ve Let Up on the Formalities”
Take James Harris, a loyal client of Koh’s for over ten years. He once racked up three‑piece suits and overcoats. Now? “I’ve traded in the old classics for blazers,” Harris laughs. “I’ve got about 30 of them now.”
Harris’s work schedule has shifted to a max of three days in the office per week. He still slips on a suit around 90% of the time, but he’s noticed his colleagues loosening their dress codes too. “Just a couple of days this week, I rocked jeans, a decent shirt, and a jacket,” he says with a grin.
What’s the Bottom Line?
- Suits have gone from strictly business to a versatile wardrobe staple.
- Smart‑casual blazers are in high demand for both office and Zoom meetings.
- Even seasoned suit lovers are dialing down the formality in favor of comfort.
So whether you’re headed to the office or just one‑click away from a virtual conference, the new suit landscape looks like this: Dress smart, stay comfy, and never forget to inject a little fun into your look.
Ventures abroad
Tailoring in the Age of Lockdowns: New Paths for Classic Suits
Even though the pandemic jolted the tailoring industry into a rough patch, fresh doors swung open for somesmart players. One standout is Leslie Chia, who’s navigating the fine line between survival and innovation.
The Two‑Tier Tale of Pimabs and Closeknip
- Pimabs – The high‑end, bespoke arm that’s kept its rhythm thanks to a loyal, niche clientele. Consistent orders from a small core group have been the lifeline, allowing the business to keep its signature style alive.
- Closeknip – The lower‑priced take that had to fold its doors. Demand simply didn’t reach the volume required to sustain the brand. It was a tough call, but one that reinforced the importance of knowing where to invest.
Next Horizons: Women Heading to California
Leslie is currently in talks with a group of US‑based entrepreneurs who want to repackage the Closeknip concept for a California audience. They’re thinking: let’s tilt the tailor’s sharp edge toward women. It’s an exciting twist that could give this once‑male‑centric operation a fresh spin.
Dylan & Son Goes Global
Hold onto your collars, because Dylan & Son is about to make its international debut. Kim Juseok, a Korean native who honed his skills in Singapore before the lockdown, is set to launch the brand in Seoul. According to a seasoned tailor, “He’s been banging on the idea of a new venture in Seoul, and we’ve built a partnership. It’s just getting off the ground, but the spark is there.”
Why Suits Still Rule the Dress Code
There’s a simple truth that keeps bespoke garments relevant: a good suit is like a “no‑fuss” way to look sharp. Harris, a regular suit‑wearer, notes, “On days I’m not in a suit, picking an outfit feels a lot longer. Honestly, a shirt paired with a suit is a kill‑two‑birds approach – it’s easy, and I look like I’ve put in a ton of effort.”
This article was first published in The Peak.
