Suits. They’re the one thing every man should own. And buying a new suit is serious business because the suit maketh the man, as they say. And for some young men, getting a suit is a rite of passage. Whether it’s picking something off the rack, or commissioning a custom made one, it’s an art to look your spiffiest. Though there are many places here that offer bespoke tailoring services, finding the right one still often comes through word of mouth. To save you all the trouble, we show you some places to help you get the right suit, whether it’s your first or your tenth.

For Those On A Budget

Justmen’s (#01-36/39 Tanglin Shopping Center, 19 Tanglin Rd., 6737-4800)

Having been around for 38 years, Justmen’s certainly knows what they are talking about when it comes to tailor-made suits. With a swanky new interior and a VIP fitting room hidden away for the privacy of their clientele, Justmen’s aims to provide service that will make you feel like royalty. For those who have just stepped into the corporate world and need a bit of help in the style department, Justmen’s suits can take you all the way to Wall Street, where they will help you find your “Wall Street uniform.” For a custom-made suit that can take up to three weeks to make, here’s a tailor for those who wish to be pampered.

Prices: Shirts start from $100, jackets from $650, pants from $150 and a full suit from $800.

Mohan’s Custom Tailors (#02-73 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd.,

6732-4936/6732-3892)

If you ever need a suit in 24 hours, because you lost your luggage, or you suddenly remembered your friend’s wedding is tomorrow or your ex-girlfriend burned all your clothes, Mohan’s is the tailor to head to! Set up by Max Mohan, this tailoring shop promises to get frantic customers what they need as soon as possible. Also, for those who fear that they’ve packed on the pounds and are unable to fit in ready-made suits, Mohan’s can customize something to accommodate that. Check out their most popular single breasted, three-buttoned, slim fit suit.

Prices: Shirts start from $45, jackets from $200, pants from $60 and a full suit from $250.

Personality Menshop (#03-24 Peninsula Shopping Center, 3 Coleman St.,

6337-2459)

Prior to setting up Personality Menshop, Eric Chia started out as a men’s tailor in a bridal shop, thus giving him added experience and reputation in that area of the industry (an added plus for the clueless grooms-to-be!). His personal philosophy is that “all customers have to start somewhere.” He accepts a wide range of clientele (however deep their pockets may be, or not), which means anyone who is interested in getting a good suit. Flexibility, without compromising quality, is his motto. Modern day dandies who hanker after avant-garde flamboyant suits, but also need a classic conservative set for their professional day jobs would definitely find this enticing. The suits are near fully handmade by Chia’s loyal team of six tailors, and the only machinery used are their trusty sewing machines. Stringent self-imposed quality control guarantees the three-week wait will definitely be worth your while.

Prices: Shirts start from $60, pants from $90, jackets from $450

and suits from $550.

Mohan’s Custom Tailors Justmen’s Dunhill PIMABS

For Those Who Want To Splurge

Dunhill (#01-42/F Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6734-8126)

The name Dunhill is synonymous with British refinement and luxury. Though known more for its leather accessories and ready-to-wear pieces, Dunhill is also sought after for its bespoke suits and jackets after having launched the Dunhill Custom Tailoring services in all its flagship stores. Customers are given a choice of 220 of the finest British and Italian cloths, 16 flattering suit silhouettes and even offerings inspired by and drawn from the seasonal Dunhill menswear collection. All custom-made jackets are based on Dunhill’s signature St James suit block inspired by the archetypal British Saville Row suit: jackets are slightly slimmer with a more compressed waist, built-up chest and sharper shoulders. However, be prepared to wait for a period of eight weeks, as the order is sent to the UK where the suit is made.

Prices: Shirts start from $375, jackets from $2,300 and two-piece suits from $2,700.

Massimo Dutti (#01-02 Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6235-8485)

This well-known Spanish clothing label offers in-store personal tailoring service for men here at Liat Towers. Having selected their chosen fabric (from a choice of over 90 which changes seasonally), men can opt for a variety of collars, pockets, buttons and embroidery on shirts. For suits, they can select pockets, turn-ups and pleats. For jackets, a range of buttons, openings, buttonholes, linings, elbow patches and stitch down are available. Suits are made in Spain and take about four to six weeks to be ready.

Prices: All this may sound very Saville Row but it comes at a fraction of the price—shirts go from $185 and two-piece suits between $1,150–1,300.

PIMABS (32B Boat Quay, 6538-6466)

Don’t let the mouthful of a name (Perennial Image Management and Bespoke Services) turn you off. Started in 2004, PIMABS is dedicated to the mission of improving the professional and social image of today’s men. To that end, owner and local fashion designer Leslie Chia, who created the successful labels Haberdasher and The Clothes Publisher that retailed in major shopping malls here, will help you pick out the best colors that suit your skin tone, patterns and forms to create a wardrobe that’s distinctively you.

Prices: Shirts start from $229, pants from $219 and a full suit from $850.

Rossi Apparel (#01-36 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6334-1800)

Rossi is run by the second generation of the family who started the well-known Justmen’s. Back in the day, fathers would go to Justmen’s, while their young, urbanite sons frequent Rossi. Fresh graduates who are just about to embark on their journey into the corporate world, but are utterly sartorically bewildered, will find a sanctuary in Rossi. Apart from being your friendly neighborhood tailor, they also offer free advice on the perfect suit to wear for work or interviews.

Prices: Shirts start from $100, pants from $150, jackets from $650 and suits from $800. ■

If you can’t afford the wait, here are some places where you can get that perfect suit off the racks.

Boss Hugo Boss (#01-03/04/F Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-0233)

What you get: Suits range from $1,349–2,199 for the Black Label, $1,400–1,900 for the Red Label and $2,399–2,800 for Selection. The regular shirts

go for $229–439 for the Black Label, $259–429 for the Red Label and $349–639 for Selection. Evening shirts are available from the Black Label collection, priced between $269–539.

Giorgio Armani (#01-19/F Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Rd., 6734-4025)

What you get: A set from Giorgio Armani (considered to be the epitome of the classic modern suit by general consensus) will set you back $2,999–5,499. Regular shirts can be purchased at $499 onwards, while their dress shirts go for $899. Sports jackets available from $2,799–4,699, while a full tuxedo is from $4,699.

G2000 (#01-27/30/F Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6235-2548)

What you get: Great for men on a tight budget, the suits are sold between $199–299 for the main line and $369–399 for the Black Label. Shirts from the main line are between $29–79, while those from the Black Label are available from $69–99. Sports jackets are also available at $189.

Zara (2/F Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6733-0029)

What you get: The ubiquitous high street brand sells suits from $499, shirts ranging from $89.90– 99.90 and sports jackets from $130.