I come from Milan – and I am thus used to Milanese-style tailor made suits – and I deem necessary that my tailors must be in the “reasonable” price range regardless of brand or “big names”: i.e. what I consider exceptionally good value for money.
I have tried many tailors in Hong Kong in the last three years and, as always, your mileage may vary but these are my favorite two:
A. Suits: Practical Tailor at 8th Floor, AIE Building, 33 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong (Practical Tailor). Two-piece suits with fabric by Vitale Barberis Canonico (Italian fabric, stunning value for money) start at 7,000 HKD. Prices increase if you choose Loro Piana (above 9,000 HKD) or Zegna (above 11,000 HKD). Their cut is fantastic, quite modern and understated (you won’t look like your grandpa, but neither like a Rock Star) while their finishing is on par with some of the best Milanese tailors, for a fraction of the price. If you ask for a rush service they can probably make your suit in 1 week (with 1 fitting session only). They take photos of you before, during and after each fitting session so to guide their tailors during the cutting process to make sure that their suits will perfectly fit your body structure. If you need any changes they will accommodate most of the requests promptly.
B. Shirts: William Cheng & Sons at 38 Hankow Road, TST, Kowloon (William Cheng & Son). They mostly use Japanese cotton fabrics (which are very good and competitively priced), starting at 380 HKD. Their fabrics’ selection is quite ok and their price is competitive. I have used their shirts daily and they hold the test of time beautifully. Their tailors are very good, quick and they can even deliver your shirts to your flat or your hotel in less than a week (so you don’t need to go back to TST if this is too time-consuming for you).
Let me know in the comments if you want any more details.
A few updates:
1. As with most tailors in Hong Kong, the two tailors above will give you little-to-zero recommendations regarding style, details, fashion, etc.: I would advise you to do your own research first and have already a fairly detailed idea of what you want before even stepping in their shops.
2. Be extremely detailed if you want a particular fabric, hand-made finishing, inner lining, etc.: these shops are really busy and if you don’t give them the details, they will go with the most “plain vanilla” option without even asking, which may not be the best for you.
3. If you go for a suit (and you’re not in a rush) always ask to have a supplemental fitting session: it will take approximately 24/48h more but this suit will last you a lifetime and you better have it done properly.
4. Check carefully the length of the arms of your shirts/jacket as occasionally they cut them a bit too shorts (William Chen) or a bit too long (Practical), but maybe this is just my taste.
