LET’S TALK TAILORING. And no, we’re not talking about the fluffy “menswear specialists” spruiking their services on Instagram. But rather, skilled experts trained in the art of bespoke tailoring, made-to-measure fitting or menswear design.
Having made a resurgence in recent years, we’re now seeing more men finding the confidence to incorporate suiting into their everyday lives — be it for work, play and everyday. And while the suiting lexicon can come across as daunting for those with a fixed rotation — made-to-measure, bespoke, off the rack and custom can throw a few of curve balls — it doesn’t have to be that hard, gents.
Below, we outline a select few Sydney haberdashers making waves in their field. From modern suiting interpretations to old-world charm, there’s a dedicated service for your every need.
1
REMY.
If you’re in the market for a new suit — or any menswear item for that matter — it’s well worth visiting Remy Ghougassian of the eponymous label ‘REMY’. Having trained at P.Johnson Tailors, Remy has since become a master of his craft, developing a distinctive approach to soft tailoring. This approach is also very simple: less is more. You won’t find any showy theatrics here, but rather thoughtful and timeless designs with a no-nonsense fit and finish. With production options varying from Northern China, Southern China and Italy, the end product will always result in a beautifully-made garment to be worn for years to come.
2
BELANCĒ
Celebrating ten years as one of Sydney’s premium made-to-measure services, BELANCĒ offers its customers a personal service that reflect three of its core values: balance, simplicity and sustainability. So, expect to find thoughtful and meaningful garments crafted in a way that embraces your own individuality. Each order is handcrafted one at a time using only premium fabrics made from 100 per cent natural fibres. The result is a garment of superior craftsmanship and style.
3
P.JOHNSON
It probably comes as no surprise that P.Johnson has made this list. But it would be remiss of us not to mention what Patrick Johnson and his team has done for menswear, particularly suiting, in this country. Sydney is where it began for P.Johnson way back in 2009 and over a decade later — and with studios located around the country as well as in London and New York — the P.Johnson movement is as strong as ever. The movement we speak of is a laidback approach to tailoring, designed specifically for the way Aussie men dress; it’s casual but meaningful, fun but serious when needed. A full wardrobe solution, go to P.Johnson and come out with the menswear garments of your dreams; suits, blazers, coats, shirting, chinos plus more.
4
MAWSON ÓSSA
Driven by an insatiable thirst for perfection, Grant Streater founded Mawson Ossa back in 2017 with a unique approach to bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring: every garment must adhere to the idea of fit, function and form. It’s this level of detail, alongside an unparalleled focus on personal service, that makes Mawson Óssa true experts in men’s tailoring. Developing a distinctive, signature style was key to Streater early on, so expect to find garments characterised by subtle yet clean lines emphasised by the use of only the best sustainable fabrics in the world.
5
J.H. CUTLER
If you’re a menswear enthusiast looking for a true bespoke suiting service (with a heritage that dates back to 1884), a visit to J.H. Cutler is a must. Owned by the Cutler family for over 138 years, J.H. Cutler honours the artisanal craft of bespoke tailoring, with John Cutler OAM overseeing all operations today. Dressing some of the most important men in Australian history — from politicians and doctors to celebrities and sporting stars — J.H. Cutler has utilised timeless tailoring skills based on the great traditions of England’s Savile Row, the home of bespoke tailoring. With a passion for personal service, hand craftsmanship and the use of only the very finest materials from around the world, J.H. Cutler continues the craft of bespoke tailoring with a timeless elegance and commitment to quality.
6
THE FINERY COMPANY
Stepping inside the quaint Paddington townhouse where The Finery Company resides, you’ll come to realise that founder and master tailor Joe Ha is an admirer of the finer things in life. Having worked in classic menswear for over 20 years, the Seoul native brings with him an unrivalled approach to bespoke tailoring that combines the best of traditional English tailoring with modern Italian flair. But it’s much more than Ha’s passion and skill in men’s tailoring that makes his business such a success; it’s his lifelong commitment to achieving perfection that really stands as a point of difference.
Handwork is emphasised at every step of the suiting journey at The Finery Company: Ha will measure your individual pattern, which is then sent to workshops in either Shenzhen or Seoul who, in some cases, make no more than 14 jackets per month. You’ll go through three seperate fittings with Ha to ensure that you’re walking away with a garment that is soft and durable and guaranteed to be enjoyed for a lifetime to come.
Related: The best men’s tailors in Melbourne