PUBLISHED March 12th, 2021 05:00 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:24 pm
Singapore might see plenty of homegrown clothing options for women, but when it comes to menswear, there’s no doubt that they’re harder to find among the city’s flashy window displays and billboard advertisements. If you’re a style-conscious gentleman who likes dressing to impress, these are seven local brands to know.
DUXTON
You know how they say clothes make the man? Well, the vision behind DUXTON is straightforward: essentials that fit well and give you confidence to follow your dreams in. Find your camp shirt or button-up in an array of colours, patterns, and designs, or a classic tee in Henley, v-neck, crew neck, or pocket designs. It’s all about a classic cut in any possible shade you would like. Fabrics are sourced from Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Bali, then assembled in Los Angeles. They even have a Made-to-Measure (M2M) option to have a customized fit stitched in Singapore.
Shop Duxton online or at Monument Lifestyle, 75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534.
The Authority
Barely five years old, The Authority had been drawing fans and a constant stream of customers at its Orchardgateway shop until 2019. It has since moved online and is thriving. Particularly popular among younger, fashionable types (think graphic designers, artists, and well, people like us) who don’t want to fork out S$1000 for a jacket, the brand employs a functional and minimalist — mostly monochromatic — approach to its clothes. Plus, there’s a touch of Korean style too! Prices ranges from $39 for a striped tee to $89 for a boxy oversized tee.
Shop The Authority online.
biro
Love Japanese aesthetics as much as we do? biro is an under-the-radar menswear label run by brothers Chong Keng How and Kage Chong since 2013. From Japanese cotton floral tops (from S$260) and selvedge chambray shirts (S$310) to lightweight pinstripe trousers ($330), all their pieces are immaculately produced in a number of small factories in Japan — same ones that see clients like Comme Des Garcons and Vivienne Westwood Japan. biro’s designs are marked by contrasting stitches, lined pockets, curved hems, and other fine details — as expected by sons of a seamstress.
Shop biro.
Faculty
Dismayed by the once dire state of menswear in Singapore, Larry Peh launched Faculty in 2015 to much clamour. Its collections — primarily made in Japanese-owned factories — are down-to-earth and uncomplicated, boasting simple cuts, quality fabrics and small details down to the cuffs. Its popular white club oxford shirt (S$350) comes with larger cuffs to accommodate larger watches, as well as a deep patch pocket for a pen and notebook. Besides shirts, you’ll find denim jeans (from S$305), chinos (S$255), and other essentials to up your style game. All manufactured with the highest level of craftsmanship.
Shop Faculty online or at Kapok, #01-05 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd, Singapore 188969. Open 11am – 9pm daily.
In Good Company
In Good Company is run by local designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan — and they’ve done well for themselves, most recently successfully setting up stores in Marina Bay Sands and ION Orchard. The label, which releases several capsule collections a year, used to be all about sophisticated wardrobe essentials for the modern woman, though it now caters to discerning gents as well. Expect classic silhouettes and clean-cut staples revolving around tailored shorts, jersey tees, utilitarian pants, and the occasional Gabardine Jacket — from S$189.
Shop In Good Company online or at any of its stores and stockists.
Arcade Men
For minimalist pieces designed in fashion-forward silhouettes, look no further than Arcade’s mens collection. Started as an online store on a blog in 2006 and inspired to create their own unique style, Arcade sports everything from print t-shirts, pleated shorts, to double-breasted blazers to really elevate your wardrobe. Get some fitspo from their online lookbook or Instagram page to take advantage of their well-curated collections. Arcade also runs periodic and ad-hoc sales to give you some real bang for your buck.
Shop Arcade Men online or a selection from their latest collection at Assemble, 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central #04-05, Singapore 238896.
SACCO
Ah, blazers. We love them, but when the heat hits, we can’t stand them. Good thing then for SACCO, which produces blazers for the tropical heat. At around 300 grams, their jackets are designed true to the Neapolitan style with round patch pockets and wide lapels with high notches. They are also completely unlined and unstructured — perfect for warm weather. With the philosophy of sprezzatura (a kind of effortless look) in mind, SACCO’s piece are all produced in Napoli with corozo buttons and fabrics from the legendary mill, Vitale Barberis Canonico. At around S$650, they are relatively affordable too.
Shop SACCO.
Top Image: An English Autumn lookbook from Arcade Men