They say the suit maketh the man, but what of the woman? In the centuries since its conception, the modern suit has been the standard amongst men, a symbol of class and power. But as women continue to come up in the world, the style has slowly found a place in our wardrobes too, from high-powered ladies in the corporate world to fashion-forward celebrities.
Take BLACKPINK singer Rosé, for whom Saint Laurent suits and oversized blazers have become a signature look, or rapper Doechii, whose ventures with Thom Browne have put her in everything from commanding pinstripes to deconstructed iterations of the style. Between the resurgence of corp-core and this year’s Met Gala theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," the once male-centred silhouette is seeing countless new interpretations in the hands of women. But despite growing demand, tailors who cater to women’s suiting remain few and far between.
While off-the-rack options are aplenty, suit shopping is notoriously tricky for women. Many of us are familiar with the nightmare that is women’s sizing, even for everyday pieces. When it comes to dressing the female body, there are far too many variables to consider for a truly standardised sizing convention—and this becomes glaringly obvious with the structural nature of suits. For a style that’s meant to exude power, too many women are left feeling disheartened and uncomfortable in clothing that just doesn’t feel right. But here in Singapore, a number of tailors are working to bridge the gap, adapting their offerings for women and our needs.
Bespoke Tailoring
“At its core, tailoring is about structure—but how that structure serves the body differs significantly between men’s and women’s suiting,” says Adele Chung, a designer and trained image consultant. Chung also forms half the father-daughter duo behind Meiko Tailor here in Singapore. While men’s suits emphasise symmetry and posture, suiting for women requires a more nuanced approach, taking into account bust, waist and hip ratios to flatter the female form, she explains. The value of a bespoke experience lies in the ease of mind that comes with knowing the fit is specific not just to your measurements, but down to the most personal details, from skin tone and posture to lifestyle and sartorial preferences.
Traditional suiting was never made for women, but tailors like Chung are eager to reclaim the silhouette as a form of empowerment and self-expression. “Women deserve the same luxury: A suit tailored precisely to our bodies, preferences, and the way we want to show up in the world,” she says. “A bespoke suit is one of the most empowering garments a woman can own.”
3EIGHTH
One of few women-focused tailors in Singapore, 3EIGHTH was created by local designer Sheryl Yeo, whose background in men’s tailoring and frustration with lack of women's tailoring options inspired her to launch her own label with a feminine twist. From power suits and alternative bridalwear to more casual styles, the brand has a strong focus on experimenting with materials and a knack for quirky designs that burst with personality, along with a wide collection of ready-to-wear offerings.
A bespoke two-piece suit for ladies at 3EIGHTH starts at $1,100, and typically takes six to eight weeks from first consultation to collection.
3EIGHTH is located 37 Lor 23 Geylang #08-04. For more information or to make an appointment, visit their website.
