Crafting the perfect tuxedo for modern black tie occasions with Common Suits

I have long fancied tailoring influences from the English, Italians, and French: think masculine shoulder lines and the drapings of a well-structured Saville-Row jacket; warm-weather friendly construction and flattering silhouettes from Neapolitan tailoring; and the authoritative roped shoulder from Parisian tailoring. Upon meeting They, I learnt that Common Suits’ unique tailoring philosophy is a clever fuse of the above three tailoring influences to craft bespoke suits lined with a distinctly Southeast Asian flair.

The shoe fits, if there is anyone who’d transform me—from the neck down, of course—into a sartorial icon, it’d be They.

Stepping into the boutique along Telok Ayer Street, an ambrosial scent of bright citrus and soft musk, and the occasional hum of the sewing machine signifies the start of my bespoke journey. It is a process that is as much about personal expression as it is about craftsmanship—what may be a conscious dialogue about your very own style and comfort.

From selecting breathable materials designed specifically for Southeast Asia’s humid climate to customising lapels that could make James Bond green with envy, every detail is meticulously considered in each fitting.

In case you missed it: First look: Patek Philippe unveils the all-new Cubitus collection

Gone are the days when velvet tuxedos were only meant for chilly weather. “We want to overcome the obstacle of dressing up in a hot climate,” shares They, who founded Common Suits two weeks after graduating from NUS with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2014. The evolution of their designs has been remarkable, as observed from past samples.

“From 2014 to today, our jackets have become lighter and more breathable,” the founder notes proudly while demonstrating superior breathability by spraying fine mist through a piece of fabric. “Customers are shocked to find a proper suit that maintains its elegance while being so light.”

While most would agree that Singapore is too hot to wear a suit—more so a velvet tuxedo, the Common Suits blend means one can enjoy the structure and elegance of a well-tailored garment without feeling like a session in the sauna. Every suit also features full canvas construction, where no glue is involved, preventing unsightly bubbling over time. “A full canvas encourages longevity,” explains They, doubling down on his commitment to craftsmanship combined with innovative design.

Now, let’s talk colours. One will cherry-pick from a lavish myriad of fabric options, each with its own story. They advised on midnight navy instead of the classic piano black because why settle? “This fabric by Loro Piana is 340 grams and has a nice sheen,” They affirm as he holds up the midnight navy option against the light. “It falls sharply and cleanly, perfect for events like the Tatler Ball.” I take his word for it. After all, Common Suits ranks as one of the top Loro Piana textile clients globally.

Even the buttons have a story to tell. Inspired by Singapore’s iconic one-dollar coin—which is believed to bring luck—the buttons on the suit are more than just functional as they symbolise prosperity and good fortune. “When we tell this story to our Western customers, they find it fascinating,” They shared with a grin. However, my tuxedo will sport a satin black button, to maintain the integrity of a classic.

The makings of a perfect tuxedo boils down to getting the right measurements. However, with individual body types, things don’t always go according to cookie-cutter measurements. Instead, Common Suits takes no prisoners with its mathematical scientific approach, conducting over 40 precise measurements, including laser technology. This fastidious attitude of going beyond the standard ensures that every Common Suits garment is indeed a bespoke piece.

After a consultation and two fitting sessions, within the span of six weeks, the final product reveals itself. The velvet tuxedo jacket in midnight navy is stylishly understated but dramatic under light: sporting the Common Suits house style of larger-than-life peak lapels; a flattering cinch on the waist; and commanding roped shoulder.

The high-waisted tuxedo pants drape beautifully, and falls clean and sharp, while the cotton bib shirt, with a wing-tipped collar and French cuffs, is constructed to a tee. Paradise, purpose and power are all encapsulated. Praise the brilliance of They and his team at Common Suits, for I am now ready for the Tatler Ball.

On the dias, the honourees are celebrated with thunderous applause. But I arrive upon a moment of introspection and clarity amidst the fete, that perhaps what truly sets the Common Suits experience apart from its competition is its sense of community and camaraderie among its clients. It isn’t all about selling suits but rather, creating connections through shared experiences between the like-minded. As They explain with conviction, “We want our customers to feel like they’re part of something special—a movement towards premium Southeast Asian tailoring.”

Alas, I am proud to say that the bespoke tuxedo I am in is far from just a common suit.

NOW READ

Asia’s Most Stylish men prove that fashion is an expressive art form for all

The brothers behind Singapore menswear brand Biro on why they decided to launch AAI, their new streetwear label

Met Gala 2024: The best menswear looks, from Bright’s Burberry ensemble to ‘Challengers’ star Mike Faist’s Loewe look