It hardly seems like a place to go to when one is looking for top quality, traditional tailoring. Tucked away in a nondescript corner amidst the shops in Far East Plaza on Orchard Road selling cookie-cutter clothes for trendy young things, is one of Singapore’s oldest and best-known tailoring establishments; one that has remained true to its art for more than 30 years.
Max Mohan greets you with a jovial smile, and an air about him tells you instinctively that this man already knows what it is you need – even if you don’t. This statement is not far from the truth, and the walls decorated with profuse thank-you letters attest to the shop’s exceptional service.

It was the close connection tailors form with their customers that attracted the 56-year-old to the industry in the first place. “You meet each customer at least three to four times to measure, fit and finally collect the suit," says Max. "This way, you get a chance to form a bond with them. This is why I picked this line, compared to other businesses where you never see a customer again.” You can get almost anything tailored for you at Mohan’s. Suits, tuxedos, shirts, pants, cheongsams, skirts and dresses – anything you require to look your best. The shop uses premium material imported from Europe, offering a wide variety of patterns and cloth types. For those in a hurry, the team there can get it done for you before your flight leaves. If you have a week or two to spare, however, it would be well worth indulging in Mohan’s bespoke tailoring.

If you have a week or two to spare, however, it would be well worth indulging in Mohan’s bespoke tailoring. A term which dates back to the 17th century, it refers to a painstakingly detailed process which creates a suit specifically for an individual. Even made-to-measure suits do not have the same level of customisation that bespoke suits do. Every suit is completely handmade, right down to the buttonholes on the sleeves and the inside pockets. It also features a ‘floating canvas’, a layer of special cloth between the outer material and inner lining which gives the jacket shape.

Most tailors use the easier and faster option of a ‘fused canvas’ by gluing a synthetic material into position which does not follow body contours as effectively and is prone to damage. As Max proudly puts it, “It’s all in the details.” While it may be enough for some, it is not just the exquisite workmanship that has earned the shop its reputation. Its obsession with providing top service earned an award for service excellence in Singapore’s retail industry – the only tailor to have done so. Make a call and the staff will gladly pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the shop. Patterns and measurements are retained, so you can always order yourself a new suit from anywhere in the world.

Aware that many of his customers were not local, Max and his staff now travel on a regular basis to major cities in the States, Europe and Australia to take measurements. “We wanted to be able to bring to them top quality tailoring at Singapore prices,” Max explains. Depending on the fabric selected, Mohan’s bespoke suits cost S$500 upwards, a steal compared to American and European prices. The suits are then made in Singapore and delivered by post. “Some people ask me why I’m always here, seven days a week,” says Max. “I tell them that it is not really work when you enjoy it so much.”