When In Hong Kong: Go See Simpson Sin Tailors
I was in Hong Kong last weekend and had the good fortune to come across Simpson Sin Tailors. Anthony Bourdain fans will recall that he visited them on a recent “Layover” episode and was fitted for a suit.
I stayed at the Hyatt Regency (report coming soon) and Simpson Sin is located literally right next door so I thought to stop in and see what they had to offer. I would not be disappointed.
After introducing himself, Tony Wong (Vice President) and his team did a great job in profiling my tastes and suggesting some things for me to look at. I had initially asked Tony about a sportcoat and slacks and after understanding what I was looking for, matched up a great combination for me. One that I would not have picked on my own since I have a blind eye towards these things.
Once we settled on the materials, out came his crew of tailors and started measuring me from head to toe. Within 2 minutes they had a sheet filled out with what must have been 40 different numbers. I found out later that they measured my left and right sides separately since there is no guarantee that either my arms or legs are exactly the same length. Fortunately, I am fairly symmetrical.
After this initial session at 10am on Saturday, they asked me to come back for a fitting at 1pm to finalize my measurements so that the coat and slacks could be finished in time for me to take home on Monday. When I returned, they had a “rough draft” of the sport coat and slacks and finalized their fit. At this point I decided to throw in a suit and some shirts since I was right there and they had all my measurements. Even at 1pm on Saturday, they promised the suit would be finished by 4pm Sunday which to me was unbelievable. The shirts would take extra time since their seamstresses were off for the Chinese New Year, so they’ll be shipped.
They would not disappoint. When I returned on Sunday, my clothes were laid out ready for me to try on to make sure no final adjustments would be needed. The suit felt like it was cast for me, and was perfect. The sportcoat and slack also were a perfect fit. After confirming all the details, they packaged everything up in a carryon garment bag and I was on my way. Walking back to the Hotel I still couldn’t believe that they were able to tailor these items within 24 hours and have them fit perfectly.
All told, it was a great value. For the price of what I pay for a Hugo Boss suit in the States, I came home with a suit whose quality is superior to any Hugo or similar level suit that I own, a sport coat and slacks of excellent quality and 4 Egyptian Cotton Shirts in patterns and colors that you simply can not find in stores. I though it was quite the coup!
The confirmation happened when I came home and tried the suit on for Mrs. LufthansaFlyer to judge. She though that it was the best fitting suit I’ve ever had, and said it made me look a bit thinner and taller. Strange that she would say that, because that exactly what the tailors were saying would be the effect of a tailored suit.
Simpson Sin is not just for men. They also have a wide variety of materials for woman’s suits, dresses and coats and I promised my wife that when we go there together for her Birthday, we are going to visit Simpson Sin and have them spoil her a bit…..
If you do not see yourself heading to Hong Kong anytime soon, Tony visits the US twice a year and goes on a nationwide road show in major cities. You can easily set an appointment with him for a consultation and measurements. If you decide to take my recommendation and want to set a time with Tony, please let me know when and where your appointment will be. He indicated to me that he would take great care of anyone that I referred to him. So if you give me advance notice, I can let Tony know that you get the “LufthansaFlyer” deal! His email address is info@simpsonsintailor.com.hk and when in the US, his cell phone number is 415-568-7587. Their website is www.simpsonsintailor.com.hk .
Here is his Spring Schedule:
Los Angeles – March 24-25 Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
Minneapolis – March 26-27 Hilton Minneapolis Hotel
West Des Moines – March 28-29 Marriott-West Des Moines
Chicago/Oakbrook – March 30-31 Hilton Suites Chicago/Oakbrook
Detroit/Birmingham – April 1-2 Townsend Hotel
Miami – April 3-4 – Four Point by Sheraton
Boston – April 5-7 – Marriott Hotel Copley Place
Short Hills, NJ – April 8-10 – Hilton Short Hills
New York – April 11-16 – Hilton New York (1335 Avenue Of The Americas)
Washington DC – April 17-19 – Capital Hilton Hotel
Atlanta – April 20-22 – Embassy Suites/Buckhead
Nashville – April 23-25 – Hilton Nashville Downtown
Dallas – April 26-27 – The Westin Galleria
San Diego – April 28-29 – Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
San Francisco – April 30-May 1 – Hilton San Francisco – Union Square
Here are pictures of their showroom in Hong Kong:
This is Tony
One Of Their Tailors
Part Of The Ladies' Selection
