As a Fashion Editor, I've tried countless trends on for size over the years—but very few have actually made it into my permanent wardrobe. Tempting as it might be to get swept up by the latest hot product and buzzy aesthetic, I try to be strict with what I actually invest in, and make a conscious effort to only buy pieces that I know will stand the test of time.
Hence why tailoring makes up such a sizeable chunk of my collection. Versatile, timeless, elegant and comfortable all at once, beautifully tailored trousers and jackets are nothing short of essentials in the modern woman's capsule wardrobe—and when chosen carefully, will never go out of style.
That's where knowing the best tailoring brands comes in handy, because not all were created equal. Some are strictly business, and more appropriate for classic City workers than fashion folk; some are all about the super-oversized and directional designs; while others specialise in bold colours and prints for those who prefer their suiting on the more show-stopping side.
Clementina Jackson wears a tailored jacket and trousers
To help you make sense of the myriad options on the market, I've put together a curated list of my go-to brands for tailoring, covering all personal styles and budgets.
You'll notice that many are on the pricier end of the spectrum, and that is because with tailoring, quality is key. Those extra touches, complex constructions and luxurious fabrications really do make all the difference, and from experience, I'd say that the extra investment is completely worth it—especially if you think in terms of longevity and cost-per-wear.
However, there are also some great high-street and mid-range brands that offer excellent tailoring on the more affordable end of the spectrum. COS, The Frankie Shop and Malina are my personal favourites—until I can afford The Row and Wardrobe.NYC, that is...
As for how to style tailoring, pretty much anything goes. If you're new to suiting or suffering from everyday dressing doubt, a slouchy black set is a failsafe—and can be layered over a white t-shirt and trainers for a casual vibe, or dressed up with smart accessories for the evening. A pair of big beige trousers is also a modern minimalist essential, both for work and play, while embellished, patterned and colourful styles are a great way to inject some fun into your wardrobe, and make a great alternative to dresses for events.
Don't forget about skirt suits, either: A-line styles with matching cinched-waist blazers are having a real fashion moment right now, as are flirty minis. Then there are tailored longline bandeau tops, waistcoat styles, super-oversized jackets worn alone (or paired with hotpants) and some street style stars are even wearing their corpcore trousers with glitzy dresses on top.
In short: tailoring in all its forms makes the perfect no-brainer base for countless outfit combinations, so if you're looking for a fresh new wardrobe addition that guarantees bang for your buck, this is it. Keep scrolling to discover my expert edit of the best tailoring brands to shop now.
The Best Fashion Brands for Tailoring
Wardrobe.NYC
Co-founded by Australian Vogue Editor Christine Centenera and worn regularly by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Zendaya and Gwyneth Paltrow—as well as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who designed her own capsule for the brand—Wardrobe.NYC is a one-stop-shop for timeless, elevated essentials. The tailoring is particularly standout, and comes in both perfectly slouchy and stylish sculptural silhouettes.
Malina
This lesser-known Swedish brand is something of an insider secret for stylish tailoring under £500. The designs are all about relaxed elegance, unexpected details and feminine flourishes—and the tailored peplum Ella blazer is a personal favourite of mine that has won me more compliments than I can count.
Racil
For feminine tailoring with a masculine edge, look no further than Racil. The label was inspired by the timeless appeal of the tuxedo, acknowledging the endurance of 'le smoking' but giving it a 'minimalist maximalist' spin for the modern woman.
The Frankie Shop
The brainchild of French-American designer Gaëlle Drevet, The Frankie Shop is the fashion girls' go-to for cool oversized tailoring—and it certainly helps that the prices are a little more on the affordable side, too. The Bea crepe blazer is a veritable modern wardrobe must-have, while new designs have a habit of selling out within minutes of dropping online.
COS
There is no denying that COS reigns supreme on the high street when it comes to pared-back, minimal designs that look far more expensive than they actually are—tailoring, included. This season, the brand has re-released a number of its signature, best-selling styles, while also introducing fun new colourways and fabrications into the suiting mix.
Liberowe
If you've found yourself inexplicably lusting after peplum-hem jackets of late, you likely have Talia Loubaton to thank. The Liberowe founder has made the silhouette something of a signature of hers, alongside the Indian-inspired Nehru collar and fresh, feminine takes on traditional men's tailoring—all of which have proven to be catnip to fashion's cool crowd. The fact that every piece is made in London from responsibly sourced fabrics is just the cherry on top.
Blazé Milano
If anyone knows how to create a perfectly tailored blazer for the modern woman, it's Blazé Milano. In fact, the label was started in 2013 by Corrada Rodriguez d'Acri, Delfina Pinardi and Maria Sole Torlonia, who wanted to pay homage to the traditional jacket. That said, the luxury Italian label has since branched out, and is also great at crafting more casual pieces such as denim jackets and cardigans.
Aligne
A women-led, East London-based brand with sustainability and affordability at its heart, Aligne is fast becoming the high-street alternative brand and a go-to for effortless, contemporary clothing. Its longline waistcoats and waisted blazers were instant—and constant—sell-outs, and would work just as well in the boardroom as they would styled with jeans and flip flops.
The Row
If you have a penchant for quiet luxury and a few thousand pounds to spare, your first port of call should be The Row. The Olsens' brand makes some seriously exquisite tailored separates that ooze ease, elegance and exclusivity in equal measure, and will be considered the epitome of chic for decades still to come.
Jacquemus
Jacquemus might be best-known for its innovative campaigns and buzzy bag designs, but it's an insider favourite for chic tailoring with a twist, too. The brand's instantly recognisable rounded-shoulder Ovalo jackets are top of my current wish-list
