Rajawongse Clothier

Rajawongse Clothier is one of Bangkok's best-known bespoke tailors, run today by Jesse Gulati, the founder's son, and his son, Victor. In business since 1961, it has served diplomats, executives and travelers from around the world, and its walls carry the name cards and photos of American presidents, politicians and business leaders.

The business began in Ubon Ratchathani, in northeast Thailand, where Jesse's father, Iqbal Singh, opened it in 1961 near the US Air Force base and made clothes for American servicemen during the Vietnam War. It moved to Bangkok in 1974 and settled on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 4, where it remains today, next to the Landmark Hotel. After the APEC summit in Bangkok in 2003, it took around 1,000 suit orders from delegates, including two suits and five shirts for President George W. Bush, according to the Associated Press.

Menswear is the focus, with bespoke suits, shirts, trousers, tuxedos, sport coats and overcoats, along with silk ties and mother-of-pearl cufflinks. Its cut is classic rather than led by trends. The fabric selection covers English and Italian wools and wool-cashmere blends, from tropical to heavier weights, with Egyptian cotton for shirts, and clients can customize the details of each garment.

Clients start with a consultation and measurements, then return for fittings, usually one for shirts and two or three for suits. A suit typically takes about a week, while shirts can be ready in around four days. Measurements are kept on file, so clients can reorder online from anywhere in the world.

The business does not publish prices online, and recent guides put a two-piece suit at about $410 to $470. Hotel pickup can be arranged on WhatsApp, finished garments can be delivered to a hotel, and orders are shipped worldwide with tracking. For anyone who wants a classic suit with more than six decades of history behind it, it remains a strong choice.