High tech haberdashery

FOR some, the height of luxury involves multiple consultations with a tailor, deciding on details such as a classic peak versus a notch lapel on a suit jacket, before waiting eight to 10 weeks for that perfectly fitted, handcrafted garment. But as much as fashion is witnessing a return to su misura services, there is brisk business to be made in the realm of instant gratification and convenience. Enter e-retailers hawking easy-to-navigate interfaces, myriad choices and often wallet-friendly prices, to men who want to look dashing without the hassle.

Singapore-born Heikal Gani is one of the first to have spotted the potential for a convenient and affordable suit shopping experience. As a student at Canada's University of Victoria, Mr Gani developed a business plan with best pal Kyle Vucko for an online menswear business in 2007. Rather than selling designs by existing clothing brands, they offered made-to-order suits with just a few clicks. To date, the Canadian-based company Indochino (www.Indoc…