Hong Kong is not only home to many large international businesses, but also world-famous for a certain kind of hand work. What is it?

For decades, the city has been a global hub for bespoke clothing. This reputation was largely built by master craftspeople from Shanghai who migrated to Hong Kong in the mid-20th century. Fleeing civil war, these highly skilled artisans brought with them generations of expertise in creating Western-style suits, a craft they had perfected for the international community in their home city.

This influx of talent met a ready market in the then-British colony, which had a large population of expatriates and international business travelers who demanded high-quality, fitted garments. Hong Kong's tailors quickly became legendary not only for their meticulous handiwork and attention to detail but also for their incredible speed. The "24-hour suit" became a famous, if ambitious, promise for travelers on a tight schedule.

While the industry has evolved, this tradition of custom suit-making remains a powerful symbol of Hong Kong's unique blend of Eastern craftsmanship and Western style. From world leaders to celebrities and discerning tourists, clients continue to seek out the city's workshops for a perfectly fitted garment, cementing its status as one of the best places in the world to get a custom-made suit.