On Dressing Up: Meet Nizam Abbas
Precision, tradition, and understated elegance—hallmarks not just of his legal career, but of his personal style. Nizam Abbas has long made CYC his sartorial home, with a wardrobe meticulously arranged by colour and filled entirely with custom shirts. A man who knows exactly where every shirt hangs and why, Nizam visits CYC regularly to "replenish" his collection — a ritual as much as a routine. Introduced to CYC by his father, he has now passed on the tradition to his son, Amrun, creating a beautiful legacy of style, craftsmanship, and connection through tailoring.
Your entire wardrobe is made up of CYC shirts—arranged meticulously by colour. Tell us more about your system and how it reflects the way you approach dressing.
It all started by accident. I realised I couldn't find the exact colour (or shade) I was looking for, so I arranged them similarly to how coloured pencils are lined up in a box. Easier to find and looks so much neater.
Just like my clothes — I know each one, each colour, individually. Each has its birthdate sewn in, so I know exactly what my size was when I made it, helping me keep track of my weight gains and losses.
You’ve described your visits to CYC as “replenishing” your shirts. What keeps you coming back so regularly, and what does this ritual mean to you?
Haha! Clothes are meant to be worn. Like most people, I tend to wear some more often than others. When they get worn out, I like to replenish by making a replacement shirt, same design, same material. It’s a comforting ritual, knowing you'd have something you like. I keep coming back to CYC because it feels like home whenever I step into in the shop . The friendliness, paired with the professionalism is remarkable and makes me come back again and again.
I used to drop by even more often when I was working at Republic Plaza, where there was a CYC on the ground floor. Now, I pop in whenever I’m in the Capitol area, and since I’m there, well... Why not get another shirt?... Or two.
How did your father first introduce you to CYC, and what do you remember about your earliest clothes with us?
My dad probably introduced me to customised trousers because he didn’t like that I wore jeans most of the time. Well, I was only about 15 then. Once you start wearing customised clothes, it is hard to find ready-made clothes off the shelf that fit as well and feel as comfortable. It grew from there.
You’ve worked with our consultants for many years. How has that consistency helped you refine your personal style and tailoring preferences over time?
Roland was very patient. He would spend a long time going over details — right down to colour of the buttonholes and trim of the collars. Over the years, our relationship developed to the point where I didn't even need to go to the shop to choose cloth; he would contact me, share advice and send photos of swatches to review. There was mutual trust built on familiarity.
When Roland retired, I was introduced to Jessica, whom I had never met before since she was based at a different branch. At first, I showed her many photos of the clothes Roland had made for me so she could understand my preferences and tastes. Over time, just like Roland, she came to know exactly what suits me and she sends me photos of materials she recommends. My long relationship with CYC is very much thanks to the personal relationships I've built with Roland and Jessica. Haha, they can both tell you I can be quite fussy, so I sometimes wonder how they feel managing an old client like me!
As someone who clearly values order and tradition, how do you think that influences your taste in fabrics, shirt designs, or even details like cuffs and collars?
Why are customised clothes so special? Because they are an extension of you. My clothes are very similar (no kidding, some people think I’m wearing the same clothes but there are subtle differences in every one). At the end of the day, you must feel absolutely comfortable, and that also comes from knowing that every detail had been chosen just for you.
Now that your son Amrun is also a client, how does it feel to see this shared experience passed on to the next generation?
Haha! Probably the way my dad felt when I followed in his footsteps — that pride in passing on the value of respecting an occasion. For example, when he attends a wedding, the way he dresses reflects the respect he gives to the hosts and others. I think in Singapore, we can sometimes be too casual and brush it off with, “As long as I’m comfortable.” There is a time and place for everything — that’s why dress codes exist. Let’s not lose that tradition, which is born out of respect for others.
As a lawyer, your wardrobe is a key part of your daily life. What role does comfort, fit, and presentation play in how you show up professionally?
When we go to court, there is a strict dress code we must adhere to — and I believe in it. It signifies the solemnity and dignity of the occasion. When we meet clients, they expect professionalism. They don’t want to be distracted by anything resembling a fashion show, so your overall look must convey assurance to them without being flamboyant. That's exactly what I think CYC delivers.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their tailoring journey—especially someone younger who might not yet understand the value of made-to-measure clothing?
You've got to try it to believe it.
A perfect fit makes a world of difference as you go about your work and meet people. You will feel more self-assured and confident.
It may take time to discover what suits you best, but be patient. Experiment with colours and designs. Build a close relationship with a tailor or designer you feel comfortable with. Remember: they aren't just learning what your favourite colours are. They're getting to know your personality, because your clothes will always reflect who you are!
His Wardrobe, His Statement
Nizam’s story reminds us that what we choose to wear is never just about clothes. It’s about respect — for the people we meet, the moments we show up for, and for ourselves. A well-made wardrobe gives you confidence, makes you feel prepared, and helps you carry yourself with quiet assurance wherever life takes you.
If you’ve ever thought about building a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are, now is the time to start. Let our consultants guide you in creating pieces that fit perfectly, feel effortless, and stand the test of time. Book your appointment today, and begin shaping a style that speaks volumes without saying a word.