Named after the legendary writer, this Manila-based atelier blends cutting-edge technology with traditional tailoring to create perfectly crafted, custom-made garments that embody the spirit of innovation and timeless style, all while honoring the legacy of Ernest Hemingway’s rugged elegance.
Ernest Hemingway, an unwitting sartorial icon, may never have grasped the full extent of his effortless style—but the enduring photographs speak volumes. One can only imagine his surprise at the remarkable evolution of menswear in 2025. While bespoke craftsmanship still reigns supreme in the realm of luxury, a new wave of bold innovators is reshaping the narrative. Enter Hemingway Clothiers, a Manila-based atelier named after the legendary writer, dedicated to crafting custom-made garments with a fearless approach to contemporary precision.

Bridging the Gap
Founded by Hannah Ocama and Saibert Sison, a dynamic young couple with a keen eye for detail and design, Hemingway Clothiers was born from a simple observation: while many aspire for the refinement of bespoke tailoring, the traditional, fully hand-sewn approach often remains out of reach for many in the Philippines. Their vision was clear—to bridge this gap by marrying state-of-the-art technology with the timeless art of tailoring.
At the heart of their process is revolutionary laser-cutting technology, employed to create perfect patterns. This innovative method elevates the brand’s craftsmanship, ensuring every garment fits flawlessly while meeting the highest standards of quality. Far from diminishing the artistry of traditional tailoring, the technology actually enhances it. It allows for meticulous consistency, refined detail, and limitless personalization. Each piece is not just made; it is engineered with care and precision.
But why Hemingway? Perhaps the better question is: why not? Ocama and Sison pay homage to the literary giant who embodied both the classicism of the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris and the bold spirit of a modern trailblazer. His name evokes not just literary brilliance but a rugged elegance that defied the conventions of the time. There’s even a playful nod in the brand’s name to the delicate craft of “hem-stitching” (pun very much intended). Like Hemingway’s iconic run-on sentences, which weave continuous threads of thought, each Hemingway Clothiers garment is crafted with seamless precision. Every stitch and panel contributes to an unbroken narrative of style and substance.


The Sartorial Journey
The Hemingway experience begins at their BGC showroom, accessible by booking an appointment through their Instagram account. On the day of the visit, clients are welcomed into the atelier by JP Centeno, the brand’s “lead curator” and a seasoned menswear expert whose extensive experience has helped shape the identities of various other menswear labels. Hemingway shares this space with Vittore Vintage—Centeno’s own venture—offering a curated selection of vintage designer bags from renowned fashion houses like Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Celine. Together with founders Hannah Ocama and Saibert Sison, Centeno guides clients through every step of their sartorial journey.
The initial consultation is dedicated to understanding the client’s vision. Where will the garment be worn? What purpose will it serve? Is it intended for a wedding, a special occasion, or refined everyday wear? This personalized dialogue allows the Hemingway team to offer expert sartorial insight, covering everything from fabric selection to the intricacies of stitching. Clients are also introduced to a curated collection of in-house fabrics sourced from textile hubs in Hong Kong, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond fabric and fit, the team imparts traditional tailoring wisdom, ensuring clients appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind each Hemingway piece. They thoughtfully walk them through every detail—from selecting the ideal lapel style to choosing the perfect cuff—demonstrating how subtle nuances can elevate a garment. This attention to detail is where their expertise truly shines.
Once every detail has been thoughtfully considered, precise measurements are taken and meticulously transformed into patterns using advanced laser-cutting technology. This innovative process achieves an exceptional level of precision, ensuring each garment fits flawlessly and upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship.
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Stories in the Stitch
After a wait of about a month—though timelines may vary depending on the garment’s complexity—clients are invited to the workroom for their first fitting. Here, every stitch and seam is evaluated against Hemingway’s exacting standards, with final adjustments made to ensure the perfect fit. Once the garment meets both the brand’s rigorous benchmarks and the client’s satisfaction, it becomes a treasured addition to their wardrobe. Remarkably, for many who already own a Hemingway piece, perfection is often achieved after just a single fitting.
The future of Hemingway Clothiers is undeniably exciting. Despite their exceptional mastery of craft, the brand remains delightfully understated, almost operating as a quiet cult favorite among menswear enthusiasts (and women too) in Manila, where options are limited. What truly distinguishes Hemingway is not merely the precision of its tailoring but the story woven into every garment, a narrative that transcends fabric and stitch. Much like the spirit of the Lost Generation of the 1920s, those who wear Hemingway embody a life marked by adventure, innovation, and a commitment to excellence—echoing the timeless pursuit of greatness that defines the brand.
All photographs courtesy of Hemingway Clothiers.
For appointments, direct message Hemingway Clothiers on Instagram @hemingwayclothiers