Out Now - the Beijinger May 2011: Bespeak For Yourself

Beijing has come a long way in the style stakes in recent years, but Beijing's still not the friendliest of cities when it comes to kitting yourself out in decent clobber. What's a style-savvy Beijinger to do? If the first solution that comes into your head is "Well, next time you make your annual trip home, take an enormous suitcase and buy your wardrobe for the next 12 months there," you're missing out. The correct answer: Have your clothes made here!

the Beijinger team has spent the last month trawling the capital's fabric markets, talking to tailors and being fitted out for suits, dresses and even knitwear. You'll be hearing about the full extent of our adventures on the website in weeks to come, but in our May issue cover feature, we focus on the item that every gentleman needs, and no woman can resist: a good, tailored suit. We trace the story of a suit from measuring up to final fitting, and dissect the anatomy of a suit, right down to the smallest details you'll need to consider in having your own suit made. We also get expert insight from a round table of some of Beijing's top tailors, and provide you with all the essential phrases you'll need to ensure your trip to the tailor is a success.

While we weren't at the tailor's shop, we were looking into Beijing's recycling conundrum for our Ecology feature; in Dining, we warn you of the Seven Deadly Sins of buffet dining and send baguettes into battle in Taste Test; we look forward to a month of music festivals from rocking out at Midi and Strawberry to electronica at INTRO; in Bars & Clubs, and let you know how you can get personal with wine and beer; and in Sport, we give you the chance to design your own Beijing Guoan shirt (and win the real thing).

As if that wasn't enough, inside the magazine (or in handy PDF format if you prefer - click on the link below), you'll also find the usual mix of the best events, new bars, restaurants and shops plus all of your old favorites like Ich Bin Ein Beijinger and the chance to win even more things then before. Get a copy of the May issue - this month's must-have fashion accessory - while you can, or download the PDFs here.