Our Story
Zink & Sons Tailors upholds a century-old tradition of bespoke excellence, now led by the visionary Daniel Jones. With a passion for merging tradition and modernity, Daniel ensures Zink & Sons remains synonymous with impeccable tailoring.
Daniel's journey began in 2004 as an apprentice under his father, Robert Jones, a revered master tailor’s cutter. Through years of dedication, he mastered the traditional English style while infusing his creations with contemporary flair.
With over fifty years of experience, Robert continues to provide unwavering support as Daniel takes the lead, ensuring a seamless transition of expertise.
Daniel's specialty lies in crafting dream-like wedding suits. Meticulously curated fabrics and styles make each suit a masterpiece. Beyond weddings, his keen eye extends to tuxedos and casual wear, catering to every gentleman's needs.
At Zink & Sons Tailors, the focus is on personalised experiences. Guided by Daniel's creativity and Robert's wisdom, the skilled tailors create garments of unparalleled quality and individuality.
As the esteemed tradition continues, Zink & Sons invites you to experience bespoke elegance. Let Daniel Jones and his team create a wardrobe that reflects your unique style, leaving a lasting impression on every occasion. Embrace a world where passion and perfection meet.
Please scroll further if you wish to read about our long history in bespoke suit making. We also have included a video at the bottom of page which is worth watching for a great insight.
European mastery
Our master tailors began their tailoring experience in continental Europe, and each have over fifty years of experience in cutting and hand tailoring.
How it all started…
Tailor Gastav A. Zink migrated to Sydney in the late 1880s, and opened G.A. Zink & Sons Tailors at 112 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst in 1895. This was the home of ZInk & Sons until 1905, when Oxford Street entered a street-widening phase.
On July 6th 1911, the Sydney City Council (SCC) sold by public auction fifty year leases on nine “splendid business sites” on Oxford Street, East Sydney – an area which, with a post office and tramline along Oxford Street, proved increasingly attractive for business premises.
Gastav A. Zink jumped at the chance to sign the lease for 56 Oxford Street, and immediately appointed architect John Dunstan to design a new shop. In 1911 the council approved plans for an impressive four-storey building. And that is where you’ll still find Zink & Sons today.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s Frank Zink, Gastav’s son, managed the shop, and lifted it to be the busiest tailors’ shop in Sydney, making suits, coats and trousers for everyone from the local butcher to high court judges.
The story of an extravagant building
This flourishing meant that by 1927 the building couldn’t quite accommodate the needs of the business anymore. Two mezzanine floors were added – one for storage and fitting rooms and one to house the cutting room. Built-in cabinetry of the finest quality completed the new fit-out.
In 1938 an impressive art deco shop front was built by Sidgreaves Shopfitters (magazines jumped to feature it). It's fair to say that such a flamboyant facade, especially during the difficult years of the Great Depression, might have been considered quite extravagant, but Zink & Sons was thriving.
By the 1940s, Zink & Sons’ clientele was huge. On Saturday mornings there were long queues outside its doors.
About a dozen employees worked in the shop, with ready to wear sales on the ground floor and tailoring on the first floor. The top floor two bedroom flat was occupied by Thomas Zink, Gastav’s grandson.
Thomas Zink took over Zink & Sons in the early 1950s and was the last member of the Zink family to manage the company. In the late 1950s Bill Jones, owner of Styltone clothing – a factory that made suits for leading suit companies in Sydney – went into partnership with Thomas Zink, and eventually took over the business in the late 1950s.
In the 1960s, Robert’s son, Bill, came to work in the shop. Robert learnt the art of cutting under the watchful eye of Bill, who was Zink & Sons shop front cutter. After Bill’s retirement in 1979, Robert became shop front cutter and head of the fifth generation of tailors at Zink & Sons on Oxford Street.
In the 1970s and 1980s the shop had become oversized and it was considered old fashioned. With the first floor no longer serving as a retail space, the ground floor and the first mezzanine were adapted to accommodate all functions, including display and storage. The workroom remained on the first floor, as it still is today.
In 1989 the building was placed under a permanent conservation order due to its heritage and artistic value.
A Continuation of Tradition
Marking the dawn of a new era, Daniel, the youngest son of Robert, immersed himself in the family's age-old tradition and the art of cutting from an early age. In early 2004, he made the significant decision to carry forward the family legacy. Swiftly, by 2006, Daniel had achieved mastery in the intricate art of coat making and cutting. In 2019, Daniel assumed the reins of the business, leveraging his expertise in tailoring and a commitment to exceptional client service. Under his leadership, the business has experienced consistent growth year after year.
In an age where mass-produced suits have overtaken the industry, the traditional craft of bespoke tailoring has become increasingly rare. However, this family remains steadfast in their passion for upholding the craft's legacy. With unwavering dedication, they are resolute in keeping the art of bespoke tailoring alive and providing unparalleled bespoke tailoring experiences to their clientele.