By Iolee Anagnostopoulou
The buzz around sustainable fashion is more than just a fleeting trend. As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of our shopping habits, many are turning towards more sustainable options. And when it comes to the growing scene of eco-friendly fashion, Southeast Asia has some serious style to offer.
In particular, Singapore and Malaysia are home to innovative brands that combine fashion with a passion for the planet. These 10 must-try fashion brands use eco-conscious fabrics. They also employ ethical production methods. They are reshaping the fashion industry, and your wardrobe deserves them.
Singaporean Style
1. Etrican
Pioneering eco-friendly fashion brand Etrican was established in 2009. It has stayed true to its mission of creating trendy yet sustainable apparel for individuals and organisations. It uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring every piece is ethically produced and with minimal environmental impact.
Plus, their cute designs and original styles are to die for!
2. Source Collections
Source Collections believes in “fewer, better basics.” Hence, its permanent collection of high-quality wardrobe essentials—think perfectly fitted tees, classic tanks, and versatile dresses. Most of their clothes are made from organic cotton or Tencel. Both materials are known for being gentle on the environment. They are also super soft on the skin.
The brand also focuses on ethical manufacturing, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
3. Esse
This next Singaporean green brand is your go-to if you want to curate a sustainable wardrobe. Esse is all about timeless elegance and capsule wardrobes, encouraging customers to buy less and choose better.
They source eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, linen, and Tencel, using deadstock fabrics to reduce waste. Esse’s minimalist designs are eye-catching but sophisticated, perfect for work or play.
4. OliveAnkara
For those craving a pop of colour with their eco-friendly outfits, OliveAnkara is the answer. This brand blends bold African prints with slow fashion principles, offering vibrant pieces using ethically sourced materials.
Founder Ify Ubby’s mission is to create fashion that fuses her Nigerian roots with sustainable practices. This approach results in beautiful and mindful clothes. They will add some serious zest to your eco-conscious closet!
5. Rock Daisy
New to the Singaporean sustainable fashion scene, Rock Daisy offers effortlessly chic designs. Their creations are crafted from certified eco-friendly materials like Tencel and cotton. Their debut line, EDITION 1, features mix-and-match pieces designed for ultimate comfort and flexibility.
As an added benefit, the oversized yet tailored styles are perfect for staying cool in Asia’s humid climate. Plus, every item is produced in small batches to minimise waste.
Malaysian Mode
1. Terrae
Terrae is making waves in the Malaysian sustainable fashion scene by focusing on the circular economy. The brand uses organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles. It also utilizes deadstock fabrics and ocean waste. These materials create minimalist, versatile activewear. This activewear is both stylish and durable.
Its collections are produced in small quantities. They are designed with longevity in mind. These modern pieces can be worn season after season.
2. Biji-Biji
Not your ordinary eco-friendly brand, Biji-Biji is an innovative label specialising in upcycled fashion. It turns waste materials such as seatbelts, old banners and vintage kimonos into edgy, stylish accessories. The brand is part of a larger movement to promote zero-waste fashion, and its products make a bold, sustainable statement.
Whether you’re after a unique tote bag or a new shawl, Biji-Biji is a must-try.
3. Earth Heir
Looking for something special? Earth Heir offers the perfect blend of sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. The brand strongly focuses on fair trade. It collaborates with local and refugee artisans. Together, they create beautiful, ethically made clothes and accessories using natural materials. They sometimes use upcycled materials too.
Earth Heir’s collections are not just about fashion but about preserving heritage and supporting communities.
4. Tanoti Crafts
Based in Sarawak, Malaysia, Tanoti Crafts is an accredited boutique brand that champions sustainable, handwoven textiles. They work closely with 500 highly skilled local women artisans to preserve traditional weaving techniques while promoting eco-friendly practices. Each piece is a labour of love, made from natural fibres and dyed using age-old methods.
Supporting Tanoti Crafts means you’re investing in sustainable fashion, heritage preservation, women empowerment, and rural community building.
5. FERN
For those who value ethical practices without compromising on style, FERN sets a shining example. Fashion, modesty, and sustainability effortlessly intertwine in their designs. This brand is renowned for its hand-dyed batik pieces. It applies traditional Malaysian craftsmanship to sophisticated designs—from flowy maxi dresses to chic everyday essentials.
FERN is committed to slow fashion, producing in small batches to avoid waste and ensure quality. Each piece is made with natural dyes and eco-friendly fabrics. It is a work of art that honours the environment. It also respects the heritage of batik-making.
Sustainable fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about doing good too. The environmental toll of the fashion industry is alarming, and it’s about time that we, as consumers, sought better alternatives.
By choosing these 10 must-try fashion brands from Singapore and Malaysia, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. You’re also minimising waste and supporting ethical labour practices. Plus, you’re getting better quality garments that are timeless, durable, and made with care. So why not embrace a green makeover today?
The planet—and your wardrobe—will thank you!