Photo: The Modest Brand
Cover Photo: The Modest Brand

From swimwear to athleisure, these are the most stylish and sustainable brands to shop in Malaysia

This story was originally published in August 19, 2020 and updated on April 22, 2022.

Fashion is one of the biggest culprits in contributing to pollution and climate change. These local brands are taking a stand and breaking from the norm by incorporating planet-friendly practices, whether it's in prioritising biodegradable or recycled fabrics to using eco-conscious packaging. If you're looking to make your lifestyle more green, these Malaysian fashion labels should be on your list to shop. 

See also: Kuching-born designer Dickson Lim reinvents the classic tailored suit

1. The Modest Brand

This modest athleisurewear brand in Malaysia is founded on two core values: diversity and sustainability. Its clothes, made from recycled polyester, nylon and cotton, are designed to ensure the comfort women of every size and shape, whether they are working out, lounging at home or running errands. 

See also: The Founders of Kualesa on Building a Sustainable Fashion Brand Together

2. Terrae

This activewear combines functionality with sustainability with workout pieces that are durable, long-lasting and timeless. Made from Econyl regenerated nylon, which is 100 per cent recycled fibre made from discarded fishing nets in the oceans as well as fabric scraps, Terrae also minimises carbon footprint with their sustainable packaging, FSC-certified tags and collateral sleeves, plant-based and 100 per cent biodegradable garment bags and recyclable envelopes. 

Related: Sustainable Sunday: Founders of Terrae on the Importance of Mindful Shopping

3. LITTL

In a world of greenwashing, LITTL stands out in Malaysia for its transparency regarding their sustainability. For each garment, it shares the full details, from the recyclability of their fabric down to the type of thread, and provides important information on how to properly care for it to ensure longevity and reduce waste. 

See also: Hari Raya 2022: 8 Malaysian Fashion Collections for the Whole Family

4. TwoFrens

Textile dyes are one of the fashion industry's biggest pollutants with disastrous effects on the ecosystem and local communities. Instead of these harmful chemicals, TwoFrens uses natural dyes from beetroots, flowers and more to create its collection of clothes and accessories.

See also: Where to Get the Best Accessories to Complete Your Raya 2022 Outfits

5. Wustler

Wustler's elegant sleepwear and loungewear pieces are crafted from viscose and rayon, a semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose fibre regarded as a sustainable alternative to polyester and nylon. It also uses non-toxic and environmental-friendly fabric dyes. 

Additionally, one per cent of total sales is donated to non-profit Women's Earth Alliance (WEA) annually. WEA empowers women with the skills and tools they need to protect our Earth and has trained over 5,000 women leaders.

Read also: Cosy Up To These Luxurious Sleepwear & Pyjamas

6. OZERO Swimwear

Made from a blend of Econyl regenerated nylon and LycraXtra Life, OZERO Swimwear's bikinis and one-piece swimsuits prioritise sustainability as well as style and comfort. Fun fact: each piece is dedicated to different lakes around the world!

See also: 15 Swimwear Brands That Celebrities Can't Get Enough Of

7. LI's

Linen is often left out of global conversations about sustainability. In fact, this fabric made from the flax plant is stylish and lightweight, perfect for beating the heat in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. And LI's is proving that the fabric can be versatile by presenting designs that incorporate elements, such as pleats, ruches and body-hugging silhouettes, normally reserved for satin or silk.

See also: Sunday Riley on Her Sustainable Skincare Empire

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