Written by Andrea Tang
As consumers begin to realise the grim reality of fashion, brands have to adapt their practices or change their models completely to be more mindful of the environment from the harmful expositions of fast fashion.
Going green may seem intimidating, but it’s actually very easy. There are so many ways to make your wardrobe sustainable, and one of them is to support local brands that practice sustainability!
Here are 7 sustainable Malaysian brands you should check out:
Kapten Batik
Launched in 2017, Kapten Batik aims to promote sustainable development by using artisanal handicraft and traditional textiles for their pieces.
Like the name suggests, they offer beautifully designed batik shirts for men and kids.
Shop them here: https://www.kaptenbatik.com.my/
STUF
Save The Uncertain Future or Solve the Unpleasant Feeling, (STUF for short) is the first Malaysian brand to have eco-friendly t-shirts that cool you when you’re hot and warm you up when you’re cold.
Made with 100% natural fibres like Tencel from the eucalyptus tree, it’s great for the environment AND your wallet!
Shop them here: https://stufstore.com/
Real.material
Real.m by Real Material uses traditional handicraft textile, bamboo, non-GMO cotton, and eco-friendly processes such as vegetable dyeing for their pieces.
They even donate a small portion of their profits to their partner, Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC), in support of their reforestation projects.
Besides clothing, they also have home decors and accessories like blankets, throws, and towels.
Shop them here: https://realm.com.my/
The Little Clothing Shop
No fabric is wasted when TheLittleClothingShop makes their garments. The fabric is cut by hand in a way where every section is used, so that none gets thrown away unnecessarily.
Each piece is designed and ethically handmade in Kuala Lumpur.
They make clothing for both adults and children.
Shop them here: https://www.thelittleclothingshop.com/
Biji Biji Ethical Fashion
Biji Biji is the brainchild of Biji-biji Initiative, a social enterprise that was established in 2013 in Malaysia.
Being a Guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation and a CO Leader of Common Objective in 2019, Biji Biji Ethical Fashion uses materials like faulty seal beat webbing, deadstock vintage kimono, tarpaulin banners, and needle punch carpets recovered at their end-of-life stages. They ensure that there is a safe hygienic working environment, fair wage, and no forced or child labour in the making of their garments.
Shop them here: https://bijibiji.co/
Munimalism
Munimalsim uses natural dye extracted from tropical plants for their products. Leaves, fruit skins, and tree barks are all used in the traditional method of hand dyeing, making the garments age well with time.
Their products take inspiration from the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia, making it timeless and versatile.
Shop them here: https://www.munimalism.com/
Earth Heir
Earth Heir offers accessories like bags and jewelry handmade by over 100 artisans from refugee groups, indigenous tribes, and women’s cooperatives across Malaysia.
Being part of the World Fair Trade Organisation, they are also transparent with their pricing and reinvest the majority of their profits to support the artisans and groups they serve.
Shop them here: https://earthheir.com/
What are the other sustainable local brands that you know? Comment them below!
