What do your clothes say about you? With growing concerns surrounding fair trade practices and the impact of fashion on the environment, you will realise that the clothes you wear are no longer just an extension of your style and personality, but also a representation of the values that you stand for. Read on as we round up seven Asia-based ethical fashion labels which are fighting the good fight in advocating for conscious clothing consumption.
1. Dear Samfu
Dear Samfu Core Shirt. (dearsamfu.com)
Singaporean clothing brand Dear Samfu offers a modern, thoughtful re-interpretation of the timeless yet comfortable Samfu pieces worn by our grandmothers. Samfu, Cantonese for Shan Ku, is a breezy shirt and trouser pairing that is typically made out of the same fabric.
The brand’s clothing is produced in small batches and they work with their partners in Thailand to rescue and use quality fabrics which were otherwise destined for landfills. Furthermore, their garments are also packaged in recycled polybags and their garment labels are made of 100 per cent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton.
Check out: The Core Shirt in Daylight (SGD119), inspired by those days of peeking into dad's closet full of oversized shirts. It’s a cotton poplin piece, and you can wear it loose, tuck it in, or cinch the back for a structured fit.
2. Esse
Offering ‘investment’ pieces which are made from rescued fabrics or sustainable materials such as Tencel, bamboo and 100 per cent organic cotton, conscious eco-friendly womenswear label Esse is committed to building a progressive supply chain and business model that champions transparency as well, which includes supporting fair wages and gender equality. Esse is also B Corp certified which means they are one of the companies which have been verified to meet the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The label is passionate about giving back to the community too and has collaborated with non-profit organisations such as STAR shelter, which provides a refuge for survivors of domestic violence, and The Fashion Pulpit, a social enterprise that aims to promote environmental education and awareness in the field of fashion.
Check out: The lightweight and breathable pieces from the brand’s Denim capsule, particularly the Organic Cotton Maxi Dress in Denim (SGD249). It promises to be flattering for all body shapes and sizes, easy to wear, and perfect as your go-to dress.
3. Sunki Label
Deriving the name of their label from the Filipino word sungki, which translates to crooked teeth, Manila fashion label Sunki aims to celebrate all kinds of imperfections while championing stylish, sustainable fashion through their range of clothing. The label prides itself in having 100% of its garments produced and manufactured in the Phillippines. It also uses linen that’s OEKO-TEX®-certified, meaning it doesn’t use chemicals during production.
In terms of product packaging, the label opts for 100% biodegradable cassava plastic (which breaks down in just a few months) as well as seed paper for their tags such that shoppers can easily plant spinach seeds into their own gardens if they wish to. It’s also worth noting that the label partners with TELAStory Collective to ensure that the seamstresses that they work with are paid up to six times the average wage of a garment worker.
Check out: The breezy Bows On Bows Top (PHP2,000/~SGD47) which is the perfect addition to your tropical vacation ‘fits during the hottest months of the year.
4. Tove & Libra
Sustainable womenswear label Tove & Libra subscribe to their ‘quality over quantity’ philosophy, where each and every piece of their clothing bears thoughtful details and are made using fair practices and feel-good, sustainable materials. The label owns its sourcing and production facilities so that they are able to ensure ethical production, quality control and lean pricing. In addition, they have access to deadstock materials which they then repurpose into their products, and have consciously reduced the amount of single-use packaging throughout their supply chain.
Check out: The Pull-on Midi Wrap Skirt in Black Botanical (SGD138.57) which is an effortless pull-on style that gives you the look of a wrap skirt. You can pair it with one of the brand’s bamboo tops for a casual and elegant look or dress it up with a classic collared shirt.
5. Wray Crafted
Ethical fashion brand Wray Crafted aims to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of India with their small batches of hand-crafted clothing that are made alongside local artisanal communities. In addition to ensuring fair pricing for its network of embroiderers, the brand also strives to maximise fabric use to minimise the generation of fabric waste.
Each of their garments is also packaged in a reusable drawstring bag that is made from fabric scraps. They are also committed to using only natural fibres throughout their collections and make it a point to highlight the various traditional artisanal techniques that are used across their pieces to keep these crafts alive.
Check out: Their Zuri Reversible Maxi Dress in Navy (SGD182), which you can easily flip inside out if you’re in the mood to rock a royal purple hue in your get-up. This summer-ready piece features five different hand-block printed florals and also boasts pockets, a braided belt and tricolour hand embroidery.
6. Rock Daisy
Made for the modern Asian woman, Rock Daisy prides itself as a forward-thinking fashion brand founded on the principles of effortless style, intentional design and sustainability. It’s dedicated to crafting classics that withstand the test of time and offers designs made from certified, nature-based fibres such as TENCEL™ and cotton.
Check out: The Alex Boxy Cropped TENCEL™ Short-Sleeved Shirt Lavender (SGD115). This short-sleeve boxy shirt offers structured versatility and is cropped for hot tropical weather. Its sleeves are equipped with a pen pocket on the left side that can also be used to hold glasses.
7. GRAYE
Unisex apparel and lifestyle brand GRAYE seeks to portray balance and sustainable fashion concepts in their pieces. Its products are designed in-house and use regenerated fibres and upcycling practices.
Its lifetime free repair services ensure that your favourite pieces stay with you, while its alterations and rework services transform old apparel into unique, one-of-a-kind creations.
Check out: The versatile Vest Tote 3.0 in Black (SGD189) which combines the practicality of a utility vest with the convenience of a tote bag. It has sleek, functional pockets and is sturdy yet smooth to the touch.
Which of these ethical fashion labels will you be purchasing from?
(Cover photos from: @toveandlibra, @grayestudio)
This article was first published on 14 September 2020. Last updated: 3 April 2025.
Next, check out our round-up of online vintage shops in the region where you can score stylish and eco-friendly designs.
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