All Articles Singapore style guide: 17 fashion brands and designers loved by locals

Singapore style guide: 17 fashion brands and designers loved by locals

Spruce up your travel wardrobe with these quirky thrift stores, heritage-inspired threads, and cult favourites.

Tripadvisor in partnership with Groovedriver Festival
By Tripadvisor in partnership with Groovedriver Festival5 Sept 2024 6 minutes read
Clockwise from bottom left: Two boys sitting on a countertop at Le Petit Society, colourful pouches and a hat on display at a shop, a man posing happily in colourful yellow shirt on a beach
Image: (L-R, Clockwise from bottom) Courtesy of Beyond the Vines, YeoMama Batik, Le Petit Society

If there’s one thing that can rival Singaporeans’ love for food, it’s shopping. Beyond the gleaming luxury brands along Orchard Road, locals are increasingly repping homegrown brands, taking to the heartlands and creative enclaves of Joo Chiat and New Bahru to support their fave fashion haunts.

From heritage-inspired boutiques to quirky vintage stores, here are 16 fashion brands and stores in Singapore that locals love.

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Singapore staples

Before these fashion brands made waves across the globe, they were in the closets of almost every Singaporean household. Cult bags, breezy men’s polos, stylish sandals—snag the staples that make up the “Singapore uniform.”

Beyond the Vines

A row of Dumpling Bags hanging on a metal rack at Beyond The Vines
A colourful display of clothes and accessories at Beyond the Vines store in Funan
Beyond the Vines Design Store at Funan
Image: Courtesy of Beyond the Vines

A multidisciplinary creative studio helmed by husband-and-wife duo Rebecca Ting and Daniel Chew, Beyond the Vines creates design-forward, utilitarian pieces with a quirky twist. This design identity shines in their brick-and-mortar stores, or “design posts”, where industrial elements like storage crates are splashed with playful hues. The must-have item is the Dumpling Bag, which comes in multiple sizes and seasonal colourways—perfect for travel or as a souvenir.

Benjamin Barker

Racks of suits hanging at the Benjamin Barker store
A man in a casual earth tone suit and glasses sitting in an armchair
Image: Courtesy of Benjamin Barker

This homegrown menswear brand is the go-to for Singapore’s best-dressed lads, offering well-made but affordable suits and shirts in lightweight fabrics and cuts. Get the perfect fit with their alteration service or check out their bespoke tailoring arm, Benjamin Barker Studios, for a fully custom suit. You can also book a consultation and fitting at their Joo Chiat boutique, and close out your session with a trim at their in-house barber.

Charles & Keith

A display of bags in the Charles & Keith store
A display of bags in the Charles & Keith store
Charles & Keith’s flagship at Jewel Changi Airport
Image: Courtesy of Charles & Keith

Charles & Keith is one of Singapore’s most famous high-street fashion brands, best known for offering trendy shoes and bags at affordable prices. That’s not all—international celebs like Charlie XCX and Oprah Winfrey are frequently spotted wearing their pieces. Despite going global, this brand has stayed true to its Asian roots, regularly collaborating with Asian brands and creatives like K-pop group ITZY, illustrator Henn Kim, and Shanghai-based fashion label SHUSHU/TONG.

Tip: While you can find a Charles & Keith store worldwide, their Singapore outlets offer a broader selection at a lower price point. Check out their latest flagship at Jewel Changi Airport before you head home.

Heritage threads

These innovative designers take inspiration from the everyday. Take home a slice of Singapore with these stunning uniquely Singaporean pieces that reimagine local heritage.

Ans.Ein

A woman posing in an Ans.Ein outfit in front of a display of traditional Asian fabrics
A woman posing in front of a fruit stall
Image: Courtesy of Ans.Ein

Founders Anseina Eliza and Erlyn Kamelia’s mission is to create art that you can wear. Ans.Ein is known for collaborating with local artists, where abstract brushstrokes and Asian motifs are paired with traditional silhouettes, such as kebayas (a blouse-dress commonly worn in Southeast Asian cultures) and kimonos. Many of their ensembles are multiway, designed to grow and adapt with you with time.

YeoMama Batik

A family of four laughing and having fun over food
YeoMama Batik’s “Singapore Story” collection
Image: Courtesy of YeoMama Batik

YeoMama Batik creates contemporary batik (an Indonesian wax-resist textile dyeing technique) pieces that cater to all body types, ages, and genders. While the brand pushes the boundaries with non-conventional silhouettes like crop tops, jumpsuits, and even activewear, it stays true to traditional batik-making techniques. This means every piece is handmade using traditional copper stamps and fabric sourced from skilled artisans across Indonesia.

Onlewo

Colourful home goods on display at Onlewo store
A blue and white scarf with Peranakan motifs
Image: Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board and Onlewo

Onlewo, meaning “safe and happy home” in Chinese, was born out of founder Mike Tay’s love for Singapore culture and heritage. The patternmaker draws inspiration from everyday life, creating motifs inspired by Peranakan heritage, public housing, architecture, nature, and food. Choose from silk scarves and ties to linens and wallpapers. One thing’s for sure—these souvenirs will stay with you for years to come.

Capsule wardrobe essentials

These emerging designers are leading the slow fashion movement in Singapore, creating perennially stylish pieces that you can add to your core wardrobe rotation.

Rye

Rye storefront at New Bahru
Inside the Rye store at New Bahru with clothes on display
Rye Boutique at New Bahru
Image: Khoogj/Courtesy of Rye

Taking inspiration from Japanese greats like Junya Watanabe and Rei Kawakubo, Rye creates timeless yet bold womenswear pieces. You’ll find an avant-garde slant to their garments, where exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected design details shake up everyday wardrobe staples. Rye’s stores reflect founder Bessie Ye’s love for uplifting the creative community—they feature collaborations with local designers and artisans that are a nod to her Asian heritage.

Graye Studio

A man and women posing in contemporary clothes from Graye Studio
Clothes on display inside the Graye Studio store
Image: Courtesy of Graye Studio

With a brand ethos centred on “slow living”, Graye Studio crafts elevated and versatile basics made to last. They use premium—and often upcycled—materials for their unisex clothings, many of which are creative interpretations of traditional Asian garments. Standing by the longevity of their products, they offer free lifetime repair, customisation, and upcycling options for all purchases. Plus, upcycling workshops for those interested in the slow fashion movement.

Chota House

A man posing in a camo, grungy outfit
The storefront of Chota House fashion store
Image: Courtesy of Chota House

If you’re looking for vintage and workwear-inspired garments, Chota House is the place for you. They design and manufacture all their garments in Singapore, using natural indigo dyes, Japanese cotton, silk, and linen. The result? Edgy takes on classic workwear with intricate fabrication and patchwork details. Don’t hesitate if a piece catches your eye, they all come in limited quantities to avoid wastage and over-production.

O+ Eyewear

Glasses on a circular display
The storefront of O+ Eyewear
Image: Courtesy of O+ Eyewear

This family-owned business has been making designer eyewear since 1985. O+ Eyewear offers luxurious designer frames without the hefty price tag. In fact, they have been the manufacturers of many top European luxury eyewear brands for the last 40 years. For a custom fit, they’ve recently introduced a bespoke eyewear experience at their flagship store in The Star Vista.

Arcade

Started by Singaporean couple Collin Goh and Min Poh, Arcade Clothing is a long-running fashion label renowned for its trendy yet timeless designs for men, women, and kids. It's also a favourite of local singer-songwriter Sherman Zhuo, who loves the brand's minimalist vibe. Drop by their first-ever physical store in Funan to shop and explore the space. While you're there, grab a coffee from the on-site coffee joint.

Curated and thrifted gems

If you love to wear your heart on your sleeve (literally), this one’s for you. These multi-label and thrift stores curate one-of-a-kind pieces guaranteed to make a statement.

Loop Garms

The store front of Loop Garms
A jam packed store filled with racks of vintage tshirts and clothing
Image: Courtesy of Loop Garms

Here’s where you’ll find an archive of pop culture gems from the '80s through the noughties. The team behind Loop Garms curates genuine vintage garbs from all over the world—think Chicago Bulls jerseys, festival tees, and limited-run movie merch. Don’t be fooled by their young age though. Founders Fengjia Sai (or FJ) and Isaac Ang will fill you in on everything you want to know about the pieces in store.

Vintagewknd

Storefront of Vintagewknd with neon lit signage along Haji Lane
Row of shelves of vintage reworked clothing from Vintagewknd
Image: Courtesy of Vintagewknd

Located along Haji Lane, Vintagewknd counts as one of Singapore’s first vintage reworked fashion brands, even before the industry’s thrift store revival. Eileen Tan and Eden Tay have been working with textile factories in the past decade to turn waste fabrics into trendy garments. The 90s and Y2K influences come through in some of their signature pieces like their tapestry corsets and patchwork denim pants. For monochrome pieces, walk a few doors down to check out its grungier sister brand, Superwastedstore.

Zha Huo Dian

The storefront of Zha Huo Dian
Nostalgic knick knacks on display at Zha Huo Dian
Image: Courtesy of Zha Huo Dian

This eclectic “convenience store” has been a stalwart in Far East Plaza, an original hangout spot for Singapore’s misfits. At Zha Huo Dian, or The Corner Shop, you’ll find a mish-mash of ‘80s Asian pop culture-inspired streetwear, home goods, and curios from both local and international brands. Trawl through this nostalgic store to uncover wacky finds like thermal Chinese gourd water bottles, mahjong-themed tees, and fortune cat floor rugs.

Design Orchard

Clothes and accessories on display inside Design Orchard
A flat lay of clothes and accessories
Image: (L-R) Shop Design Orchard/Tripadvisor, Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board

Located along Singapore’s shopping belt, Design Orchard shines a spotlight on local brands and designers. You’ll find interesting pieces from emerging fashion labels like Ginlee Studio (contemporary womenswear), Talking Toes (funky Singapore-themed socks), Gnome & Bow (storybook-inspired leather bags), and Duxton (smart casual menswear). There’s also a café and rooftop terrace upstairs, where you can chill and pick up a cup of coffee and baked goods.

Playful kidswear

Given Singapore’s hot weather, local kidswear brands know how to keep it cool. They prioritise comfort and breathability while infusing unique Asian elements. With designs this stylish, don’t be surprised if you're tempted to pick up a set too.

Le Petit Society

A colourful display of kids clothing and toys inside the Le Petit Society
Two kids sitting on a counter having fun
Le Petit Society store at Jewel Changi Airport
Image: Courtesy of Le Petit Society

As parents to three young children, founders Dylan Ong and Robyn Liang know what it takes to make great kids’ clothing. Le Petit Society crafts stylish, affordable, and safe pieces, from fashionable maternity wear to organic swaddles and sleepsuits for newborns. You’ll also find a curated selection of toys and educational books from popular brands like Jellycat, Moulin Roty, and Trixie.

Tip: Don’t miss their in-store personalisation service—you can embroider your child’s name or initials on select products.

The Elly Store

The storefront of The Elly Store
Two kids smiling and having fun posing in matching clothes
Image: Courtesy of The Elly Store

Look no further than The Elly Store for fun prints and tongue-in-cheek designs. Their in-house brand has not only earned rave reviews for their practical and comfortable pieces but also offers matching sets for the whole family. Look out for their great selection of shoes here too—Keen, Native, and Bobux are some of our faves.

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