As the whole world is chasing behind sustainable standards, the fashion industry cannot be an exception. They are expected to be more concerned about the environment than the consumers. The APAC brands are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, designs, heritage values, and more.

The fashion industry, especially in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, is increasingly embracing sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Several brands in the APAC region are leading the way in promoting sustainable fashion and environmental consciousness.

Characteristics of APAC Fashion Brands

Exceptional craftsmanship: APAC brands are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship.
Unique designs: These brands often showcase unique and innovative designs that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
Heritage values: Many APAC fashion brands take pride in preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship and heritage values.

By prioritizing sustainability and environmental consciousness, APAC fashion brands are not only meeting consumer demand but also setting an example for the global fashion industry to follow. Here are the eco-friendly fashion brands from the countries of APAC that encourage sustainable fashion.

India

Doodlage: Transforming Waste into Fashionable Products

Doodlage is a brand that is committed to upcycling and recycling waste materials to create stylish and affordable apparel, reinforcing its position among brands that are sustainable. The label specializes in producing limited-edition collections using factory waste, emphasizing its status as one of the brands that use recycled materials, as well as utilizing consumer waste and scraps from cutting to create timeless garments that can be worn throughout the year.

In addition to clothing, the label also incorporates other types of waste into small accessories, furnishing products, and packaging materials, solidifying its position within the sustainable fashion brands India sector. The brand's ultimate goal is to achieve zero-waste production, embodying the ethos of brands that recycle clothes. To cater to different types of waste, it offers separate categories for garments made from upcycled and recycled materials, further distinguishing itself as one of the sustainable fashion brands India.

Runaway Bicycle: Combining Artisanal Traditions with Sustainability

Runaway Bicycle combines artisanal traditions with sustainability, making it one of the brands that are sustainable. Each traditional craftsmanship needs more time and patience, but in the fast-paced world we live in, these processes are often fastened and done in cheaper ways to make profits. However, Runaway Bicycle is committed to sustaining these crafts and stands apart from other brands that use recycled materials. Its design follows the current trend with simplicity and comfort as the main features, giving it a unique position among eco fashion brands. With these approaches, Runaway Bicycle produces garments that last longer than the usual collection, setting it apart from other brands that recycle clothes.

The Summer House: Sustainability with Partnerships

The Summer House is one of the eco-conscious fashion brands that incorporate sustainability by using high-quality and environmentally responsible fabrics such as ethical tencel and ECONYL regenerated nylon. It has been partnering with domestic NGOs to preserve artisanal values and support the craft groups that are getting vulnerable with time. The brand is currently in collaboration with 17 communities all over India. Each garment produced by this eco fashion brand is mostly handcrafted and hand-embroidered that can be easily washed.

Indonesia

Sukkha Citta: Empowering Farmers, Artisans, and Women in Indonesia

Sukkha Citta, one of the top 10 sustainable fashion brands, is dedicated to employing self-standing farmers and artisans across Indonesia, ensuring that their lives revolve around this sector. The brand takes pride in sourcing rare colors from natural beings, such as plants, to create their exquisite designs. Notably, Sukkha Citta has even innovated Three Bark red, a unique shade achieved by blending three kinds of wood. What sets Sukkha Citta apart is that it is the first label in Asia to have its net-zero targets verified by SBTi in 2023, establishing its position as one of the leading sustainable brands in the fashion industry.

Imaji Studio: Embracing Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Imaji Studio operates its whole environment as an ecosystem that believes in resulting positive impacts on the world. Its motifs are handmade by traditional craftsmen of Indonesia, making it one of the least sustainable fashion brands. The label, however, is committed to changing that label, and therefore works on nature and humans to coexist ethically and harmoniously. The fabrics and dyes are sourced in a sustainable way, setting Imaji Studio apart from many other sustainable fashion brands on the market. It has a whole group of designers, artisans, workers, farmers, and weavers who work on the products with sustainability as the key factor, making it a notable addition to the sustainable fashion brands list. The designs were done in Jakarta and the materials are sourced in Java and Bali, further showcasing Imaji Studio's commitment to being one of the top sustainable fashion brands in Indonesia.

Sejauh Mata Memandang: Blending Contemporary Trends with Traditional Indonesian Textiles

Sejauh Mata Memandang, one of the famous sustainable fashion brands in Indonesia, follows a slow and circular fashion with a blend of contemporary trends and traditional Indonesian textiles. It presents the traditional fabrics to the younger audience with a touch of art and cultural heritage of the country. Its vision for sustainability can be seen in its fabrics, which are recycled and sourced from consumer waste, making it one of the sustainable fashion brands that use recycled materials.

The brand’s BARU collection was created with social and environmental responsibility, exemplifying its commitment to being one of the brands that are sustainable. The DAUR collection was designed with upcycled and recycled textile waste in collaboration with EcoTouch, further showcasing Sejauh Mata Memandang's dedication to sustainability and establishing itself as one of the famous sustainable fashion brands in Indonesia.

Malaysia

Terrae: Sustainable Activewear for Women

Terrae is one of the sustainable fashion brands Malaysia has to offer, specializing in activewear for women. Derived from Italian and Latin names for EARTH, the word 'terrea' perfectly encapsulates the brand's dedication to the environment. Terrea operates on four core (P)illars - Planet, People, Partnerships, and Product, making it stand out among the sustainable fashion brands list. With a strong commitment to the planet, the brand meticulously plans its production processes to minimize its environmental impact. By collaborating with long-established craftsmen through fair partnerships, Terrea ensures that its products uphold its values. Furthermore, every garment undergoes pre-testing for fit and comfort, showcasing the brand's attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality sustainable fashion. Terrae stands apart from the least sustainable fashion brands, as it prioritizes the use of eco-friendly materials, reinforcing its sustainability credentials.

Fern: Reducing Waste with Pattern Making and Upcycling

Fern is among the sustainable fashion brands list and collectively works on decreasing waste in pattern-making and upcycling. It specializes in men’s and women’s wear as well as accessories, making it one of the sustainable fashion brands in Malaysia. Instead of going only with a ready-to-wear collection, the brand, like other sustainable fashion brands, focuses on producing on-demand products locally for its customers. This way, Fern, along with other sustainable fashion brands, prevents overproduction. The waste fabric after cutting is used to create accessories such as scrunchies and face masks, a practice embraced by many brands that are sustainable.

Li's Atelier: Sustainable and Stylish Clothing for Women and Men

Li's Atelier caters women's and men’s daily clothing with a focus on style, quality, sustainability, and comfort. As one of the sustainable fashion brands Malaysia has to offer, the main feature of the label is it focuses on taking pre-orders of the garment instead of mass producing, making it distinct from other brands that are sustainable. It uses green fabrics to design apparel and ensures that quality craftsmanship is employed to create versatile and functional pieces. The brand is well-assured to pay a fair price to its employees and partners, further solidifying its position as one of the sustainable fashion brands Malaysia boasts.

Philippines

Anthill: Enhancing Filipino Culture and Circular Fashion

ANTHILL Fabric Gallery is a cultural and social enterprise that prides itself on enhancing Filipino culture and promoting circular fashion. In today's world, where the fashion industry is often associated with fast fashion and its environmental impact, Anthill stands out as a beacon of hope. By offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, and bags for both men and women, Anthill caters to a diverse audience. It believes that sustainable fashion should be accessible to all, and strives to keep its price range within reach for its customers.

In an industry where sustainable fashion brands list might be limited, Anthill emerges as a shining example. This sustainable fashion company understands the importance of reducing waste and embracing responsible production methods. It has implemented a zero-waste program that focuses on custom designing and forming local partnerships across the Philippines. These connections support Anthill in curating sustainable items that align with its brand values. Anthill's dedication to sustainable practices and its role in Filipino culture make it one of the least sustainable fashion brands.

Candid Clothing: Promoting Sustainability and Affordable Fashion

Candid Clothing, one of the best sustainable fashion brands in the world, works tirelessly on training its employees and communities to follow a sustainable path in making a product. It strongly believes in having its workers happy to get good results. The brand, while not known for being sustainable, follows the classic and simple designs and styles rather than ones in trend while focusing more on sustainable fashion. It also produces garments that can be worn in more than one different ways, which sets it apart from other sustainable fashion brands. The prices at Candid Clothing are affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Maison Métisse: Luxury Products with a Sustainable Twist

Maison Métisse takes pride in being one of the sustainable fashion luxury brands that truly embodies the essence of luxury while remaining conscious of its impact on the environment. The label's handcrafted products, created by the talented people of the Philippine Islands, showcase the intricate craftsmanship that sets it apart from the rest. It celebrates the strength and resilience of Filipinas through a groundbreaking campaign, The Future is Filipina®. With it, the brand honors the remarkable contributions of Filipinas.

Maison Métisse is dedicated to reforestation efforts, planting a tree for each purchase, so you can feel good on you knowing that your support has a lasting impact. In addition to that, the brand also prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of the communities and artisans it works with. Maison Métisse is more than just a brand; it is a life support system for those in need. By supporting it, you are directly aiding it in its mission to eliminate poverty and provide a sustainable future for our communities.

Singapore

Sui: A Needle with a Pride in Establishing Sustainability

The term ‘Sui’ is from Hindi meaning needle. The label is an eco-conscious enterprise that threads fashion with nature. It aims to spread awareness of fashion that has less impact on the environment. Sui takes pride in using organic fabrics such as cotton, hemp, and Tencel, ensuring that their clothing is both fashionable and environmentally friendly. By opting for clothing made from recycled materials, Sui contributes to the efforts of companies that recycle clothing, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

But its dedication to sustainability goes beyond just their materials. They also strive to support craft communities and women's empowerment. Every purchase from Sui means supporting a larger movement towards sustainable practices and fair trade. Additionally, Sui ensures workers' welfare and takes steps towards planet conservation by using sustainable packaging. In a world where fast fashion dominates, Sui stands out as a recycled clothing brand that truly embodies the principles of eco-consciousness.

Lily & Lou: Empowering Women through Customized Sustainable Fashion

Lily & Lou is founded to empower women to design their own clothes and wardrobe. It works solely on customisation. With this, the brand builds sustainability as its main principle. It is highlighting the issues in the environment to its customers and educating them to care more about the planet. The label embodies slow fashion with the use of organic fabrics such as bamboo, Tencel, and other recycled fabrics. It utilizes digital sampling to design and check on the prototype before production.

Stain: Mindful Fashion with a Slow Approach

Stain takes a deliberate and mindful approach to fashion, valuing each step of the process and the skilled artisans who bring their products to life. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their choice of materials, as they opt for natural fabrics that are hand-woven using traditional techniques in Central Java, Indonesia. Additionally, Stain embraces organic dyeing and printing methods, including woodblock printing from Jaipur, India, and screen printing from Bali, Indonesia. By involving local artisans and women in the production process, Stain ensures that every detail is perfected. With these practices, Stain creates garments that are not only stylish but also built to last.

Thailand

MaeTeeta: Honoring Sustainability and Traditional Craftsmanship since 1992

MaeTeeta has been a prominent player in this league since 1992. The label draws inspiration from the exquisite natural indigo-dyed skirts, created by Praphaiphan, the founder's mother. MaeTeeta has steadfastly honed its skills in honoring sustainability throughout its journey. The brand proudly sources its materials locally and ensures they are naturally dyed with 100% organic indigo. Preservation of traditional craftsmanship is central to MaeTeeta's ethos as the fabric is intricately woven by skilled local artisans, without the use of any machines. These sustainable processes have steadfastly remained unchanged over a considerable period of time.

Taktai: Embracing Thai Culture and Nature

Taktai is a brand that offers a wide range of clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories, all of which are inspired by the natural environment and Thai identity. The brand strives to preserve Thai culture and arts.

Taktai takes pride in its environmentally friendly techniques and processes, ensuring that its impact on the environment is minimal. The brand also values the contribution of local villagers, whom it affectionately refers to as The carp, as they embody the essence of the natural countryside.

In addition to its commitment to the environment and local communities, Taktai is known for its friendly and approachable demeanor towards both customers and employees. The brand believes in the wisdom of its slogan, Crafted for All, which reflects its dedication to creating products that cater to everyone's needs.

Molivien: Sustainable Fashion for Women

Molivien is one of the eco fashion brands in Thailand, known for its stylish collection of women's wear and accessories. It stands out from other brands that are sustainable by exclusively using deadstock and upcycled materials in its creations. Its commitment to the environment is reflected in its zero-waste process, which effectively minimizes the brand's environmental impact.

Vietnam

Metiseko: A Sustainable Fashion Brand with a Conscience

Metiseko is revered as one of the top 10 sustainable fashion brands in Vietnam, renowned for its premium apparel crafted from natural materials. With a distinctive focus on unique prints and minimalistic modern designs, Metiseko stands out in the industry. However, what truly sets it apart is its commitment to the ethos of slow fashion.In addition to its sustainable practices, Metiseko places a particular emphasis on showcasing Vietnamese art and culture, making it a luxury brand with a conscience. At every step of the way, the brand remains transparent, ensuring that customers understand and appreciate the beauty behind their garments.

Metiseko's designs draw inspiration from the captivating landscapes and enchanting folk tales of Vietnam. Moreover, Metiseko's dedication to supporting local workers shines through as it produces GOTS-certified organic cotton, mulberry, and lacquer silk in-house. To further demonstrate its commitment to authenticity, Metiseko features the names of the skilled craftsmen behind each garment on the label. This personal touch serves as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and expertise that goes into every creation.

Moidien: Prioritizing Recycled Clothing

Moidien, a pioneering sustainable fashion brand, was established by Tom Trandt Minh Đạo, a former Parsons graduate renowned for his eco-conscious and experimental approach. The brand's ethos revolves around transforming the fashion industry by utilizing production waste, leftovers, deadstock materials, and donated fabrics to create exquisite garments.

Moidien's dedication to sustainability has garnered a dedicated consumer community, #inmoidien, comprising over 150K enthusiasts worldwide who ardently admire the label’s impeccable craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.

TimTay: With the Support of Local Artisans

TimTay was founded in 2014 with the main goal of preserving the environment through its sustainable fashion principles. It offers clothing and accessories for men and women and furnishes products by utilizing 100% national materials. Along with its endeavor and sustainable innovations, the label loops in local experts to work with it on new collections.

Cover Image: Sejauh Mata Memandang Daur collection show at JFW 2020, courtesy Antara News.