The best local fashion brands to know in Singapore

Don one of Pinksalt’s swimwear and you’ll make a splash even before dipping your toes in the pool. Modern, fresh and modest – without being too stuffy – the label by avid travellers Su May Ng and Belinda Lee is perfect for when you want to spend a long, lazy afternoon by the beach while looking chic enough to drop by the bar.

If your workout style is more Zen than look-at-me neon, Kydra’s stylish workout gear in neutral tones of milky pink and forest green is for you. Founded by Jimmy Poh and Wong Dingyao, Kydra seamlessly blends function with fashion. Well-cut pieces like the OpenBack Tank and Flow Leggings are light, breathable and made from a material that is anti-bacterial and anti-abrasion.

Matter sees itself as a ‘socially motivated brand’ that also prides itself as being a sustainable and conscious fashion label. It works with skilled artisans living in the rural parts of Asia to make products from heritage-based fabrics in a sustainable and thoughtful manner. Handcrafted in organic cotton as well as biodegradable fabrics, its collection of bathroom-friendly jumpsuits, trousers, tops and dresses are breathable, comfy and perfect for tropical weather like Singapore's.  

Local designer Sabrina Goh's eye for combining fashion with architectural silhouettes makes her the ideal go-to for minimalist styles that are edgy yet functional. Her Capital Piazza flagship store carries her fashion line ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh that features textures, bold prints, unconventional shapes and asymmetrical hems as apparent on her collection of dresses, outerwear and trousers. 

If you're not one to keep up with the latest fashion trend, In Good Company is exactly what you need. Instead of basing apparels off runway looks, designers Kane Tan and Sven Tan's idea for the fashion label is simple – creating a collection of wardrobe essentials that go beyond seasonal trends yet giving a contemporary spin to timeless classics to cater to both the modern man and woman. Dipped in neutral colours, its line of all-day outfits are also perfect for minimalist fashionistas.

Established in 2010, MAX.TAN is a local label that specialises in womenswear and conceptual fashion. Having ventured out to the Scandinavian and Middle Eastern regions, the label has gained a strong following internationally because of its minimalist designs that exude sophistication with a hint of avant-garde – one to cop for an edgy style.

Most of us are well acquainted with homegrown online label, but their brick-and-mortar store – Our Second Home – remains a hidden gem (for now, at least). Tucked away in Chip Bee Gardens, the novel boutique is stocked with a wide variety of the brand's distinctive feminine pieces that include silky kimonos, dresses, trousers and tops decked in soft-hued, subtle prints. The label also teams up with international designers to create its gorgeous pieces.

Though batik tends to summon images of beachside villas in Bali, womenswear label Ong Shunmugam has put this traditional fabric to use in creating a range of Western and Asian silhouettes. Kimono-sleeved jumpsuits, suit jackets with kebaya-influenced lapels and high-waisted peplum skirts in Javanese batik are among the unique offerings available. Call ahead of time if you plan to visit the atelier. 

This label thrives on bringing a splash of contemporary feminity to the wardrobes of every modern woman. Weaving a modern spin into the classic workwear, its collection of soft, ready-to-wear essentials are fit for taking the outfit from the board to the bar sans the extra effort. Each piece comes with an affordable price tag and includes a range of colours from bold shades to soft hues in the form of sleek textures and flattering cuts.

If there's one thing we want in our scarf drawer, it's Binary Style's collection of timeless, stunning squares. Inspired by the city itself, each scarf is designed to capture the beauty of it, whether via nature, architecture or culture. Its vibrant designs also make a bold statement piece when worn around the neck, as a top, as a sarong or even as a headwear.