11/01/2026

ON SUNDAY January 11, 2026 theSunday Special XII

Smart and sustainable clothing is transforming the way we dress BY DAYANA SOBRI

also increasingly popular, adding a layer of meaning to purchases. One common misconception is that smart or sustainable fashion is prohibi tively expensive. But advocates argue that it is more about mindset than money. Instead of chasing trends, invest in fewer, better-quality pieces that work harder and last longer. For those on tighter budgets, start ing small is a practical way forward. A ZHOO ¿WWHG VKLUW D YHUVDWLOH MDFNHW RU D wrinkle-free tee can serve as the founda tion of a wardrobe, offering flexibility DFURVV GL̆ HUHQW VHWWLQJV “Accessible luxury” is how some in the industry describe it: Well-crafted, functional pieces at price points that deliver real value without being out of reach. Shopping with intention Shopping, Ang argues, should go beyond simple transactions. A positive experience LV RQH ZKHUH FRQVXPHUV IHHO FRQ¿GHQW LQ their choices and connected to what they wear. Increasingly, this also means know ing their purchases have been ethically and sustainably produced. Across retail, there is a shift towards making shopping more personal – wheth HU WKURXJK VW\OLVWV R̆ HULQJ WDLORUHG DGYLFH ¿WWLQJ VSDFHV GHVLJQHG ZLWK FRPIRUW LQ mind or customisation options that allow buyers to add a personal touch. For many consumers, that reassurance – that what they are buying is healthier for them and less harmful to the planet adds a deeper satisfaction to the process. The future of fashion in Malaysia seems poised for change. Younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are driving demand for eco-friendly materials, transparent supply chains and clothing WKDW UHÀHFWV QRW MXVW SHUVRQDO VW\OH EXW also personal values. Globally, the sustainable apparel mar ket is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 13% from 2025 to 2034, reaching an estimated US$35 billion. For Malaysia, this repre sents both an opportunity and a challenge: How to meet these expectations without ORVLQJ VLJKW RI D̆ RUGDELOLW\ DQG GHVLJQ The trajectory suggests that clothing will increasingly be seen not just as a UHÀHFWLRQ RI LQGLYLGXDO WDVWH EXW DOVR DV a statement of responsibility. Whether through functional fabrics, ethical sourc ing or technology woven into everyday wear, the clothes we choose will likely play a bigger role in how we navigate modern life. “Smart fashion is about feeling good, looking good and making thoughtful choices. It is a future where every piece in your wardrobe works harder – for you and for the planet.” Ang puts it clearly.

What makes fashion “smart”? F RU $QJ VPDUW IDVKLRQ LV OHVV DERXW ÀDVK\ gadgets and more about practicality and responsibility. She identifies four principles worth keeping in mind: • Safer fabrics: Look for certifica tions such as OEKO-TEX®, which ensure textiles are free from harmful chemicals. • Functionality: Features such as wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking and UV protection help clothes per form better in everyday life. • Longevity: Garments made to last reduce the need for frequent replace ments. • Ethical sourcing: Supporting brands that value fair treatment of workers and responsible production. When viewed this way, “smart” fashion is not necessarily more expensive. While some pieces may cost more upfront, their durability and versatility often make them Tailoring has long been associated with EHVSRNH VXLWV DQG H[FOXVLYH ¿WWLQJV EXW LWV SULQFLSOHV DUH LQFUHDVLQJO\ LQÀXHQFLQJ ready-to-wear collections. “ 7DLORULQJ LV QRW MXVW DERXW ¿W ± LW LV about how clothes empower the wearer,” Ang explained. D HVLJQ SUHFLVLRQ PHDQV HYHQ R̆ WKH UDFN JDUPHQWV FDQ R̆ HU ERWK VKDUS VLOKRX ettes and subtle innovations. A tailored suit, for instance, can combine traditional craftsmanship with hidden technology, such as RFID-blocking pockets, to match form and function without compromising comfort. This approach appeals to a wide range of consumers. Men often gravitate toward versatile staples that transition from WKH Ṙ FH WR WKH ZHHNHQG ZKLOH ZRPHQ shopping for partners or family members value pieces that combine quality and thoughtfulness. Personalised details such as monogramming or curated gift sets are PRUH FRVW H̆ HFWLYH RYHU WLPH Rethinking tailoring and D̆ RUGDELOLW\

F OR over two decades, fashion designer and founder of The Shirt Bar, Serene Ang has worked behind the scenes in global menswear. She spent her career designing and manufacturing for international brands that thrived on speed and scale. But over time, she began to see the hid den costs of this relentless cycle: Quality sacrificed for volume, workers treated as dispensable and an industry fuelling overproduction and environmental harm. “It was a system that rewarded speed and volume but overlooked sustain ability, integrity and human dignity,” Ang recalled. That realisation set her on D GL̆ HUHQW SDWK RQH WKDW DOLJQHG PRUH closely with slow fashion – an approach that prioritises quality, thoughtful design and responsibility to both people and the planet. Globally, the dominance of fast fashion is undeniable. The model is simple: churn out inexpensive clothes in enormous quantities, with styles refreshed so quickly that shoppers feel compelled to buy new pieces regularly. But the environmental toll is heavy. According to estimates, the fashion industry accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions, alongside exces sive water use, microplastic pollution and growing mountains of textile waste. Adding to the challenge is the murky world of “green marketing”. Many con sumers struggle to tell whether an “eco” collection is genuinely sustainable or simply a clever branding exercise. Despite these hurdles, Ang sees encour aging change. “Real change starts at the roots: By building ethical supply chains, investing

in long-term partnerships and creating value for everyone, from maker to wearer,” she said. In Malaysia, the signs of this shift are becoming more visible. A growing urban middle class is beginning to see sustain ability not just as a passing trend but as part of a value-driven lifestyle. Interest is rising in functional textiles that make sense in a tropical climate – materials that wick moisture, resist odours and protect against UV rays, marrying comfort with style. From novelty to necessity Fashion technology was once dismissed as a gimmick. Today, it is increasingly viewed as the natural evolution of cloth ing. Modern consumers expect garments that not only look good but also offer functionality, durability and a lighter environmental footprint. Examples include fabrics with built in performance features such as odour resistance, antibacterial properties and UV protection. Some even resist yellow ing, helping shirts stay crisp for longer. These innovations extend the lifespan of garments, reducing waste while keeping up with the demands of busy, on-the-go lifestyles. There are also subtler features being woven into modern wardrobes. Pockets that shield against RFID scanning – a nod to the age of contactless payments DQG GLJLWDO ,'V ± R̆ HU UHDVVXUDQFH DPLG rising data security concerns. On the sustainability front, material innovation is leading the way. Recycled IDEULFV DQG SODQW EDVHG ¿EUHV WKDW UHTXLUH fewer resources to produce are becoming PRUH FRPPRQ R̆ HULQJ SUDFWLFDO DOWHUQD tives to conventional textiles.

Smart fashion is about feeling good, looking good and making thoughtful choices.”

Ang