Modestwear goes back to the basics with simplicity, functionality and comfort


Of course, modest wear isn’t just for Ramadan; you can wear it all year round. Photo: Lilit

With the start of the month of Ramadan, everything slows down to a calmer pace as Muslims devote themselves to fasting and prayers.

It is also a time when you may want to dress more conservatively.

On the fashion front, local brands are going all out with their modest wear collections.

Of course, modest wear isn’t just for Ramadan; you can wear it all year round.

The current theme is comfort, functionality and simplicity, so here’s a selection of modest wear brands for you to consider.

Pleasing pastel hues

In a nod to femininity, every year brands ensure they have plenty of pastel-coloured offerings in the form of kaftans, baju kurung and loose, flowy tops to match with skirts, pants and jeans.

Photo: Love, Bonito
Photo: Love, Bonito
Love, Bonito’s latest modest wear collection features garments in soft pastels such as purple, blue and pink featuring in key pieces in breathable cotton broderie, bold jacquard, flowy chiffon and textured fabrics.

The “Modestly Modern 2.0 – Homecoming” collection is inspired by the long-awaited reunion between loved ones, treasuring precious moments together after two years of subdued celebrations.

Made with comfort in mind, the collection also features stretchable waistbands on maxi dresses as well as on bottoms of coordinated pieces.

Read more: Care for your hair with these Malaysian handmade haircare brands

Inclusion is key

Local label Lilit., a part of The dUCk Group, aims at encouraging fashionistas to celebrate togetherness in an intimate environment with their loved ones, and there’s no better setting to let your guard down and just be yourself than with those dearest to you.

The brand, which offers attire to everyone,.. from working mothers to active children, has since its inception made it a point to offer wardrobe solutions for people of all shapes and sizes.The current collection is all about simplicity and basic pieces that can be styled and worn throughout the year, featuring a range of tops, skirts and dresses.

For those who abhor ironing (read: most of us), you’ll be happy to note that Lilit.’s latest pieces are easy to iron, while also being easy to style with other items of clothing, with plenty of sizes to choose from, in a variety of colours.

Modern silhouettes

Pantsuits, sarongs and wrap skirts featured in Alia B’s collection, titled “Dreams”, run along the same vein of comfort in style.

Composed of relaxed and elegant looks with a modern vibe, designer Alia Bastamam was inspired by “a calmness within herself”, translating to chic silhouettes in solid hues like black, red, blue and white.

From asymmetrically-fitted kurungs and instant sarongs to draped tops and lace kimonos, the collection is a nod to traditional wear while keeping with the times, thanks to modern details.

Elegance personifiedThis year, NH by Nurita Harith features graceful and sophisticated silhouettes in pastel and dark tones, which include the designer’s signatures drapes.

Be bold and glam up in these captivating pieces, which feature kimono and puffy sleeves and elements of lace throughout the range.

Match your outfit perfectly with the label’s printed shawls, created to complement chic dresses and kurungs in the collection.

Photo: Nurita Harith
Photo: Nurita Harith

Minimalist flair

Keeping it simple yet stylish, Umma’s new collection for women highlights eight designs with two colours each, with sizes ranging from small to triple XL.

Consisting of custom floral prints with textured fabrics, they boast practicality and comfort at its best.

Embrace your feminine side with pieces like the water lily kurung in cloud grey or the jasmine kebarung in sage green, or lounge around in comfort dressed in the peony kurung in brick orange.

Feminine patterns

Known for their dainty ensembles, Yadotsa never fails to impress with their range of ultra-feminine pieces in gorgeous prints.

The brand’s latest collection features three different floral prints which symbolise boldness as well as celebration, optimism and life, through their intricately hand-drawn images that feature elaborate detailing.

Their signature prints coupled with intricate lace elements make these pieces modern classics to be worn for years to come.

Loud and proud prints

For those who prefer outfits that are exciting and bold, look no further than Tas by Tom Abang Saufi for pieces with personality.

Kaftans, kurungs and kebayas feature motifs inspired by the seas and islands of Borneo, in various lengths, with kaftans knotted in front to create a shapely silhouette.

Oversized leaves prints are featured heavily on a variety of pieces, and the collection’s colours range from bright oranges and bold golds to muted pastels.

Read more: Fashion threads carefully when highlighting cultural heritage, here's why

Regal pieces in vivid tones

One can embrace comfort while also wearing lavish pieces with pride, as evidenced by Larney’s latest collection.

Photo: Hanya
Photo: Hanya
Look like fashion royalty in classic kaftans, baju kurung Kedah, pleated baju kurung pesak, high neck kebayas and more in hues like forest green, magenta, peach and maroon.

Designed for comfort and long wear, you’ll be able to sit with your nearest and dearest for long hours while chatting and indulging in the season’s most delicious cuisines.

Traditional fits have been modernised with neat pleats, while fully embroidered cardigans are offered to complement other items in the collection.

A nod to the past

Inspired by Old Malaya, Poplook’s Gemalai collection is a throwback to a simpler time and the styles worn by ladies in the past.

The collection offers effortless kebaya designs with delicate scallop hems to clean kurung cuts embellished with eyelet embroidery.

Crafted in natural cotton and rayon-linen blends, each piece features intricate embroidery detailing in an array of colours ranging from butter yellow to deep berry hues, blue fog to deep greens.

Mothers can twin with their little ones this season as most of the designs are also for little girls.

Inspired by Mums

For the brand Hanya, it is a time to reflect, on evocative memories which are translated to treasured pieces.

This year, the brand honours mothers in their collection, drawing inspiration from these female role models and how they must have lived their lives before we became the centre of theirs.

Wrap skirts, tops with cotton lace puff sleeves and linen asymmetrical tops are featured in the collection, all designed to be worn in pure comfort.

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fashion , trends , Malaysian designers , modestwear

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