Circular Fashion in Singapore

Circular Fashion in Singapore: How I Learned to Love My Clothes Again

Confession time: I used to be that person who’d buy a $5 shirt from Bugis Street, wear it twice, then forget it existed. Sound familiar? Then one rainy afternoon at Tiong Bahru Market, I saw a mountain of discarded clothes taller than me. That’s when circular fashion stopped being a buzzword and became my personal revolution. Let me walk you through Singapore’s surprisingly vibrant sustainable style scene.

Why Circular Fashion? Why Singapore?

Singapore throws away 200,000 tonnes of textiles annually that’s like dumping 1,000 MRT trains worth of fabric. But here’s the cool part: our tiny nation’s becoming a lab for circular fashion solutions. From Orchard Road boutiques to HDB-based designers, change is happening in unexpected places.

What Makes Singapore’s Approach Unique

We’ve got this perfect storm of:

• Hyper-local innovation: Brands like Matter Prints using batik waste to create new collections
• Government muscle: The SG Garment Care initiative teaching repair skills at CCs
• Thrifting culture: Instagram shops like @theloop.sg making pre-loved designer finds accessible

My 3-Month Circular Fashion Experiment

I challenged myself to avoid "new" clothes last quarter. Here’s what worked (and what spectacularly didn’t):

The Good

Renting formalwear from Style Lease: Wore a stunning Reformation dress to a wedding for 80% less than retail. Bonus: no dry-cleaning headaches!

The Bad

Attempting to upcycle my poly-blend uniform: Melted my sewing machine needle. Pro tip: Natural fabrics only for DIY projects.

The Unexpected

Discovering Refash’s vending machines at Jurong Point. Sold 15 old pieces in one afternoon enough to fund my new (secondhand) work bag!

Where to Experience Circular Fashion in SG

You don’t need to be an eco-warrior to participate. Here are my favorite accessible entry points:

For Beginners: Swish Events

These clothing swaps at *SCAPE let you refresh your wardrobe for free. My haul last month: a barely-worn Love, Bonito top and Levi’s shorts. The secret? Go during off-peak hours.

For the Tech-Savvy: Nayuki’s Blockchain Threads

This local startup tags garments with QR codes tracking their entire lifecycle. Scanned a dress at their pop-up and saw its journey from Cambodia to a previous owner in Tampines mind officially blown.

For Traditionalists: Kebaya Revival Workshops

At the Malay Heritage Centre, I learned to repurpose vintage sarongs into modern tops. My creation? Questionable. The experience? Priceless.

The Real Challenges (No Sugarcoating)

Let’s be real—Singapore’s circular fashion movement isn’t perfect. During my research, I found:

• Greenwashing: Some "sustainable" brands can’t prove their supply chains
• Price barriers: Ethical pieces often cost 3x fast fashion prices
• Convenience factor: It’s easier to grab from Uniqlo than hunt for pre-loved options

Pro Tips From a Recovering Fast Fashion Addict

After a year navigating Singapore’s circular scene, here’s what actually sticks:

Start With Accessories

Swapping handbags at Muuse’s monthly meetups eased me in. Less commitment than clothing, same dopamine hit.

Follow the #CircularFashionSG Hashtag

Found my favorite upcycled jeans through a designer’s Instagram Stories. The kicker? They were made from discarded SAF uniforms!

Embrace "Good Enough"

My first thrifted blazer had slightly loose buttons. I wore it anyway three compliments that day. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

The Future Looks Bright (And Stylish)

Just last week, I spotted Zara launching resale at ION Orchard. When fast fashion giants join the movement, you know change is coming. My prediction? In five years, "shopping" in Singapore will mean renting, swapping, or commissioning not mindless buying.

So here’s my challenge to you: Next time you’re tempted by that $10 top, pause. Check Carousell first. Visit a neighborhood tailor for repairs. Or better yet host a swapping party with colleagues. Small steps create big waves in our little red dot.

After all, if a former fast fashion junkie like me can transform her habits, trust me you’ve got this. Now, who’s joining me for the next Refash drop? ☕👗