Overview
Singapore ranked as second leading apparel and textile sourcing hub in Asian region
Singapore’s apparel and textile manufacturing industry is part of the manufacturing sector, and has two sub-segments - textiles & textile manufacturing and wearing apparel manufacturing. Both segments together make up less than 1% of the total manufacturing industry, with around SGD 500 million worth of manufacturing output in 2020. The larger segment, wearing apparel, contributed SGD 460 million in 2020, while the textiles & textile manufacturing segment contributed around SGD 36 million to the manufacturing industry, which was valued at SGD 300 billion in 2020.
The apparel market includes women’s apparel, men’s apparel and children’s apparel segments, which are produced for private end-user customers. The apparel manufacturing industry had around 360 entities operating in 2020, while the textiles & textile manufacturing industry had 120 entities operating in Singapore in 2020.
Singapore recorded USD 2 billion in apparel exports in 2019, and the main export markets for Singaporean textiles were Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States, Japan and Vietnam. Unlike its peers in the region, Singapore is not eligible for GSP concessions offered by European countries and plays a major role in promoting textile/apparel exports. However, the exports are eligible for concessions under regional free-trade agreements.
The Singaporean government promotes the apparel and textile industry as a regional sourcing hub that connects the US and European brands. As a result, Singapore has been ranked as the second-largest apparel and textile and business sourcing hub in the Asia‐Pacific region, after Hong Kong.
The Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) is a key non-profit trade association that works closely with the government and industry stakeholders to promote the apparel and textile industry. TaFF operates The Cocoon Space, an incubation and co-working space with networking opportunities for the industry, in addition to Singapore Stories, an initiative to develop the local fashion industry.TaFF also launched The Bridge Fashion Incubator (TBFI) programme in 2019, South-East Asia’s first Fashion, Beauty and Fashion-Tech Incubator.
Looking at the apparel retail market in Singapore, the sector generates around USD 2.7 billion in revenues through ~5,300 establishments. Shopping is considered a national hobby and ~49% of the population prefer shopping in their leisure time.
Singapore is also a favorite shopping spot for tourists where shopping represents one of the highest spending categories for tourists in Singapore. Prior to the pandemic, almost 20.0% of total tourism receipts to Singapore was generated through shopping.
Key Trends
Apparel and textile industry hit on multiple fronts during pandemic
The apparel and textile manufacturing industry was affected from multiple angles due to the pandemic. With already rising labor costs, the pandemic induced movement restrictions and rapid COVID-19 spread amongst migrant workers meant that manufacturers had to shut down factories.
On the demand side, almost half of all apparel supply chain jobs in the Asian region were dependent on either domestic or foreign consumer demand from countries that had strict lockdowns, leading to sharp declines in retail sales. In addition, imports from Asia’s garment-producing countries to major buying countries dropped by as much as 70% YoY in 2020, leading to cancellation of orders.
Manufacturers were also impacted by the disruptions caused by raw material shortages arising from import delays following the supply chain crisis. Singapore’s industrial production index of textiles experienced a 48% decline, from 100 points in 2019 to 52 points in 2020.
As a result, apparel and textile manufacturing industry growth slowed to 5% YoY in 2020 to SGD 500 million, after posting 76% YoY growth in 2019. The 2020 growth was primarily driven by the apparel manufacturing segment, while the textile manufacturing segment experienced a decline.
A production decline was also visible from the drop in remunerations paid by the textile and apparel manufacturing industry, which together saw a 30% YoY decline in 2020 to SGD 55 million, compared to 2019, which suffered only a 5% YoY contraction to SGD 79 million.
The closure of Singaporean borders for tourists in 2020 resulted in a 86% YoY decline in tourist arrivals versus 2019, when tourist arrivals peaked at around 19 million. As a result, tourism spend on shopping also declined by approximately 88% YoY from SGD 6 billion to less than SGD 1 billion in 2020.
Popular fashion retail markets among tourists in Singapore include Orchard Road, Marina Bay and Bugis. where Marina Bay attracted the largest proportion (57% of total tourists for the location) of fashion spend by tourists in 2019.
China, which is the largest contributor to fashion spending, accounted for around 33% of Singapore’s total shopping revenues from tourists. The Chinese incurred the most (33%) of their per capita tourism spending on shopping in 2020, down from the 49% spend allocation in 2019. Prior to COVID-19, tourists from Indonesia and Vietnam spent 37% and 30% respectively of their total tour expenditure on shopping in 2019, which in 2020 became 20% and 18% respectively.
Pandemic induced supply chain crisis promotes brands to shift manufacturing to closer locations
Textile producers have been forced to shift their manufacturing operations to other countries in the region such as Vietnam due to increasing labor costs in Singapore. Consequently, the industrial production index of Singapore has also been on the decline since 2012, when it peaked at 205 points, and was at 52 points in 2020.
Western apparel and textile importers have, over the years, chosen to locate their manufacturing facilities in developing economies with low labor protection regulations and pay levels, to minimize production costs, compared to Singapore. The Asia-Pacific region employed around 65 million garment workers in 2019, which is estimated as 75% of the global garment workforce.
However, the supply chain crisis post the pandemic has created a shift in the industry, as Western brands are increasingly shifting their factories back to the West. For Instance, Spanish fashion brand Mango announced plans to increase local production in Turkey, Morocco and Portugal in 2021, shifting its dependence on China and Vietnam. Western countries that are drawing interest among fashion brands for manufacturing destinations include Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Morocco and Turkey, creating competition to draw investments for the ASEAN textile industry.
Singapore aims to create niche market through sustainable manufacturing technology
As global consumers shift their consumption towards sustainable fashion and ethical producers, Singaporean textile and apparel manufacturers are developing a number of new manufacturing technologies that could create a niche market for the industry. TaFF launched a fashion sustainability programme with a SGD 3 million funding to develop sustainability initiatives over the next three years, capitalizing on opportunities in the green economy. TaFF aims to reduce the textile production waste in Singapore, which it estimates to account for 137,000 tons of waste, of which only 4% is being recycled.
In addition, Singaporean manufacturer Nextevo recently launched sustainable fibers and yarns made from pineapple leaves, a common agricultural waste from pineapple cultivation. In addition, Singaporean textile manufacturer DyStar announced its 2025 sustainability target in 2020, to reduce the production footprint by 30%, and is open to industrial innovations and developing strategic partnerships in sustainability.
Further, the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) in partnership with The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) launched the Nanotechnology in Manufacturing Initiative (NiMI) in 2010, to develop cheaper, greener and smarter manufacturing processes to advance Singapore’s textile industry.
Key Statistics
- The apparel manufacturing segment almost doubled from SGD 211 million in 2018 to SGD 417 million in 2019.
- The growth in 2020 was weighed down by COVID-19, but still recorded an 11% YoY growth.
- The textile manufacturing segment has been on the decline since 2018, with a 36% YoY drop, from SGD 58 million in 2019 to SGD 36 million in 2020.
- Singapore’s largest export market for textiles and apparel, Indonesia, accounted for around 15% (USD 300 million), followed by Malaysia at 11% (USD 200 million) and the US at 9% (USD 200 million) in 2019.
- Top import markets include China, accounting for 25% of total textile and apparel imports valued at USD 800 million, followed by Malaysia and Italy accounting for 10% each, valued at around USD 300 million in 2019.
- Singapore’s apparel retail market is estimated to reach USD 2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 4% CAGR through 2022-2026.
- The market's largest segment is Women's Apparel, valued at USD 1 billion in 2022.
- In volume terms, the market is expected to sell around 250 million pieces by 2026 and show a 1% volume decline in 2023.
- 77% of apparel retail sales are expected to be generated from the non-luxury goods segment in 2022.
- The apparel retail market is expected to generate revenues of USD 410 per person in Singapore in 2022.
- The average volume per person is estimated to be 45 pieces in 2022.
Top Singapore MNCs
CHANEL PTE LIMITED
Chanel, founded in 1909, is considered a pioneer in luxury consumer goods. Its business is centered around three activities; fashion, fragrances and beauty, and watches and fine jewellery. Incorporated in France, Chanel has established its holding company headquarters in London, and operates in multiple geographies including the Americas, Europe and Asia. Each of the local markets design and implement brand strategy, coordination and product distribution. Chanel’s products are made with sustainable natural ingredients and materials that are sourced from over 300 suppliers across the globe.
GUCCI SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Gucci, founded in Italy in 1921, is recognized as one of the leading fashion houses in the world, with a product range that reflects luxury Italian craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail. As a part of the Kering Group, Gucci’s product range comprises luxury clothing, watches, handbags, shoes and jewellery.
RICHEMONT LUXURY (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Richemont Luxury, established in the 1940s, is the owner of Maisons, recognized for its distinctive heritage, creativity and craftsmanship of jewellery, watches and fashion accessories. With regional offices in Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific, Japan and the Middle East, India and Africa, Richemont has 26 Maisons in operation. Each of its Maisons has its own management team that works on design, product development, manufacturing, communications, marketing, customer service and distribution. Richemont’s unique portfolio includes leading brands such as Bucellati, Cartier, Delvaux, Dunhill, MontBlanc, Baume & Mercier and IWC Schaffhausen.
UNIQLO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Uniqlo Singapore, established in 2008, specializes in the design, manufacture and distribution of casual clothing. With 26 stores across Singapore, its operations include research and development, merchandising, development and procurement of materials, production, inventory control, marketing, distribution and e-commerce. By implementing a unified process from planning to production, Uniqlo develops new materials using innovative fabric technology to produce clothing that is universal in design and comfort. Some of its global ambassadors are Ayumu Hirano, Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Shingo Kuneida, Gordon Reid and Adam Scott.
HERMES SINGAPORE (RETAIL) PTE LTD
Hermes, established in France in 1837, is a leading family-owned designer and manufacturer of apparel and fashion accessories. With over 16,000 employees and 300 stores across 45 countries, it operates over 51 production sites located across 12 regions in France. Hermes’ range of products include ready-to-wear women’s apparel, belts, make-up, jewellery, bracelets, shoes, baby gifts and silk apparel. Its products are made using sustainable materials, which are combined with high aesthetic functionality; this is said to ensure longevity of the products.
LOUIS VUITTON (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Louis Vuitton, established in 1854, is known for the design and manufacture of luxury leather fashion accessories. Its full product range comprises fine and high-end, ready-to-wear for men and women luxury goods that include shoes and accessories, handbags, watches, jewellery, eyewear and, since 2017, women’s and men’s fragrances. Louis Vuitton distributes its products exclusively through its own stores, while the products of its other brands are distributed by agents, wholesalers or retailers. Louis Vuitton owns 29 leather goods and shoe production facilities and 1 fragrance lab, mostly located in France.
CHRISTIAN DIOR SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Established in 1946 through successive mergers, Christian Dior is known for the design and manufacture of luxury products. Its product range and services comprise Wines and Spirits, Fashion and Leather Goods, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Watches and Jewellery, Selective Retailing and other activities. It is said to be the only group that operates simultaneously in these luxury sectors, through its Maisons. As of 2020, Christian Dior had 5,003 stores in operation across France, Europe, the United States, Japan, Asia (excl. Japan) and other markets.
BATA SHOE (SINGAPORE) PRIVATE LIMITED
Bata is a footwear manufacturer in Singapore, known for the design and development of its high quality, mass-manufactured, affordable shoes for working people.Founded in Czechoslovakia in 1894, Bata opened its first store in Singapore in 1931 and now has more than 40 retail stores in the country. The Singapore office manages around 3,000 outlets across the Asia Pacific and Africa regions, serving approximately a million customers every day. Bata’s international manufacturing structure allows it to develop new products to respond to the needs of local customers in each region.
ADIDAS SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Adidas, founded in Germany in 1949, is a leading sports brand recognized for its footwear, apparel, accessories and gear. Its key focus areas are sport, lifestyle, women and partnerships. Adidas takes pride in its use of sustainable materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. All of its products are subjected to a rigid compliance process and testing, prior to their launch. Adidas’ brands include the adidas brand as well as the global brand, Reebok. Its footwear franchises include brands such as Ultraboost, Predator and Superstar. Its apparel franchises include MyShelter, Jacket, the Tiro Pant and the Z.N.E. Hoodie.
COACH OPERATIONS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Coach, established in New York in 1941, is a global fashion house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands. Its global house of brands comprises three main brands, which it operates under; Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weizman. It has 354 stores in North America and 585 stores in other regions. Coach’s manufacturers are primarily located in Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, while Kate Spade’s manufacturers are located in Vietnam, Cambodia and mainland China. Stuart Weizman’s products are primarily manufactured in Spain.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises
CLUB 21 PTE. LTD.
Club 21, established in 1972, is a distributor of luxury fashion products in Asia. It specializes in market development, brand guardianship, sourcing, wholesale distribution and vertical retailing of over 250 brands across around 400 stores in Asia. Club 21’s decentralized structure allows local offices to use their local market knowledge, and ensures that each store’s developers, visual merchandisers, buyers, marketers, trainers and retail staff establish a partnership with brand owners in order to create a unique full brand experience in every store.
LUXASIA PTE. LTD.
Luxasia Group, founded in 1986, is an omnichannel partner for luxury beauty and lifestyle brands, targeting consumers in the Asia Pacific region. The platform focuses on retail, e-commerce, distribution and consumer analytics. It gives consumers access to top global brands from niche, prestige and masstige categories and offers brands access to its retail and e-commerce networks in beauty and luxury, allowing them to progressively expand into regional markets. Some of the notable brands in Luxasia’sportfolio are Bvlgari, Hermes, Guerlain, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, LVMH, Elizabeth Arden and La Prairie.
F J BENJAMIN (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
F J Benjamin, incorporated in 1959, is an industry leader in brand building and management and the development of retail and distribution networks for international luxury and lifestyle brands across Southeast Asia. It has three offices in Singapore and operates 250 stores. Its core business segments are Luxury and Lifestyle Fashion Retailing and Distribution, and Timepiece Distribution. F J Benjamin’s brand portfolio comprises Banana Republic, Gap, Givenchy, Guess, La Senza, Marc Jacobs, Casio, Nautica, Superdry, US Polo and Tom Ford.
TEO GARMENTS CORPORATION PTE. LTD.
TEO Garments is a vertically integrated apparel manufacturer that specialises in high-quality cut and sew knitwear, dyeing, embroidery, printing and garment washing. Its key focus areas are logistics and supply chain management, product design R&D, vertical and integrated business model, sales and merchandising, and quality and compliant apparel production. Its extensive business network in Asia comprises factories in Cambodia and China, in addition to manufacturing partners in Vietnam, Indonesia and India. TEO works with brand owners, specialty retailers and department stores worldwide and has established strong marketing channels in Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
OSSIA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Ossia, established in 1982, is a distributor and retailer of luxury fashion apparel, bags, footwear, sporting goods and golf. With a distribution network of over 1,300 channels/outlets, it operates in four key markets in the Asia Pacific region; Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Its brand portfolio across all categories includes brands such as Keds, Pro-Keds, Bridgestone, Kasco, LoudMouth Golf, Bullet, Hi-Tec, Precise and SeeMore.
KWANG SIA PTE. LTD.
Kwang Sia is a premium fashion retailer in Southeast Asia, with over 30 years of retail experience. Headquartered in Singapore, the company has a retail network in Singapore and Thailand. Kwang Sia creates a full retail experience for customers with its store experience and personalized in-store customer service. It has partnered with global luxury brands, enabling them to expand their presence in regional markets. Some of the brands in Kwang Sia’s portfolio are Gerts, Max Mara, MAX&Co., Marella, Weekend by Max Mara and We are Special.
CHARLES & KEITH GROUP PTE. LTD.
CHARLES & KEITH Group, established in 1996, manages the fashion brands, CHARLES & KEITH and Pedro (launched in 2006). A manufacturer of modern footwear and accessories, it follows an integrated business model and agile design, supply chain and retail processes. Its products are distributed in the USA, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe regions, and through its online retail platform. CHARLES & KEITH has over 700 stores and 7,000 employees worldwide.
JADE E-SERVICES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Zalora, established in 2011 and part of the Global Fashion Group, is an ecommerce platform for fashion, beauty and lifestyle products. It has a strong presence in the Asian region, specifically in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Zalora’s product categories include apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty, pre-loved, essentials, home and living products. Its portfolio includes leading local and international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Birkenstock, Nike, Coach, PUMA, Superdry, Timberland, GAP, H&M, Under Armour and Tommy Hilfiger.
BARCODE MARKETING PTE. LTD.
PAZZION GROUP, established in 2002, is known for the manufacture and retail distribution of a unique range of genuine calf leather and lambskin products. Its product range comprises footwear, bags and other leather accessories, as well as matching mother/daughter footwear. Headquartered in Singapore, PAZZION has a regional presence in countries such as China, Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. In addition to its stores, PAZZION has an e-commerce site that distributes its products both locally and internationally.
LOVEBONITO SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Love, Bonito, specialises in the design and manufacture of apparel for the Asian female market. Its functional, yet modern product range is designed and manufactured in Singapore, with a primary focus on a modern Asian fit for Asian women. It works with local and global brand partners and organisations that actively focus on women’s issues, in order to provide funding, establish connections and raise awareness through storytelling. Love, Bonito, has stores across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong.
Top Singapore SMEs
BENJAMIN BARKER AUST PTE. LTD.
Benjamin Barker Aust was incorporated in 2009 and is a Singapore-based label of heritage inspired apparel. With the aid of its partners, Benjamin Barker Aust creates a variety of formal wear and casual wear, collections of both active wear and luxury essentials, accessories, shoes and ties. It is also known for its collection of lifestyle products which include its BB Hotel Home collection of hotel-inspired products which include bedding and towelling in different fabrics. It also offers BB tailoring services for tailor-made personal and cultured styles and designs. It has retail outlets all across Singapore and has branched out to Malaysia, Australia and Cambodia. It is featured in many retail publications such as InsideRetail and Luxe Society, The Strait Times, The Business Times and Asia Tatler.
LOVE AND BRAVERY ONLINE PTE. LTD.
Love and Bravery Online is a Singapore-based women’s apparel label that was founded in 2005. It is well-known for creating a collection of casual wear and statement pieces ranging from high-waisted skirts and bottoms to blazers and dresses. It also includes an online store for its collections with promotional sales, gift cards, shipping privileges, return and exchange options and services to track orders placed online. Love and Bravery Online offers lookbooks featuring the latest trends and styles, a journal blog that features events, fashion advice and ideas, and it also offers collaborations and features to bloggers, influencers, photographers and stylists worldwide.
BY INVITE ONLY LLP
By Invite Only is a jewellery brand and a Singapore-based LLP company that was founded in 2009. Its jewellery pieces are handcrafted using metal bases made of either eco-brass or 925 sterling silver, and plated with 18k gold or rose gold or left as 925 silver with a protective coating to preserve each piece. It is complemented with a range of birthstones to set it off and the Gldsmth collection offers fine jewellery, crafted with 14K solid gold, white gold or rose gold and conflict-free diamonds, other gemstones and freshwater pearls. It has an online store with shipping and delivery services, a repair and exchange after-sales service unit and provides a frequently asked questions section for queries and jewellery-related advice.
IGC'X PRIVATE LIMITED
In Good Company is a brand that was launched in 2013 with outlets all across Singapore. It offers a selection of menswear and womenswear of essential and classical designs and a ‘Mini Me’ selection for kids. In Good Company’s selection of accessories complements their classic designs and also offers a collection of miscellaneous objects such as pillow totes, stationary items, gift boxes, DIY greeting cards, scented candles, steel potted planter boxes and cloth masks. As a part of the company’s website, it offers a livestream platform and a discovery blog for new styles and trends. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, it is continuing its previous donation fund with Healthserve a non-governmental organization, to aid migrant workers and it supports an organization named EQUAL to provide equine assistance learning services to individuals.
THE EDITOR'S MARKET PTE. LTD.
The Editor’s Market is a Singapore-based retail market chain for clothing for women’s fashion and lifestyle which was incorporated in 2005 with stores across Singapore, UAE and Thailand. It offers a variety of womens wear, accessories and footwear along with products of other brands such as Afterall, Superga, Baggu, Veja and Hawaianas. The Editor’s Market also includes a lifestyle and homeware collection with a wide range of products which include bath and body products, dinnerware, kitchenware, glasswear, home garden products, textiles and decorative objects. It also includes lifestyle brands such as Hay, Ferm Living, Kinto, Stasher and Cosmic Mansion to name a few. Its online store has an Exchange and Return after sales service and allows customers to reserve any item they wish to purchase at the store. Its club membership provides a range of perks and discounts, and it also provides delivery and shipping services worldwide.
KLARRA PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2014, Klarra is a Singapore-based clothing label recognized for its contemporary classical style. Klarra offers various collections of womenswear, complemented by its shoe collections, The Coastline and The Summer Edition and extends its focus into kidswear with the Mini Klarra collection. Klarra’s collaboration collection with the Argentinian textile designer, Caro Yanez, features an exclusive print design for Klarra inspired by Caro’s interpretation of the The Grand Canyon and of pieces ranging from office wear to casual dinner wear. Klarra’s online platform offers a Stories blog where Klarra is featured by content fashion bloggers and icons and also offers promotional sales, gift card promotions, a return and exchange after sales service and tracking service for purchases. Its latest venture is launching Klarra Studios, a collection that ensures longevity of wardrobe essential items.
OUR SECOND NATURE PTE. LTD.
Located in Singapore and incorporated in 2016, Our Second Nature, is an apparel brand focusing on comfortable everyday wear. Each collection is created with an in-house designer, to vary in print and statement. Its collections offer a selection of dresses, one piece jumpsuits, tops and bottoms. Second Nature’s ‘Mom Would Approve’ collection contains both conservative and comfortable casualwear and its Our Mini Nature collections offers casualwear for kids. It also offers a selection of Lifestyle products of kitchenware and crockery, tablemats, coasters and cushion covers. Its online store offers digital gift cards, return and exchange services, shipping delivery services and also offers a useful Journal blog with articles for engaging readers in real life experiences.
KYDRA PTE. LTD.
Kydra is a Singaporean activewear label that was launched in 2017 and is recognised for its adaptable activewear, made from “technical” fabric. Kydra offers a fabrics section for product advice when selecting activewear from its collections for women and men. The Kydra Shoe is a waterproof, lightweight shoe made from durable cotton with antibacterial insoles and rubber, non-slip undersoles. It also offers a blog for tips, trends and advice and a lookbook for various styles. A clearance sale is available for its online customers with gift cards and membership discounts for gym instructors and students. It also has an FAQ online platform for queries and provides exchange after sales services and shipping and delivery services. Kydra’s products are distributed at other local stores such as The Editor’s Market, Design Orchard and Core Collective Anson and it was featured in AsiaOne’s interview with Kydra’s co-founder and COO, Jimmy Poh.
BTV GROUP PTE. LTD.
Beyond The Vines is a multifaceted design studio that was co-founded by a husband and wife team in 2015, located in Singapore. It offers a selection of menswear and womenswear apparel and accessories and also includes a collection of clothing and accessories for kids. The Lifestyle collection presents a range of products which include shopping totes, crockery, stationary products and reusable cameras. Beyond The Vines offers its own brand merchandise which includes coffee machines, t-shirts, caps and canvas bags. It offers membership discounts, gift cards, a Frequently Asked Questions platform for brand related questions and provides delivery and shipping services to its customers. Beyond The Vines stores are located across Singapore and have expanded to the Philippines as well.
HOUSE OF MODERN CREATIONS PTE. LTD.
The Shirt Bar is the brand name of the Singapore-based House of Modern Creations which was incorporated in 2015. It began as a designer and producer for many recognisable international labels over a decade ago and its expertise in fashion enabled it to launch ‘The Shirt Bar’, as a menswear specialist. It offers a collection varying from classic formalwear to casualwear which includes shirts made of technically engineered and spill-resistant fabrics. It also offers a range of mens accessories which include belts, bow ties and neckties,tie pins, cufflinks, cumberbands,sunglasses and small leather goods, to name a few. The Shirt Bar has special wedding packages of groomswear products and also presents a Social Bar section offering advice and necessary products for social day functions. Its online store privileges include an FAQ division for menswear queries and a tracking service for purchases.
Top Singapore Fastest growing companies
SALT-WATER SANDALS ASIA PTE. LTD.
Salt-Water Sandals was established in the 1940s. The company products were originally manufactured from scrap leather as a means to deal with leather shortages during World War II. The Salt-Water Sandals are distinguished by their strong little-way stitched rubber soles, whereas the Sun-San collection is designed on a bouncing foam glue basis. Its collections are composed of 100 percent leather that has been covered with a water-resistant sealer, and they all mould to the user's foot with repeated wear. The sandals also come in a range of colours.
NOVELSHIP PTE. LTD.
Established in the 90s, Novelship is a fast growing platform for authentic, limited-edition sneakers, gear, and collectibles from brands such as Nike, Air Jordan, Adidas Yeezy, Fear of God, Supreme, Bearbrick, and others.
ONTHELIST PTE. LTD.
OnTheList was founded in 2016 and is based in Hong Kong. It later went on to establish operations in Singapore, followed by Taipei, Shanghai, Australia, South Korea, and Malaysia. The company offers a wide range of products including apparel, cosmetics, stationary, household goods, food and beverages.
6IXTY 8IGHT (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Established in 2002 by a lingerie manufacturing business in Asia, 6IXTYEIGHT launched its first ready-to-wear fashion lingerie collection in Paris. 6IXTY8IGHT established its headquarters in Hong Kong and the first store in Beijing, and the brand quickly expanded beyond lingerie to include underwear, nightwear, loungewear, activewear, apparel, and accessories. Today, 6IXTY8IGHT is a fast growing fashion company in Asia, with over 300 stores in China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan Region, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Apart from its stores, 6IXTY8IGHT also operates an e-commerce platform.
POMELO FASHION PTE. LTD.
Pomelo, founded in 2013, is a Bangkok-based online shopping platform. It offers women's clothing and accessories ranging from casual to formal clothing, as well as beach and sportswear. It currently exports to over 50 countries worldwide.
CARIUMA CENTRAL PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2017, Cariuma is a sustainable shoe brand formed by two former executives from the footwear industry. The brand focuses heavily on sustainability, including maintaining ethical factories and employing a strict code of conduct in its day-to-day operations. They offer a range of shoe designs for both men and women while their products can be found at retail stores such as Selfridges, Farfetch, Berrics, Lane Crawford and Level Shoes. As a part of its sustainability efforts, Cariuma has launched its own reforestation program, planting two trees in the Brazillian rainforests for every pair of sneakers sold.
OUR SECOND NATURE PTE. LTD.
Located in Singapore and incorporated in 2016, Our Second Nature, is an apparel brand focusing on comfortable everyday wear. Each collection is created with an in-house designer, to vary in print and statement. Its collections offer a selection of dresses, one piece jumpsuits, tops and bottoms. Second Nature’s ‘Mom Would Approve’ collection contains both conservative and comfortable casualwear and its Our Mini Nature collections offers casualwear for kids. It also offers a selection of Lifestyle products of kitchenware and crockery, tablemats, coasters and cushion covers. Its online store offers digital gift cards, return and exchange services, shipping delivery services and also offers a useful Journal blog with articles for engaging readers in real life experiences.
BIMBA & LOLA SINGAPORE, PTE. LTD.
Bimba Y Lola is a women's clothing company that was founded in 2005. It is headquartered in Spain and has more than 160 stores in 17 countries. Bimba Y Lola offers fashionable clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories.
CRYSTAL SL GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
Initiated in Hong Kong in 1970, Crystal International Group began as a small-time operation with a few sewing machines and knitting looms producing sweaters. Today, it manages 20 self-operating production sites spread across five countries, and caters to leading apparel companies across the globe. Crystal offers a wide range of garment products, including lifestyle wear, denim, intimates, sweaters, sportswear, and outdoor clothing. It employs a five-pillar approach to sustainability, such as the environment, innovation, product integrity, employee care, and community engagement.
SIOEN ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2015, Sioen Asia Pacific is a diverse group with a broad range of products and activities, including technological textile spinning, weaving, and coating, professional protective garment manufacturing, and fine chemical production. Sioen Asia Pacific is a subsidiary of Sioen Industries, which is headquartered in Belgium and is a global pioneer in technical fabrics, colour dispersions, and advanced protective clothing. The Apparel section of Sioen Industries designs, develops, manufactures, and markets complex technical protective garments for professional usage. The company caters to the transportation, firefighting, reinforcing textiles, sail fabrics, and ballistic protection segments.
