Are Malaysian men stylish? They're catching on, with growing fashion confidence

The Star

5 days ago

Walk through any mall in Malaysia and you will see it all: men in pressed slacks and polished loafers, others in oversized tees and sandals – and everything in between.
The fashion scene here is undeniably diverse. But what does it say about Malaysian guys today? Are they truly stylish?
That, of course, depends on who you ask.
Speak to personalities in the public eye, and many will argue that local men could step up their style game.
Actor and television host Awal Ashaari believes the country's hot and humid climate limits outfit choices.
He thinks it is just difficult to be creative when one has to dress for practical reasons.
'Men's fashion can be so much more exciting when you introduce good layering or less lightweight fabrics,' he explains.
'If we had a cooler climate, I genuinely believe Malaysia could have some of the best-dressed men in South-East Asia.'
Awal himself is known for his polished presence at red carpet events and fashion weeks around the world.
Just last month, he attended a Bulgari party in Singapore.
Awal thinks there is still room for growth when it comes to the men's fashion scene here in Malaysia. Photo: Bulgari 'For that, I chose to not overdress. The spotlight should be on the watches and jewellery. We were all there to celebrate the collections, not ourselves,' he shares, showing a sense of restraint.
'That's usually my approach for clients' events. I dress thoughtfully, but never in a way that competes with what's being showcased.'
Awal does not hold back when it comes to common style missteps though.
He believes some of the popular choices Malaysian men make could use a rethink – and that the heat cannot be used as an excuse all the time.
'Keep your football jerseys on the pitch or when you're watching the game,' he says.
'We get it, you love your team and want to show support, but jerseys aren't the best choice for outings, and definitely not for weddings.'
According to him, footwear is another frequent offender.
'Flip-flops are great... on the beach or when you're washing the car,' he says with a laugh. 'Just put on a decent pair of shoes with socks, you'll see how quickly your whole look improves.'
Still, Awal believes it does not take much to look put-together.
'Malaysian men could definitely wear more linen shirts and tapered khaki pants,' he suggests.
'They're stylish, breathable, and elevate your appearance without sacrificing comfort. Simple changes like that can really go a long way.'
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Growing interest, but still cautious
Men who are not constantly in front of the camera are generally less willing to talk about fashion.
Perhaps it is a confidence thing, or maybe they are just hesitant to be seen showing too much interest.
'I like being different and standing out, so yes, it's game on for me to dress up better,' says one Malaysian, who prefers to be known only as Adam.
Yet the fact that he wants to remain anonymous speaks volumes about how comfortable men here truly are when it comes to engaging in conversations about fashion.
He does feel judged, especially when being a little more bold by wearing something out of the ordinary – like a bright printed shirt or tailored pants in a pastel shade.
Adam, in his 30s, also often worries about his style choices, particularly whether what he wears will please everyone.
Despite those hesitations, he maintains that there has been a shift.
'Malaysian men are more daring nowadays, but it really depends on the occasion,' he says.
Fashion designer Akmal Hakim agrees. While many men still gravitate towards classic streetwear, minimalist tailoring or neutral palettes, he sees a growing appreciation for intentional styling.
He notes that more are beginning to experiment with proportions, layering, and softer yet more expressive looks – something that felt rare just a decade ago.
Although Akmal does not design menswear, he says that if he did, it would centre on 'elevated basics'.
Basics like denim are popular choices. Photo: Asal 'I'd keep it grounded in ­functionality and ease, using breathable fabrics that make sense for a tropical country,' he explains.
'I'd play with smart details, cooling materials, adjustable cuts, and pieces that can transition from day to night. The silhouettes would be relaxed but polished, with that clean, elevated feel I naturally lean towards in my womenswear.'
He also runs a men's grooming and styling business, specialising in weddings.
To him, the male market often overlooks the middle ground. He says it needs clothing that is not too street and not overly corporate either.
'I think Malaysian men are ready for clothes that are both wearable and expressive, or pieces that feel current, comfortable and confident. But of course, the designs simply can't look like they're trying too hard,' Akmal says.
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Life imitates runway?
The crowds at fashion weeks may not be the best representation of how perceptions have evolved.
Yet they do hint at a shift – one where men are becoming more comfortable with expressing themselves through style, even if only in certain spaces or circles.
'They are becoming more open to experimenting, not just on the runway, but in real life too,' claims the organiser of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, Andrew Tan.
'There's less fear now in showing style personality.'
Tan notes that the rise of unisex designs and relaxed silhouettes has opened up room for men to explore fashion more freely.
In his view, traditional norms still govern the corporate wardrobe, but off-duty looks tend to follow current trends more closely.
'While we're not in Paris or Seoul's levels of expression yet, we're definitely out of the rigid box and in fact coming into a fun new space, where we're also blending a lot of heritage favourites like batik prints and traditional wear styles,' Tan elaborates.
He adds that even designers who previously focused solely on womenswear are now incorporating menswear elements into their collections.
'It's subtle but significant, a quiet shift that's giving menswear a stronger presence without forcing the issue. It feels organic, like the scene is naturally evolving.' he says.
While there are still fewer designers dedicated solely to menswear, the signs are clear: male fashion is no longer an afterthought.
In Malaysia, names like Fairuz Ramdan (designs pictured on the cover), Joe Chia, Kit Woo, Bon Zainal, Asal and Double U continue to hold ground for the local men's fashion scene – each offering distinct takes that range from modern tailoring to avant-garde streetwear.