Men’s Fashion Singapore: 10 Style Trends You Should Try

If you’ve been stuck in the same look for a year, it’s time for an update. Men’s fashion in Singapore has evolved so much in recent times — sleep on it for a few months and your fashion sense is obsolete! But no worries, we aim to help you get up to date with the latest styles in men’s fashion. From the rise of street culture to the return of old school sneakers, we have recommendations in this guide that will get you looking fresh and relevant in the world of men’s fashion!

1. Basic shirts for men (great for couples!)

Starting off with the basics [pun intended], try some plain and graphic tees! These shirts for men are easy to match with most Singapore men’s fashion styles. Just grab a plain coloured shirt or a graphic tee with some attractive logos and you’re set for a casual look!

(Credit: Août Singapore)

Do consider some graphic tees with funny images or quotes on them – really makes for a great conversation starter.

(Credit: SuperTeeSG , TheJerrardGarage)

Or if you have a partner, you could get a couple shirt with matching brand logos on it! Admit it, you’ve always wanted in on the Champion and Fila trends with your partner! So why wait? Couple shirts are fun – rock it out with your loved one!

(Credit: Jshopspreejss)

2. Old school sneakers (if NMDs aren’t your thing)

Everyone loves a good pair of Adidas NMDs. But if that isn’t your style, that’s okay! You can try the next pair of trending shoes in Singapore men’s fashion. That’s right, we’re talking about good old sneakers! But in case you’re missing your old pair of Converse kicks, no worries. It’s an opportunity to try out new sneaker brands like Superga! [yay!]

(Credit: SCommerce, jianshan.sg)

Popular brands like Adidas and Fila have also been doubling down on their old school sneaker designs for men. But one brand which has truly taken the art of sneakers to its roots is Vans.

(Credit: Criano Flagship Store)

The Old Skool series is THE sneakers for men who enjoy sneaker designs of the good ol’ days. Get yourself a pair of these sneakers today if you’re looking for a simple and comfortable pair of shoes!

3. Get comfy with oversized shirts

If you had to try one piece of men’s street fashion in Singapore, it has to be oversized shirts. These shirts are popular with hip-hop dancers for their extra-loose fitting, providing more freedom to bust a move in. Oversized shirts can also refer to oversized graphic tees that are printed with brand logos, patterns and even pop culture references! Slip into one of these oversized shirts if you’re looking for a laidback look.

(Credit: INF&VEG)

4. Flannel & jeans for a versatile look

Need a dress style that goes well with your new pair of sneakers? How about some flannel shirts paired with jeans? These long sleeved shirts make for the perfect smart casual wear if you’re tired of plain colours and polo shirts. Flannel shirts are incredibly versatile pieces of Singapore men’s fashion and we think every Singaporean guy should own one!

(Credit: esxdfe.sg , Shuny)

Headed to a gathering at work? Keep the sleeves folded down. Heading for drinks afterwards? Just roll the sleeves back up! Two dress styles for the price of one decent flannel shirt. Oh but don’t forget a good pair of men’s jeans – or chinos – both go well with flannel shirts!

5. Chill out with tropical prints!

I know what you’re thinking: Hawaii [Heh]. No, but seriously, this style works. In fact, floral patterns are making an appearance on more pieces of men’s fashion in Singapore than ever. What attracts guys to these shirts? Maybe the floral patterns, the warm colours or both!

(Credit: Kiwi Shop , vsky.sg)

Either way, men’s floral shirts are proving to be quite a fashion statement considering that guys don’t often wear bright and funky colours. If you’re willing to go bold with your new fashion style, be our guest!

6. Go full-denim with denim jackets for men

This one’s for denim lovers. Expand on your love for denim jeans to owning a denim jacket. Admittedly, we thought that a full suit of denim would look weird. But we’ve checked it out and it’s a men’s fashion style in Singapore worth following. Yep, we said it! Denim looks good all over you! So if you already wear a pair of denim jeans every day, why not complete your look with an attractive denim jacket!

(Credit: xiangna.sg)

7. Men’s joggers pants (yes, they’re still IN)

Joggers are a hit or miss depending on whether you’re able to fit in with the athleisure trend. But yes, it’s 2018 and joggers are still in! We don’t see this Singapore men’s fashion trend dying anytime soon either. After all, Adidas NMDs go perfectly well with a good pair of joggers. So if you’re looking for a pair of pants that will do you good for the next year or so, try on a pair of men’s jogger pants!

(Credit: Beauty World.SG & supersale.sg)

Don’t want to look like you’re always headed to the gym? Then get yourself a pair of jogger jeans instead. Jogger jeans look like your typical pair of jeans but with the elasticity and comfort of men’s jogger pants. Try them out for yourself! Trust us, you won’t regret it!

(Credit: minaer.sg)

8. Printed bermuda shorts

Living in Singapore is a good enough reason to own a pair of bermuda shorts! The added breezy feeling on one’s legs is a blessing for anyone enduring the tropical heat. But classic plain berms are boring. Get printed berms instead!

(Credit: rachel.sg)

Now, some of you may think that’s a little wild but not if you have the right dress combination! That’s why we recommend pairing this unique pair of men’s shorts with a plain coloured tee. This is a Singapore men’s fashion style that lets your bottoms do the talking! It’s time to break the norm of fancy tops! Here’s an opportunity for you to stand out with a funky pair of printed bermuda shorts!

9. Windbreakers (because sweaters just aren’t for Singapore)

It’s quite unfortunate that Singaporeans aren’t able to adopt men’s jacket trends from seasonal countries. The tropical weather just isn’t an ally to our desire for trendy warm clothing. But there’s still hope! With windbreaker jackets, you can head out in style without being completely drenched in sweat.

(Credit: BestieLady , allflyne)

These jackets for men are made of lighter material than your typical men’s sweater! Windbreaker jackets even come in a variety of designs, patterns and colours too!

(Credit: xinxianglian.sg , jkcubz)

But if brands are important to you, then consider getting an iconic Adidas windbreaker jacket or windbreakers from The North Face. These brands have some of the most well-designed windbreakers on the market that will go well with any style of men’s fashion in Singapore that you’ve got on under!

10. Backpacks for men to complement your dressing

We can’t complete a list on Singapore men’s fashion trends without including backpacks for men! Very often, guys make the mistake of picking their dress style without considering whether their bags go well with it. We recommend backpacks from brands like Adidas, Herschel and even UnderArmour!

(Credit: Herschel Singapore Official , Fashion Brand Shop)

These backpack brands feature some of the best colour combinations and design styles on the market. But don’t rule out brandless backpacks for men! Some of them look and hold up just as good as the branded bags plus they come AT A STEAL! So consider your options before leaping on a purchase!

(Credit: lioncity.sg , zhenmingri.sg)

Need more men’s accessory ideas from Shopee Singapore?

Now that you know some of the latest trends in Singapore men’s fashion, all that’s left is to take a bold step forward and commit yourself to any one of them! Oh, but don’t forget to try out some of the latest hairstyles for men too! We have a guide on men’s hair products you’ll need to get a suave look. Or if you’re just looking to buy a gift for that special man in your life, maybe consider our pocket-friendly gift guide for men!

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The Vegan DIY Ethic: Help Businesses Travelling the Vegan Road Survive

There’s been movement in the vegan world of late; movement that is game-changing. Big businesses are developing vegan versions of foods, corporate supermarket chains are selling those foods, airlines are adding vegan menu items to their food service trolleys and big hotel chains are selling vegan food offerings. Celebrities and people of influence are adopting a vegan diet. There are Meatless Monday campaigns to help lead people away from meat and dairy. The accelerated rate this has been happening over the past year, I think, is unprecedented.

Parallel to this movement is the current commentary in the media being heavily focused on climate change. The commentary is asking how we as humans can all do our bit to help relieve the accelerated pace that climate change is affecting our planet. Readers and listeners alike are being called to action – in order to minimise climate change, we need to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.

We are living in a time of vulnerability. Our planet is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, our health is vulnerable to the effects of a diet heavy in meat and dairy and our communities are vulnerable to fluctuations in economics. We can be revolutionaries, and there hasn’t been a more optimal time, a more urgent time, to travel the vegan road. For non-vegans, this is a state of flux. Though, it’s becoming more acceptable to be vegan.

Five or ten years ago, veganism existed on the outer fringes of our communities. I liken it to punk rock, in a way, and veganism was approached with a similar DIY (do it yourself) ethic. Vegan businesses emerged as a way to offer vegans vegan foods and food substitutes to those yearning for vegan options. The mainstream societal systems at the time were (and still are, to a certain extent) in conflict with veganism. Vegans were saying no to these systems.

For emerging vegan businesses, it was a matter of being of service to others. Customers helped businesses to stay in business by buying their products. Vegan businesses were helping customers by giving them a way to live vegan without having to bend to the system that was in conflict with their compassionate views. Vegan businesses were propped up by those in the vegan community. Customers helped vegan businesses achieve their vegan missions, an act of small-scale tribalism –small pockets of communities supporting those getting the vegan message out there. Buying products, participating in fundraisers for animal rescue groups and participating in protests were ways in which vegan communities galvanised. This activity was held in the hope that vegans could influence change within those societal systems that were a detriment to the health and wellbeing of animals and the planet.

Nothing much has changed in this way of thinking in 2019. However, big business is now seeing the vegan road as the most sustainable one for the future of animals and the planet. The vegan communities of five or ten years ago are now seeing their work ‘paying off’, if I can suggest this, in ways of influence. The mainstream systems are changing and becoming more welcoming of veganism. Veganism is edging towards the spotlight rather than existing on the fringes in smaller communities.

So, where does this leave those early vegan pioneers? They have crafted the platform on which veganism can be talked about and expressed. Veganism is becoming increasingly accessible though sadly some of those vegan pioneers are shutting up shop. There’s simply not enough funds to keep their businesses alive and thriving. It leads back to that earlier point regarding the DIY ethic.

The vegan DIY ethic requires community and patronage. Asking your immediate vegan community about which businesses need your immediate support is a big part of this. It’s at ground level where you can understand veganism and how hyper-local actions can make waves to influence those bigger systems. Influence those bigger thinkers with your small actions of support.

Also, be intuitive and explore which vegan businesses are in need of your hard-earned dollars. Bring it back to basics: if you’re hungry or in need of clothing, explore your local vegan communities when it’s financially and geographically possible to do so. Share your positive experiences across your socials and during your conversations with friends and family. Establish and nurture those intimate connections with your local vegan businesses. You can then be the example to the greater hoards who may be sitting on the non-vegan/vegan fence.  This is where you can truly make a difference while ensuring vegan businesses can survive.

Hands Up for Vegan Rice and Curry in Sri Lanka!

The island nation of Sri Lanka is one that prides itself on its national dish of rice and curry. Sri Lanka is placed in good stead geographically; a strategic ‘pit-stop’ on the historic spice trade route from centuries past. Prolific spice trading occurred in Sri Lanka, as it was the perfect spot connecting the Middle East to the Far East of India, China and Malaysia before the Portugese, Dutch and English arrived. It’s only fitting that Sri Lanka fashioned its food culture around a fusion of cuisines over the centuries. Sri Lanka’s cuisine has since arrived at a point where its distinct flavours evolved into some of the tastiest rice and curry dishes you’ll find.

From north to south, east to west, rice and curry is everywhere and served every meal of the day. But don’t be fooled by the simplified term of ‘rice and curry’. Wherever you travel, tastes differ, spice mixes differ and textures of ingredients differ. Think of the combinations of this slow-cooked dish when you start to learn about the staples used – chilli, cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, mustard seeds and fenugreek to name a few. Rice and curry flavours are exuberant, imaginative and individual. So how can you get the full flavours of a vegan rice and curry meal in Sri Lanka?

Start with the rice…Lots of rice!

Rice is the jewel in the rice and curry crown and it comes in a handful of traditional forms. String hoppers are rice noodles made from a simple batter threaded through a string press into stringy strands. Strands are placed onto a hotplate in a flat pancake shape to form a web of noodles. Fresh string hoppers are served immediately from the hotplate. Traditional recipes are vegan; be sure that egg and dairy are not added. Another Sri Lanka favourite is pittu. Pittu is rice flour and coconut made into a crumbling texture before it’s packed into roll moulds then steamed. The rolls are then served to the table whole before they’re spooned onto plates (or banana leaves in Jaffna in the north) for the meal to commence. Simple steamed white or red rice also features in Sri Lanka rice and curry.  A stickier version is milk rice – rice cooked over a low heat with coconut cream until solid, then cut into dense squares for serving. Again, make sure coconut milk is used. If coconut milk powder is used, be sure there’s no dairy in the powder. No matter what rice is served, make sure you pile a generous serve into the middle of your plate. You’ll be amazed by the amount of rice you’ll find as it’s as staple as potato is in the West.

Add your curries, the accompaniment to your rice

Curries are served to the table in serving bowls and you’ll discover a plethora of curries on offer, all with their unique vegetables, spice mixes and flavours. Vegetarian curries can be made vegan if they’re made sans dairy (such as milk, curd, buttermilk and curd) animal-based ghee. It’s essential to speak with a venue about the ingredients first and explain what you don’t eat. Another common ingredient to watch out for is Maldive fish, a cured fish that is used extensively in Sri Lanka cuisine to enhance flavour. It’s only used in small amounts, so it’s vital you ensure it’s not used in your meal when you order.

Once you’ve ensured your meal can be made vegan, then you can explore the many curries made from delicious, sometimes unique, local vegetables. Eggplant, pumpkin, potato, beetroot, beans, squash and cabbage are all delectable ingredients that feature in curries. One ingredient to be on the look-out for is drumstick; a long, green, fibrous vegetable that resembles okra.  Each vegetable will be prepared and served with their own flavours and levels of chilli. Another staple is dhal, legumes seasoned in spices and cooked in coconut milk. An exquisite taste to experience.

Don’t forget your sambal and salads

A rice and curry meal is naked without sambal. These are served in small amounts on your plate as spicy condiments to your rice and curry meal. Coconut sambal is a favourite – shredded coconut mixed with red onion, chilli and lime juice. Other sambals may be served as a spice and onion mix, or with added tamarind for a sweeter version. Chopped leaves with coconut and diced tomato salads are also found on the rice and curry table, alongside a basket of pappadam that’s served piping hot just before eating.

Yes, you can eat with your hands!

Though, you just eat with your right hand. Use the fingers on your right hand to mix rice with curries on your plate before picking up the mix and popping it into your mouth. Only use the tips of your fingers; up to the first line on each finger is used as your guide.

And observe more local etiquette before, during and after you eat:

• Wash and dry your hands before you arrive at the table at the sink that’s offered to you
• During the meal, pass dishes with your clean hand (not your eating hand)
• Start eating when everyone at the table has been served; the eldest traditionally starts
• Don’t lick your fingers! Wash your hands after the meal instead
• Don’t leave the table until everyone finishes eating

Want to experience Sri Lanka’s rice and curry tradition for yourself? The all-vegan tour company VegVoyages travels to Sri Lanka on its 14-day Finding Serendipidy on the Island of Serendip tour. VegVoyages’ 2020 Sri Lanka tour is scheduled for August 23 to September 5.

Racing to Break Traditions in November

I spent Melbourne Cup Day here in Melbourne this month having lunch at Euro Kitchen European Vegan Café and Restaurant in Fitzroy. Euro Kitchen is one of Melbourne’s vegan surprises, serving up traditional European cuisine in vegan versions. This was a stark contrast to the day I decided to have lunch there.

Melbourne, one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, is a city that is also steeped in tradition. Each November, the city is overrun by its “Spring racing carnival”. This horse-racing carnival attracts travellers from interstate and overseas. These travellers have a collective goal to experience the Melbourne Cup in Melbourne, a 158-year-old horse race that “stops the nation”.

As I ate one of Euro Kitchen’s signature dishes, stuffed sour cabbage rolls, the Melbourne Cup was occurring less than 10 kilometres from where I was sitting. When my meal arrived to the table, Nick (Euro Kitchen’s owner) explained that the dish was a vegan version of a 200-year old family recipe. It was fascinating to learn this from Nick, given that Euro Kitchen prides itself on presenting an alternative while challenging the status quo through vegan cuisine. Through the traditional activity of cooking, Euro Kitchen succeeds in creating vegan dishes that do not lack taste, flavour and traditional character. Nick prides himself on his homestyle menu, warm and hospitable service and genuine vegan attitude. To have the courage to tweak traditional family recipes and create vegan versions is a gracious and bold step. What Euro Kitchen has shown Melbourne is that breaking tradition really is possible and acceptable.

This month, Racing Victoria experienced something that is setting a new precedent in Melbourne. Attendance numbers during Spring racing carnival hit new lows. During its lead-up, footage was aired across the nation about ex-racehorses being sent to slaughterhouses after their careers. The footage also revealed cruelty towards these animals en masse. According to Melbourne’s prominent newspaper, the Herald-Sun, Melbourne Cup attendance numbers were the lowest since 1995. The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses echoed these numbers. Turnover from major sports betting agency Tabcorp experienced a decline of close to 6%. In the weeks leading up to the carnival, famous horse trainer Darren Weir was charged with illegal activity in his conduct within the Australian horse-racing industry, including causing unreasonable pain or suffering to a thoroughbred racehorse.  Further negative sentiment towards the horse-racing industry continued. Thornbury Picture House decided not to screen the 2019 movie Ride Like A Girl, a biopic that explores the life of Michelle Payne; the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.  According to the independent cinema, it was a “moral decision”.

Whether it’s a 200-year-old family recipe or a 158-year-old horse race, personal action can enact change. A refreshed response can be the catalyst for the change that is so desperately needed when it comes to animal welfare. It also takes businesses like Euro Kitchen to make the decision to trade on the Melbourne Cup public holiday and give Melburnians (and travellers to the city) an option to say no to this day of animal cruelty. What has always been done doesn’t have to be done.

Check out Euro Kitchen Vegan Café and Restaurant for yourself. 100 Kerr Street Fitzroy Victoria Australia 3065. Phone: 0417 678 585. Hours: 11.30am to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 9.30pm daily.

If you want to learn more about the horseracing industry in Australia and how you can say no to this cruel industry, visit the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses’ website.

Disclaimer: all food and drinks purchased at Euro Kitchen on Melbourne Cup Day 2019 were paid in full by Justine de Jonge. All thoughts expressed in this blog post are her own.