I read this commentary article which sparked a discussion about the fashion sense of Singaporean men:
(Image: Channel News Asia)
Welcome to UNIQLO!!!
For the not-so-well informed, the articles states that Singaporean males have a tendency to buy specific clothing articles from UNIQLO, a Japan-based apparel company, The joke comes about when people open their wardrobes and it screams "Welcome to UNIQLO!" because firstly, the wardrobe is FULL of their apparel; and secondly, it's how the staff greet you when you enter their stores (talk about iconic).
The main gist of the article is that most Singaporean guys wear the same over-sized top from UNIQLOs AIRism line. Is it true? Well, the article says that anytime you are out and about in the The Little Red Dot, you are bound to see a guy or a group of them sporting the same tee in dri-fit shorts and slippers.
Men can do better and dress up.
I won't go into why that particular clothing line is popular because opinions are like boobs and willies; you can be proud to have either one, but wave them in someone's face and we are going to have a problem (unless it's for that). The point I want to talk about is how the writer mentions that local men should take a leaf from Gen Zs book and dress up.
Is it impractical? No, I don't think so because we are constantly chasing after the trends set by the younger generations. What we consider fashionable may not be so for others. Look at how Crocs came back when they were ridiculed not too long ago.
The writer did bring up two important points: presentation and confidence. How the men dress should be appropriate when out in public because not only will they look good following trending styles, they will feel good not standing out like a sore thumb.
The flip side
As with most views, the opposition comes from yet again, differing views from each generation or individual. Or the way I see it, the bloody weather.
(Image: Straits Times)
The joke in Singapore is that we also have four seasons; hot, hotter; wet, wetter. Add on an average humidity level of around 70% and you will either be soaking wet in perspiration or rain water.
My opinion? (yes, I am stating, not waving it around)
As someone who does my fair share of laundry and housework AND having to dress appropriately for work, I would always take the chance to go for casual (think simple) fashion whenever possible. This means apparel that is easy to wash and dry; i.e. no ironing and quick to dry.
When you have to do laundry, you will realise just how fustrating certain clothing articles like pants, dresses, jackets, cardigans and socks can be. Especially when it rains.
Closing thoughts
I have both male and female friends from the same age group who mostly share the same sentiments regarding dressing up. If it was a formal setting, we would dress appropriately but when it comes to comfort, we will (mostly) revert back to tees, shorts or skirts and flip flops.
Seriously though, when it comes to fashion, wear what you like. Want to be pragmatic? Go for easy maintanence apparel. Want to bring out your inner fashionista? Go wild and let your style talk.
Ultimately, as long as it is appropriate for the occasion and does not break any laws, no one has the right to force their go-to fashion on you. Well....so long as you avoid wearing slippers/flip-flops with socks.