Embracing modesty

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

Today, Indonesia is seeing more incredible pride and confidence in embracing its cultural identity. Notably, this entails a more profound commitment to modesty and Islamic values.

Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) National Chairman Ali Charisma stated: “This shift is reflected in the rise of halal businesses, including Shariah-compliant banks. Young people are now more open and proud to use these services, moving away from past trends where modernity was often associated with Western influences.”

Given this response, Ali believes that Indonesia is on its way to becoming a leading global hub for modest fashion, especially with the extensive presence of modest fashion brands and events across the country.

He additionally noted that non-Muslims in Indonesia are gravitating towards modest brands. This reflects an acceptance of modest fashion beyond religious boundaries.

“I am hopeful that within the next five years, international buyers will come to Indonesia to seek out products from our modest fashion brands. Currently, the global market isn’t fully convinced, as buyers tend to focus on manufacturing hubs like Vietnam, India, and China.

“However, Indonesia offers a unique flavour with our handmade textiles, such as batik and intricate embroidery, which sets us apart from the mass-produced items of other countries,” said Ali.

CHALLENGES WITH INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

While the modest fashion industry in Indonesia is booming, Ali acknowledges that there are still areas for improvement. In fact, the country’s textile production, especially at the mass production level, faces challenges in both innovation and sustainability.

“In terms of mass production, we use polyester, which isn’t the most sustainable option, but we’re one of the largest producers of it. We’re also working on improving sustainability in this area. Additionally, we produce viscose in Indonesia, which is suitable for large-scale manufacturing,” Ali commented.

He also stressed that innovation in textile design is critical in enhancing comfort while maintaining affordability. The local market demands textiles that are both functional and comfortable, with affordable pricing. However, balancing between high-quality, innovative fabrics and affordable pricing proves challenging.

Fortunately, among Indonesia’s unique offerings are exclusive textiles made from banana and pineapple fibres, which are not commonly found elsewhere.

Although currently produced in small quantities and priced for the mid and upper-class markets, they remain quite affordable. Plus, these distinctive materials offer a competitive edge on the international stage.

Ali has also observed how sustainable lifestyles significantly influence fashion trends in Indonesia. Following this trend, the Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MF) required all participating designers to incorporate recycled hijabs into their collections.

“The idea is for them to take hijabs that people no longer wear and upcycle or recycle them into different products, like dresses or bags. This small movement is about raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.

“It has become a trend in Indonesia now; people, especially young women, are not ashamed to wear the same dress repeatedly to show they are responsible and not over-consuming or over-buying products.”

MAINTAINING CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY 

Ali underscores the importance of staying true to Indonesian identity, even in international settings.

“When showcasing modest fashion in Paris, Indonesian brands continue to showcase their hijabs. We don’t wear hijabs in Indonesia, only to have them removed in Paris.

“We keep wearing them in Paris because we want people to understand us as Indonesians, not because we want them to dress like us,” he added.

While discussing cultural authenticity and trends, Ali highlighted IFC’s recent trend forecast for 2025 and 2026, which was unveiled at the Muslim Fashion Festival (MUFFEST).

The forecast aims to cultivate a unique Indonesian fashion identity by integrating traditional elements such as sarongs into everyday clothing. It ensures that conventional garments remain relevant and practical for professional and casual settings.

Ultimately, Indonesia is setting new standards for both quality and innovation in the modest fashion sector as it continues to advance within the industry. – @Halal