Zing Muse – Malaysia’s Halal fashion industry is growing strongly, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity, not only conquering the domestic market but also gradually affirming its international mark.

According to the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/24, Muslim consumer spending on apparel and footwear is expected to reach USD 428 billion by 2027, growing at a rate of about 6.1% per year. In this context, Malaysia is striving to become a hub for Halal fashion creation and export, thanks to a synchronous development ecosystem from policy, design, production to training and trade promotion.

Strategic support

The Malaysian government has identified the Halal industry as an important economic driver, with the goal of making Malaysia a global Halal hub by 2030. In the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, modest fashion is considered a potential sector, contributing to promoting exports and expanding international influence.

At the Malaysia International Halal Show (MIHAS) 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Halal is not only limited to food but also extends to cosmetics, fashion and lifestyle, reflecting the far-reaching vision of the government and MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Authority).

Through trade promotion, training and international networking programs, the Malaysian government is laying a solid foundation for the Halal fashion industry. The launch of MyFashionChamber in July 2025 – an organization that brings together designers, artisans, educators and businesses – is an important step towards the goal of making Malaysia a global Halal fashion hub.

A journey of faith and aesthetics

Halal fashion is not just about designing modest clothing according to Islamic standards, but also a journey of balancing faith and aesthetics.

Sharing with Straits Times, CEO and Creative Director of Mimpikita brand Nurul Zulkifli said: “Modest fashion is a way to express yourself confidently and comfortably while still sticking to personal values. These are designs that are longer, wider, not restrictive but still sophisticated.”

Not only popular domestically, Malaysian Halal fashion brands are creating buzz at international fashion weeks. The Mimpikita brand – founded by three Malaysian sisters, once “stormed” London Fashion Week 2015 with its discreet yet elegant designs. Other names such as Blancheur, Ummiriaz and Jovian Mandagie also appeared at events in Dubai, London, Singapore… and became representatives of a new fashion trend: Luxury, adherence to tradition and global integration.

In addition, Vivy Yusof’s success story with her brand dUCk is a prime example of the export potential of Malaysian Halal fashion. With over 3 million hijabs (a type of head covering worn by many Muslim women to cover their hair, neck and ears, but still expose their faces) sold in over 75 countries, Vivy has not only built an impressive personal brand but also represents a generation of young entrepreneurs, turning Halal fashion into a creative industry with global appeal.

Digital Fashion

The growth of Halal fashion in Malaysia is strongly driven by Gen Z – young, tech-savvy consumers with a strong sense of personal identity and contemporary aesthetics. They seek modest yet trendy outfits that can be used flexibly in many situations.

According to the logistics group DHL Malaysia, social media and e-commerce are becoming strategic channels for Halal brands to expand their global market. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Zalora, along with specialized e-commerce sites such as Modanisa and Hijup, are effective bridges between products and target consumers.

This shift has prompted many brands to invest in digital strategies: from friendly online shopping experiences to collaborating with influential faces in the Muslim community, developing educational content such as how to wear a hijab or how to coordinate modest yet fashionable outfits. Ms. Fazrena Aziz, CEO of the brand TudungPeople, commented: “It is social media that has exploded the modest fashion trend, helping Muslim women feel confident to express themselves through fashion.”

According to Vogue Business, “modest fashion” content has surpassed 1.3 billion views on TikTok, contributing to spreading the global trend. Research on ResearchGate (2025) shows that Halal fashion videos have high engagement, driving consumer behavior through eWOM.

A strong digital presence has helped many Malaysian brands like Naelofar expand their exports, affirming the leading role of digital transformation in the Halal fashion globalization strategy.

Responsible Fashion

Sustainability and ethical standards are becoming the driving trends in global Halal fashion. From using organic fabrics, transparent production processes to committing to no animal testing, Halal brands are showing their pioneering role in responsible fashion.

For example, fashion brand Batik Boutique combines natural materials with the craftsmanship of local artisans, while Kualesa produces clothes from eco-friendly bamboo fiber.

In addition, Malaysia’s internationally recognized Halal certification system ensures that products comply with strict standards from raw materials, production, packaging to distribution. The integration of technologies such as blockchain and traceability is also identified by HIMP 2030 as a key factor in increasing trust from global consumers.

In the trend of sustainable consumption, Malaysian Halal fashion is not just a trend, but also a symbol of a creative economy that is closely linked to cultural and religious values. From small workshops in Kuala Lumpur to the London fashion runways, from traditional hijabs to “smart modest wear” – modest clothing that integrates technology and versatile design, Malaysia is telling its own fashion story: modern, ethical and full of identity.

With a long-term strategy, stable policies and endogenous creativity, Malaysian Halal fashion is increasingly asserting its global position, not only through products, but also through its unique cultural values and identity.

Linda (News)