There are many, many issues with fast fashion—sustainability, ethics, human rights violations, environmental concerns, and whatnot. But have you noticed how not all of them visibly affect the wearer? Here's the real kicker: While you may not care where your clothes come from, fast fashion often robs you of your aesthetic identity, making you look like a carbon copy, of a carbon copy, of a carbon copy. But what if you could create your own visual signature, be environmentally conscious, and support homegrown brands? From quirky experiments to laidback minimalism, these brands are giving men a reason to reexamine their wardrobes. Check them out if you’re ready to up your style game without losing your soul to fast fashion. 

Outbreak 

“Absurd solutions to nonexistent problems.” If that doesn’t scream 21st-century fashion, I don’t know what does. Outbreak isn’t your run-of-the-mill menswear label; it’s more like a science experiment gone gloriously rogue. Their approach? Take decade-old deadstock fabrics, throw in a pinch of industrial wearables, add some 3D printing for good measure, and then ask, ‘What if?’—because why not? Their collection, Forced Exploration, feels like a Mad Max wardrobe assembled by a couture designer on caffeine. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to look like a walking art installation, Outbreak has you covered. 

SLOMOTION 

In a world obsessed with doing everything at breakneck speed, SLOMOTION takes a breather. Think of them as the ‘anti-fast fashion’ brand, where their designs whisper, “Hey, slow down. You don’t need another oversized hoodie, but if you do, let’s make it chic.” Their minimalist, handcrafted leather goods offer a much-needed respite from today’s chaotic style landscape. The result? Sandals, bags, wallets, and accessories that are as understated as they are sophisticated, crafted with the sort of attention to detail that screams, "This isn't mass-produced!" A gentle nod to those of us who crave simplicity, but with a side of flair. 

House of Corduroy 

Corduroy has long been the underdog of fabrics—mocked, ignored, but never fully forgotten. House of Corduroy takes this iconic fabric and gives it a high-fashion reboot. Handcrafted and sustainable, their pieces are perfect for channelling your inner 70s rock god without looking like you’ve raided your dad’s closet. If you’re over denim and need something a little more retro chic, this brand is your answer. 

Rafu.d 

Rafu.d’s secret sauce is its ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering something that feels deeply rooted in Indian heritage but without falling into the ‘ethnic wear’ pigeonhole. Picture this: sleek silhouettes that respect your body but don’t choke it, fine detailing that doesn’t scream “Look at me!” and fabrics that have been around longer than your granddad. Their use of sustainable materials coupled with modern tailoring creates a unique space for men who want to look good without losing themselves in fast fashion’s fleeting trends. 

Wunderhaus 

Wunderhaus is your answer to looking polished and feeling comfy without overthinking it. The brand is all about handmade fashion, so each piece is crafted with care, ensuring that no two items are exactly the same. Expect earthy tones, breathable fabrics, and pieces that blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. It’s like they took your idea of a perfect Sunday outfit—comfy, stylish, and unique—and made it a reality. 

Photo Credits - Arjun Doshi  

Teev 

Let’s face it: sometimes you just need the basics done right. Enter Teev. With an eye for clean, functional design, Teev serves up versatile, everyday essentials that won’t leave you looking like you just rolled out of bed but could if you wanted them to. The brand focuses on high-quality materials and classic designs, making it easy to throw together an outfit even when you’re half asleep. Think neutral colours, clean lines, and functionality first—a minimalist’s dream. 

Photo Credits - Saubhagya Bhagyaraj 

Salsette Collective 

Salsette Collective is like that laidback friend who always looks effortlessly cool, even in the sweltering heat of an Indian summer. Their focus on breathable, sustainable fabrics makes them a go-to for the conscious shopper. But don’t let the eco-friendly buzzwords fool you—their collections are just as chic as they are responsible. If you’re after comfortable silhouettes that don’t compromise on style, Salsette Collective has you covered. 

In frame - Divyak D’Souza, Stylist