Local fashion brands that should be on your radar
From minimalist to streetwear, local brands offer quality and design without breaking the bank
Published Jul 8, 2025 02:11 pm
A recent conversation on social media sparked debate around the quality of local clothing brands—some saying they're subpar, others arguing that the well-made ones are often too pricey. As a result, many Filipino shoppers continue to lean toward international labels.
But it doesn’t always have to be a choice between affordability and quality. The Manila Bulletin Lifestyle team rounded up local fashion brands that strike the right balance—offering great design, comfort, and craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
Bocu
For lovers of minimalism and timeless style, Bocu may just be your new go-to. This lifestyle brand champions “less is more,” focusing on understated, functional design made with premium fabrics. Each piece is crafted to hold its shape and quality over time, allowing wearers to build a wardrobe that lasts beyond trends.
Among its latest offerings is the Women’s Knit Square Neck Panel Maxi Dress, featuring a flattering fit, waist ties, and side slit pockets—classic yet effortlessly modern. For men, the V-Neck Cardigan in Mahogany offers a relaxed silhouette with slide pockets, made from a cozy blend of 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester.
Tayo Studio
Rooted in the idea that fashion should feel both personal and purposeful, Tayo Studio creates clothes that fit well, feel good, and proudly reflect Filipino identity. Its name—“Tayo,” meaning “us” in Filipino—embodies its mission: locally made clothing by Filipinos, for Filipinos.
Sustainability and community are at the heart of Tayo’s work. Over half of their garments are made from deadstock fabric—leftover materials that would otherwise be discarded. Every piece is also made in-house by a mostly female team, highlighting their commitment to ethical craftsmanship.
This season, Tayo Studio unveils The Milkmaid Collection, a dreamy, countryside-inspired lineup. With soft colors, gentle prints, and romantic silhouettes, the collection captures the beauty of everyday simplicity and feminine ease—perfect for those drawn to nostalgia, slow living, and meaningful style.
Conceit Clothing
While bold prints dominate much of the Philippine streetwear scene, Conceit sets itself apart with a more introspective and minimalist approach. The brand speaks to individuals who prefer subtle self-expression over loud statements—those who channel emotion and confidence through clean, thoughtful design. Conceit's pieces aren’t made to impress others but to resonate with the wearer's personal sense of identity. Rather than following fleeting trends, the brand focuses on tuning into a “frequency” that forges a deeper connection with its community.
For founder Sam Jacinto, developing each collection is more than just a creative task—it’s a meaningful journey. He finds joy in building the mood board, a process that allows him to visualize the full narrative arc of a collection. To him, every release is a new chapter in Conceit’s evolving story, not just another product drop.
Lately, the brand has been exploring more experimental territory, introducing minimal prints while staying true to its clean aesthetic. A case in point: the upcoming Archive Series 1990 #NoRulesSummer collection, which embraces a '90s-inspired vibe and intentionally veers away from typical summer styles.