As the fashion industry continues to evolve, more and more clothing brands are emerging on the scene. With each passing year, more and more people are becoming fashion-conscious, which is a great thing for the fashion industry as a whole.
However, as with any other industry, certain companies in this niche stand out above the rest.
One of those companies is your preferred clothing brand. Not only do they have a wide array of styles to choose from, but you can also be sure that the quality of their clothing will be top-notch.
The best clothing brands in South Africa today go beyond just clothing; they also incorporate accessories and footwear into their offerings.
This gives their customers a wide range of choices when it comes to how they want to wear their clothes and what accessories they want to match them with.
If you’re looking for variety and quality when making your choice of clothing brands, there are several great options available today.
If you haven’t already made up your mind about which one you prefer, why not take a look at our top 12 picks in this article?
Top 12 Clothing Brands in South Africa
There are hundreds of clothing brands on the market in South Africa, and each of them has a different look and feel. Some are made in small shops with short runs; others are mass-produced in factories with a large number of employees.
For many people, choosing the right clothes is an aspiration that they have. But how do you find out which brands to choose?
To help you sift through the options out there, here are 12 top clothing brands from South Africa (and the reasons why you should be wearing each brand).
1. Selfi
SELFI, the Cape Town-based ready-to-wear clothing brand, was born out of a need for clothing that was feminine, stylish, and versatile.
The team spent months testing fabrics and designing unique silhouettes. They then worked tirelessly at manufacturing their garments to offer a quality product that would stand the test of time.
Through their innovative designs, SELFI can tackle today’s fashion trends and produce clothing that is both individual and timeless.
The fabrics used are sourced from the best mills in the world and are carefully put together to ensure the result is high-quality, versatile clothing with a great fit.
SELFI focuses on high-quality, ethical, and stylish clothing. They design their clothes in-house, are passionate about their designs, and aim to inspire people to be their best selves.
SELFI believes in creating pieces that are timeless, yet fresh and trendy at the same time. We hope you see yourself in our designs because they see you as a part of our design team.
2. Tsotetsi KL
The fashion industry has undergone massive changes over the past few years. The traditional model of department stores and boutiques is being replaced by a new paradigm, where brands are targeting smaller niches, retailers are moving online, and designer labels are going mass market.
Tsotetsi KL is one of South Africa’s first fashion brands to take advantage of this new world order.
Tsotetsi KL was launched in 2011, to provide high-quality clothing at affordable prices for all ages and genders. The brand draws its inspiration from a love for classic styles, but with a modern twist.
As young people aspire to make their mark on the fashion industry, Tsotetsi KL appeals to those who want to be more than just a follower.
They appreciate that their clothes have been designed by people who have been in the fashion industry for a long time, but who are still able to keep up with the fast-changing times.
3. Stitch & Steel
Linda Gale, a Johannesburg-based designer, developed the apparel company Stitch & Steel.
Linda soon established a name for herself in the market by producing unique things fashioned from real African textiles.
The business mostly concentrates on women’s apparel, but men are not forgotten, as they also offer a men’s line that includes ties and patterned shirts.
Only a few of each garment is made, so you’ll be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind item.
4. NN Vintage
Nhlanhla Nciza is an artist and fashion designer who has been in the industry for the past 12 years. Her passion for fashion started in high school when she made clothing from repurposed material.
She then progressed to creating her makeup and dresses, which caught the attention of people in both the media and the industry.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Nciza wanted to be a fashion model when she was younger. She now runs her fashion label, NN Vintage. The label’s name refers to “NN”, which stands for “Nhlanhla Nciza”.
Nciza is a fashion label that has been inspired by the past. The brand carries out vintage fashion in an alluring manner and with the amalgamation of class and luxury.
Its line includes dresses, tops, skirts, and jewelry. With the amalgamation of modern and vintage styles, it has gained immense popularity among women who enjoy the fusion of both.
The brand has been able to create a strong niche for itself in the fashion industry and this has made it a favourite among many.
5. Rich Mnisi
Rich Mnisi’s eponymous modern fashion label, which debuted in 2014, has swiftly become the darling of South African fashion.
Rich has already been crowned Africa Fashion International Young Designer of the Year and has appeared in prominent publications such as Marie Claire, Elle, and GQ Style in his short time on the scene.
Rich is inspired by pop culture, which is obvious in his whimsical designs that feature skillful fabric manipulation, androgyny, and a diversity of textures.
Rich Mnisi, who is already a fan-favourite among the local fashion set, appears to be here to stay.
6. Thula Sindi
Thula Sindi is a Johannesburg-based designer who established his label in 2005. Thula Sindi’s stylish apparel blends modernism, simplicity, and refinement.
Thula secured a job as chief designer at Vlisco, a Dutch textile manufacturer, after graduating from fashion school, where he honed his creative abilities.
Thula went on to show in fashion weeks all around the world after successfully breaking into the industry, including Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Washington, and New York.
He was voted South African Fashion Designer of the Year in 2012, and he was included in Forbes’ ’30 under 30: Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs’ list in 2013.
7. Isabel De Villiers
Isabel De Villiers is recognized for designing clothes for plus-size ladies, thus you will discover apparel ranging in size from 32 to 48.
Its clothes are designed to make women feel confident and comfortable, with a concentration on simplicity, color, and quality. Bags, leather belts, and accessories are also available from the company.
The business, founded in 2012 by Cape Town-born designer Isabel De Villiers, is situated in Pretoria.
8. David Tlale
David Tlale, an award-winning designer, is a household name in South Africa. David is known for his show-stopping costumes and superbly fitted pieces, and his flair for the theatrical ensures that he always puts on a spectacular performance.
The brand’s artistic draping, sculptural details, and beautiful appliqué have piqued the curiosity of global fashion influencers, landing him a seat on the international stage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York, where he has shown every year since 2012.
He was the first South African to perform solo at the coveted event.
9. Sindiso Khumalo
Sindiso has made a space for herself by making modern sustainable textiles with a strong emphasis on African storytelling. She has a background in architecture and a degree in sustainable textile design from the University of Cape Town.
She won the Vogue Italia “Who’s On Next Dubai” competition in 2015 and was also a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2020. Among other locations, she has shown her work during Milan Fashion Week.
10. Likhanyo Mdingi
The apparel business, founded in 2015 by East London-born Lukhanyo Mdingi, has carved a space for itself by making masterpieces that are a blend of design and spirit. The brand looks to human inventiveness as a source of inspiration for producing an honest and robust design.
11. Leanne Viviers
After eight years as the creative director for designer Marianne Fassler’s business, Lezanne Viviers debuted her apparel line in 2009.
Viviers is a fan of modern art, and her passion for South Africa’s lush landscape shows in the way she blends rare materials with luscious patterns to produce spectacular pieces that leave people speechless.