How Malaysian men are failing at style—And why it’s a national embarrassment

GC Illustration.

Hi GC,

First and foremost, let me commend GC for the breadth and depth of content featured in Ask the Gentleman. The variety of insights proves that there is still a champion of taste in a world increasingly leaning towards casual mediocrity.

The fact that men (and women) seek counsel on the finer aspects of life here is proof that the pursuit of class is not yet extinct.

However, stepping outside the pages of GC and onto the streets of Malaysia, one can’t help but wonder: why do so many Malaysian men still dress like they’ve given up on life?

Why some men here show up to a wedding in slippers?

Yes, slippers. At a wedding.

I witnessed this atrocity firsthand at a Malay wedding reception—tables elegantly arranged, a stunning pelamin, the bride glowing in traditional wear… and then there he was. A grown man in a polo shirt, jeans, and freaking slippers, walking around like he was at a mamak.

Where is the self-respect? A wedding isn’t just another weekend outing; it’s an event of prestige, a reflection of family honor. But nope, some men think a “free makan” means they can dress like they’re about to do grocery shopping.

If this is what we’ve come to, I fear for our future.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Let’s rewind to the Ola Bola Musical at Istana Budaya (before COVID-19). It was meant to be a grand affair, a celebration of Malaysian arts, yet some men thought wearing shorts was appropriate for a theatre performance. Thank God Istana Budaya had the sense to deny them entry. Imagine waltzing into one of our most prestigious venues looking like you’re about to play futsal at 10 PM. The lack of self-awareness is staggering.

Have we really reached a point where men don’t know that formal settings require formal attire? A theatre or concert is where men should be embracing tailored suits, polished dress shoes, or at the very least, a well-fitted button-up shirt and chinos. Instead, they dress like clueless men.

Even in the corporate world, it’s no better. Gone are the days when office wear demanded respect. I now see men showing up to work in T-shirts and jeans, looking like college students who just woke up. Have we really become this lazy? Does dressing well require that much effort? Meanwhile, our neighbors in Singapore are strutting around in well-fitted attire, while we’re out here looking like unpaid interns.

The worst part? Many Malaysian men don’t even care. The excuse is always "Why must I dress up for others?" But here’s the thing—dressing well is about representing yourself, your culture, and yes, your nation. If you walk into a room and look like you just came from a night market, what does that say about you?

The truth is, style isn’t about being rich. It’s about effort. A clean, well-ironed shirt. Well-fitted trousers. A pair of actual shoes. It’s basic, yet so many fail at it.

So I ask you, dear Malaysian men—when did we stop dressing well? When did we decide that "asalkan pakai baju" was enough? And more importantly, will we ever regain the elegance we once had?

Malaysian men, it’s time to wake up. Your style isn’t just about you—it reflects your family, your culture, and your self-worth. Stop embarrassing yourselves (and the nation) with sloppy, half-hearted dressing.

Sincerely,
Fendi