In the world of fashion, Australian companies more than hold their own. Setting trends and offering distinctive garments that feature top-quality craftsmanship and cutting design.
Appealing to both men and women throughout Australia, as well as in Europe, North America, Asia and beyond, these companies offer everything from dresses, tops and t-shirts, to trousers, underwear and boots.
When it comes to choosing something to wear, we all want to look good. So next time you need to add to your wardrobe, here are 25 of the best Australian clothing and fashion brands in Australia to shop at.
Zimmermann
Launched in 1991 by sisters Simone and Nicky, Zimmermann is a luxury Aussie fashion brand that is made for women, by women, who understand what women want to wear.
An iconic brand, the label received the Australian Fashion Laureate Award in 2014.
Offering a terrific range of sundresses and stylish prints, it also has a following of over 3.2 million followers on Instagram. As well as a celebrity following that includes the likes of Margot Robbie, Beyonce, Jourdan Dunn, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
Founded: 1991
Founder: Nicky and Simone Zimmermann
Bec + Bridge
Based in Sydney, Bec + Bridge was born in 2003, not long after founders Bridge Yorston and Becky Cooper met on their first day at design school.
After graduating with honours they initially launched a denim line, before later expanding into womenswear to immediate success. So much so that in 2004, they were invited by Mercedes-Benz to exhibit in the New Generation show at Fashion Week Australia.
Now, much loved for a signature style that showcases sleek silhouettes and clean lines, the brand boasts the likes of Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins and Vanessa Hudgens as big supporters.
Founded: 2003
Founder: Becky Cooper, Bridget Yorston
Gorman
Back in 1999, Lisa Gorman launched her eponymous label as a limited collection of just eight pieces.
Spurred on by instant success, requests continued to pour in. Eventually growing the business to a point where it soon became a popular lifestyle and culture brand.
Now incorporating a range of clothing, footwear, homewares and accessories, that brand has a strong focus on artist collaborations and in-house textile design. Which manifests itself in a terrific range of bright, unique and stylish prints that come in various shapes and sizes.
Founded: 1999
Founder: Lisa Gorman
I.Am.Gia
Inspired by the 80s supermodel Gia Carangi, I.Am.Gia is a bold label that was launched in 2017 by Alana Pallister.
Known for offering a fabulous collection of curated wardrobe essentials, its statement pieces feature modern fabrics and bold designs that you can wear anywhere, whatever the weather.
Backed by over 1.3 million Insta fans, the brand counts the likes of Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski as high-profile fans.
Founded: 2017
Founder: Alana Pallister
Tony Bianco
More than 50 years have passed since Tony Bianco launched his iconic range of women’s footwear.
Family-run and 100% Australian-owned, the brand is now a market leader. Presenting a range of high-quality, contemporary women’s shoes that span all genres from retro style to chic modern.
Known for designs that are timeless and simplistic, whether you are into knee-high boots or chunky loafers, every girl should own a pair of Tony Bianco shoes.
Founded: 1972
Founder: Tony Bianco
Ksubi
Although Ksubi has been around for almost 25 years, this awesome Aussie brand has only come to the international fore in the last few years, on the back of ringing celebrity endorsements from Kylie Jenner and ASAP Rocky.
Known for its exceptional denim and box-cross logo, the brand prides itself on throwing the conventional rules of fashion out of the window.
Driven by a signature aesthetic that features raw accents and cutting-edge patterns, they now boast a global presence in Europe and North America, as well of course, as their native Australia.
Founded: 1999
Founder: Gareth Moody, Dan Single, Paul Wilson, George Gorrow
Barney Cools
If you are a ‘globetrotting, salt water lovin’, laid-back dude’ the chances are you know Barney Cools very well.
An Aussie lifestyle clothing company that exudes an open mind and rebellious spirit, this Sydney-based brand has made quite a splash on the clothing scene since launching in 2013.
Boasting crisp and fresh colours that radiate a relaxed, casual look, a Barney Cools tee is a ‘must-have’ staple in your beachwear collection.
Founded: 2013
Founder: Nat Taubman
Quiksilver
From Torquay in Australia to Huntington in California, Quiksilver has come a very long way since Alan Green and John Law launched it in 1969.
Now one of the largest brands of surfwear – as well as other board sports equipment – in the world, this affordable clothing brand is available in pretty much every shopping mall in the country.
Delivering quality, style and performance across their entire range, they also have a successful offshoot brand called Roxy, which is aimed at women.
Founded: 1969
Founder: Alan Green, John Law
Hard Yakka
If your job entails you wearing safety gear to perform physical labour, the chances are you will be wearing work boots, jeans, shorts or other workplace apparel that has been made by Hard Yakka.
Launched by David K. Laidlaw, just four years before the outbreak of the Second World War, the brand was the official outfitter of both the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
In fact, it is so successful, the term ‘yakka’ (which apparently was taken from the indigenous word for ‘work’) has now made its way into everyday Australian vernacular.
Founded: 1935
Founder: David K. Laidlaw
Assembly Label
Drawing inspiration from the casual lifestyle of Aussie coasties, Assembly Label was set up by Daniel Oliver and Damien Horan in 2011.
Characterised by its deluxe, yet minimal designs that are made from top-quality materials, the brand is known for being appealing and affordable to young Aussies.
It also has a reputation for collaborating with and supporting up-and-coming, local designers, artists and photographers.
Founded: 2011
Founder: Damien Horan, Daniel Oliver
Tigerlily
Founded in 2000 by Jodhi Meares, the famous glamour model, TV personality and fashion designer, Tigerlily is one of Australia’s hottest swimwear and clothing brands.
Influenced by a love of all things beach, sun and summer, their curated bohemian collection includes an awesome range of skirts, tops, pants and bikinis.
All of which is made from luxurious, high-quality, recycled materials that rock bright colour palettes and styles that have stood the test of time.
Founded: 2000
Founder: Jodhi Meares
Calibre
When it first came out in 1989, Calibre became the first up-market men’s clothing boutique in Australia.
These days, of course, the marketplace is a lot more crowded, but the label remains a well-established and award-winning stalwart. With retail outlets dotted across most of the main cities in Australia.
Known for its modern and classic designs, premium fabric and signature tailoring, their suits are still the go-to brand for many guys in need of formal wear.
Founded: 1989
Founder: Gary Zecevic
Lorna Jane
Fuelled by an overall disappointment at the general lack of good quality workout apparel there was available for women at the time, Lorna Jane Clarkson decided to do something about it.
The former part-time aerobics instructor set about designing her own range. Which has since led to her building a very successful multi-million dollar empire that has offices in Brisbane, as well as the USA, China, Singapore and New Zealand.
Employing over 1800 people in around 150 stores, the brand offers outstanding and stylish workout gear for athletic women.
Founded: 1990
Founder: Lorna Jane Clarkson
sass & bide
The likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé, Rihanna and Madonna are known for being stylish ladies,
so whatever they wear tends to get noticed. Which goes a long way to explaining why the Australian label sass & bide has become so popular.
Launched in 1985 by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, this very creative brand is dedicated to the strong, the obscure & the beautiful.
If you consider yourself a trendsetter, your wardrobe would be incomplete without at least one of their fabulous garments.
Founded: 1985
Founder: Heidi Middleton, Sarah-Jane Clarke
Finders Keepers
Since its inception in 2007, Adelaide-based Finders Keepers has made waves on the Australian fashion scene.
The brainchild of Melanie Flintoft, its range is known for being both sexy and earthy. Incorporating attractive prints, premium fabrics and versatile styles, with a flirtatious edge, that can be worn anywhere.
Loved for their flattering shapes, they are staples in every girl’s party or weekend wardrobe.
Founded: 2007
Founder: Melanie Flintoft
Berlei
At over 110 years old, Berlei is the oldest Australian clothing brand on this list. Which should give you some indication of how it has moved with the times in order to stay relevant.
An iconic brand of women’s undergarments, their bras and girdles are known for being comfortable, functional and elegant. Appealing to women of all ages and body sizes in Australia, the UK and New Zealand.
Founded: 1910
Founder: Frederick and Arthur Burley
Rip Curl
During a moment of inspiration in 1968, surfer Doug Warbrick inscribed the words ‘Rip Curl Hot Dog’ on his vee-bottom board.
It proved to be a pivotal moment because the following year, he founded Rip Curl along with fellow Aussie Brian Singer.
Now one of the biggest surf companies in the world, Rip Curl has a major presence in Australia, South America, Europe, North America and South Africa.
Championed for their innovative designs, their award-winning range of bathing suits, wet suits and surf accessories are sold in almost 400 stores around the world.
Founded: 1969
Founder: Doug Warbrick, Brian Singer
Cotton On
With over 1000 stores worldwide, it is safe to say that Cotton On is a very successful fashion company.
Initially, it was launched in 1991 as a women’s only retailer, but as it became more successful, it quickly started selling clothing items for men and children, as well as lots of different merchandising.
Now, some three decades after first opening its doors, this popular chain has provided millions of Aussies with plenty of tees, shorts, pants and dresses to add to their wardrobe.
For stylish casual fashion at affordable prices, you can’t go wrong with this brand.
Founded: 1991
Founder: Nigel Austin
Seafolly
Stocked in more than 2700 retail outlets around the world, Seafolly is the largest swimwear brand in Australia.
Boasting swimwear for women whose cup size ranges from A to F cup, their designs incorporate eye-catching floral, gingham, animal-inspired and striped patterns that will turn heads at the beach.
Whether you are into one-pieces that have a deep V, tube, bandeau or surf suit fit. Or a sexy bikini top that rocks a halter, triangle, bralette, one shoulder, bandeau or bustier style, this brand has something for any girl.
Founded: 1975
Founder: Peter Halas, Yvonne Halas
Billabong
Another famous Australian surf label, Billabong brought Aussie surf and skate culture to the world when it launched on the Gold Coast in 1973.
The brainchild of Gordon and Rena Merchant, the company has had a rocky time of it over the years, however, it is still going strong with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion and a loyal backing that includes over 2.4 million Instagram followers.
Founded: 1973
Founder: Gordon and Rena Merchant
Bonds
Bonds are another Aussie brand that has been around for over 100 years.
Ticking the boxes of quality, style and affordability, the company offers a cool range of undies for men, women and kids who want to look good without having to break the bank.
While they might not be the force they once were in terms of market share, they are still very much a trusted brand nonetheless.
Founded: 1915
Founder: George Allan Bond
Zanerobe
In just over 20 years, Zanerobe has grown from humble beginnings in Sydney to become one of Australia’s best-loved and most globally recognised brands of men’s streetwear fashion.
Defying modern conventions, the progressive label is now showcased in hundreds of department stores and boutiques around the world. Offering a terrific range of basic t-shirts, graphic t-shirts, boardshorts and pants that are synonymous with masculinity, strength and clever, eye-catching designs.
Founded: 2002
Founder: Leith Testoni, Jonathon Yeo
Country Road
Not to be confused with the iconic song from John Denver, Country Road is one of Australia’s most influential retailers to the middle market.
Set up in 1974, the company was actually the first lifestyle apparel brand to launch in the nation. But over the years it has widened its portfolio to the point where they now sell a bit of everything.
Operating in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the business focuses on quality, urbanity and versatility. Turing over an impressive $1 billion every year.
Founded: 1974
Founder: Stephen Bennett
Ellery
Frequently appearing at both Paris Fashion Week and Paris Couture Week. Ellery is a good old Aussie designer label for women who love to look good.
Created 15 years ago by acclaimed designer Kym Ellery, as somewhat of a side project, the brand is now firmly established as a mainstay in the Australian and European fashion scene.
Known for her architectural approach to tailoring, as well as her signature design, its clothing range features premium fabrics and voluminous shapes that really catch the eye.
Founded: 2007
Founder: Kym Ellery
R.M. Williams
Championed by Hugh Jackman, its much-loved celebrity spokesman, R.M. Williams is an iconic footwear and clothing company that was born in the Aussie outback.
Best known for its fantastic handcrafted collection of Chelsea boots for men and women – which are still made from just one single piece of leather – like Jackman, the company is known for the quality of its work.
Operating over 60 retail outlets of their own within 8 countries, their boots are also available in over 500 department stores around the world.
Founded: 1932
Founder: Reginald Murray Williams