There’s something about Australian clothing brands that makes us feel instantly cool. Perhaps it's the idyllic visions of sun, sea, sand and permanent tans, or that they epitomize a dreamy laidback lifestyle that feels far removed from the daily grind.
Either way, over the past five years we've seen a big influx of Australian clothing brands making waves on the international fashion scene. With global shipping options, there's never been a better time to inject your capsule wardrobe with a little bit of sunshine.
When it comes to major Australian clothing brands of note, perhaps the hottest right now is luxury label, Zimmermann. Famous for its colorful feminine designs, they storm the runway each season at New York Fashion Week and count the likes of Beyoncé, Katie Holmes and Laura Dern as fans. But if you don't have an A-lister budget, have no fear, like the top French clothing brands, there is more to the country's fashion scene than runway-ready designers. With some of the best sustainable brands, Australia's fashion scene is taking on some of the most fashionable destinations in the world.
While you might turn to American clothing brands for a great high low mix, British clothing brands for modern tailoring, or Scandinavian clothing brands for minimalism, Australian clothing brands have become synonymous with lightweight separates, relaxed fits, and pared-back summer staples. With a huge focus on eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing they're well worth checking out.
The best Australian clothing brands to browse
- Aje—best for special occasion dresses, prices from $75 / £57
- Bassike— best for wardrobe basics, prices from $36 / £26
- Bec+Bridge—best for wedding guest outfits, prices from $75 / £55
- Country Road—best for the whole family, prices from $9 / £8
- P.E.Nation—best for sportswear separates, prices from $35 / £27
- SIR The Label—best for minimal style, prices from $70 / £53
- Spell—best for bohemian looks, prices from $10 / £7
- St Agni—best for laidback tailoring, prices from $54 / £39
- Zulu & Zephyr—best for swimwear, prices from $30 / £22
The best Australian clothing brands as chosen by our fashion editors
Whether you're after stylish beachwear or relaxed separates, these are some of the best Australian clothing brands that ship to the US and the UK.
1. Aje
If it’s feminine designs with a high-end edge you’re after, Aje is the label for you. Founded by best friends Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest in 2008, the pair combine their love of art and sculpture into their creations making for seriously striking pieces. We love the bold looks that are a mix of “raw beauty, tough femininity, and effortless cool.”
If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding this summer, Aje is an ideal place for special occasion dresses that are guaranteed to get you noticed as well as voluminous bottoms and structured tops that will look super chic with your best sandals. With an in-house design studio, the team are experts at their craft so you can rest assured any piece you own will be made with care and passion.
Fashion editor's picks...
2. Bassike
Pronounced ‘basic’, friends Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan set out to create easy-to-wear wardrobe essentials in 2006 that work seamlessly with your existing pieces. And the pair have nailed it. Beginning with organic jersey t-shirts, the brand now relies on quality items that will really last. Smock frocks, joggers or tank tops in loose fits make up the backbone of the brand that you can pair with more trend-led separates in your closet. Its flat sandals are seriously good if you’re looking for chunky sliders that epitomize that nonchalant beach aesthetic. Headquartered in Sydney’s northern beaches, the label’s ethos is also to have respect for the planet. Sustainable manufacturing is at its heart while 95% of its garments are made in Australia, too.
Fashion editor's picks...
3. Bec + Bridge
An Australian clothing brand made by women for women, Bec + Bridge’s ethos is to empower its customers through their wardrobe. Its extensive range of dresses is at the core of the label offering mini, midi and maxi styles in an array of colours. The wedding edit is certainly worth a browse as it offers slinky satin bridesmaid dresses in multiple styles and hues to suit all your wedding party as well as affordable bridal gowns. We love that it is more size inclusive than a lot of other Australian fashion brands, too. Plus-size models are in the mix when it comes to showcasing it’s apparel on the site as well as in campaigns which undoubtedly inspires all customers to feel confident in their clothes.
Fashion editor's picks...
4. Country Road
An Australian institution for over 40 years, Country Road was one of the first lifestyle brands to encompass women's, men's and kid's fashion as well as homeware making it a much-loved shopping destination for the whole family. The label began with a simple country shirt and has since grown to become a staple in homes all over the world. Combining a mix of colorful basics, trend-led pieces and quality essentials, it is easy to get lost in all that Country Road has to offer. Its focus on sustainability is worth praising as is its vast range of accessories that will transform an outfit in seconds. With a modern take that represents laughter and sunshine, it is an Australian clothing brand that deserves to be on your radar.
Fashion editor's picks...
5. P.E Nation
This is the celebrity-approved label that has made workout gear cool again. Seen on the likes of Jessica Alba and Margot Robbie to name a few, P.E Nation combines technical sportswear with an urban streetwear edge. If you’re the sort of woman who heads straight from a gym class to brunch, then this could easily become your go-to brand. It’s bold, bright, strong, and goes heavy on the logos, but if you’re in the market for the best leggings or best sports bras, then you’ll want to give P.E Nation a whirl, plus, it has a decent size offering too.bThink neon trimmings, graphic lines, and fierce prints as well as tennis dresses and puffer jackets that take the sports luxe trend to new heights.
Fashion editor's picks...
6. SIR The Label
Its interesting name stands for 'Separates, Intimates and Ready-to-wear' and this Sydney-based label is the place to go for basic wardrobe essentials that have a contemporary edge. Channel that chilled out Aussie vibe with cut-out dresses that ooze laidback cool. Its swimwear is particularly impressive and well worth a browse if you want a bathing suit that is unique with a sexy '70s vibe. With an emphasis on sustainability, SIR The Label is striving to do better for the planet. It stocks limited quantities to reduce unnecessary waste, has a made-to-order business model, and any excess stock is donated to partners who empower women in need.
Fashion editor's picks...
7. Spell
If you’re a hippie at heart, have a browse of the bohemian styles at Spell. Founded by sisters Elizabeth and Isabella from the beachside town of Byron Bay, their collection of floaty frocks and feminine prints are perfect for the free-spirited among us. Colorful, ditsy floral prints are a signature at Spell and are the perfect outfit for any garden party. We particularly love the maxi robes that can be worn over swimwear, smock frocks or with your best jeans. Each piece has a nostalgic feel that will make you channel your inner Stevie Nicks. It also includes a bohemian bridal collection made up of gorgeous lace dresses for excellent prices. Plus, there are options to rent pieces for an even more sustainable way to shop.
Fashion editor's picks...
8. St. Agni
Less is most certainly more when it comes to this Byron Bay brand. Since bursting onto the fashion scene in 2014 with its hand woven leather accessories, the husband and wife duo behind the label have created an exciting buzz around the clothing they create. Modern, minimal and achingly cool, St Agni makes items designed to really last. From monochrome separates to earthy tones made from natural fabrics, it is a business that takes its social and environmental responsibility seriously. It’s versatile tailoring and linen dresses are particularly good and the accessories deserve a shout out, too. With stacks of gorgeous accessories, take a lead from the handbag trends of 2022 and order an oversized tote bag that will carry all your essentials for years to come or stock up on footwear that will see you step into summer in the most stylish way.
Fashion editor's picks...
9. Zulu & Zephyr
When you think of Australian clothing brands, pure white beaches immediately come to mind. And that’s just what lifestyle label Zulu & Zephyr has to offer. If you’re looking for the best bathing suits, stop the search right now. Whether it’s one-piece wonders or patterned bikinis, it’s a brand that really knows its swimwear. Focusing on eco-friendly materials, many of its designs are made from recycled polyester or fishing nets so you can do your bit for the planet too.
That’s not to say that their apparel line should be ignored though. Lightweight linen designs in loose fits are the perfect accompaniment for a beach day and are ideal to sling over your bathing suit to take you from beach to bar. The colors and nostalgic prints have a touch of retro glamour about them that will instantly make you feel like a style icon of bygone eras.
Fashion editor's picks...
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