Australian Menswear Brands: Shop Heritage Workwear, Coastal Style & Made-in-Australia Fashion
Australia's fashion identity is shaped by two powerful forces: the unforgiving outback and the endless coastline. From R.M. Williams' legendary one-piece leather boots handcrafted in Adelaide since 1932 to surf brands born in Torquay's garages that changed global beach culture, Australian menswear is practical, unpretentious, and built for real life.
Whether you're drawn to Chelsea boots that last decades, linen shirts designed for humid summers, boardshorts tested in actual surf, or innovative merino basics that regulate temperature, Australian brands deliver quality without the fuss. Below is a comprehensive guide to Australian apparel brands that reflect the country's unique lifestyle—from the red dirt to the whitewash.
Key Insights
- Australian fashion is defined by two extremes: rugged outback heritage and laid-back coastal culture
- Brands like R.M. Williams, Akubra, and Driza-Bone represent 100+ years of craftsmanship born from harsh environments
- Australia pioneered modern surf culture and created global brands like Rip Curl, Billabong, and Quiksilver
- Contemporary Australian brands emphasize sustainability, natural fabrics, and local manufacturing
- The "Australian aesthetic" balances function with ease—nothing precious, everything purposeful
Explore heritage outback workwear, coastal leisurewear, contemporary street style, and sustainable basics from Australia's finest labels. Shop the brands, browse outfit photos from the Parallel community, and discover your style.
The Outback Icons
These are the brands forged in Australia's harshest conditions, originally designed for stockmen, drovers, and outback workers. What started as survival gear has become global symbols of Australian quality and craftsmanship.
Blundstone 2583 Chisel Toe Vintage Brown
Brushed leather highlights suggest “wear” to reveal rich brown Blundstone leather in #2583 Vintage Brown.
Blundstone
Tasmania's boot brand since 1870. Originally designed for factory workers, Blundstone's elastic-sided boots have become a global icon of Australian practicality. The #500 and #550 models are the most recognized—pull-on boots that work in the bush, on construction sites, and on city streets worldwide.
While Blundstone also makes rugged workwear and casualwear, the boots remain their signature—simple, durable, and distinctly Australian.
Designed in Tasmania. Manufacturing is now international, though some premium lines remain Australian-made.
R.M. Williams
The undisputed king of Australian heritage. Founded in 1932 by Reginald Murray Williams, who learned leatherworking from Aboriginal stockman Dollar Mick in the Flinders Ranges. Every Chelsea boot is still handcrafted in Adelaide from a single piece of leather using 80+ hand-held processes.
What started as boots for stockmen has become footwear worn by Australian prime ministers, given as gifts to world leaders, and adopted as the standard parade boot for the Australian Army. The brand has expanded beyond boots to include jeans (Australia's first, created 75+ years ago), moleskin trousers legendarily tough enough to be snakebite-proof, and shirts built for both the bush and the boardroom.
Made in Adelaide, Australia. Now owned by Tattarang (Andrew and Nicola Forrest).
Akubra
Master hatters since 1876. Each Akubra hat passes through 60 pairs of hands, undergoes 162 steps, and takes 6 weeks to complete. Made from wild rabbit fur felt in Kempsey, NSW, these hats improve with age and weather—developing character unique to their owner.
Originally created for protection against Australia's brutal sun, Akubra has supplied slouch hats to the Australian Defence Force since World War I (over 2 million produced). The brand makes everything from the classic wide-brim bush hat to fedoras and trilbies.
Made in Kempsey, NSW. Owned by Tattarang since 2023.
Driza-Bone
Since 1898, Driza-Bone (as in "dry as a bone") has been protecting Australians from the elements. Originally developed from sailcloth by Scottish immigrant Edward Le Roy, these full-length oilskin riding coats became standard issue for stockmen, soldiers at Gallipoli, Antarctic explorers, and Olympic athletes.
The coats feature leg straps to keep them secure while horse riding and a distinctive silhouette that's become synonymous with Australian resilience. Worn by Australian Olympic teams and APEC Summit leaders, Driza-Bone represents 120+ years of weathering the worst conditions Australia can throw at you.
Heritage Australian brand. Now owned by S. Kidman and Company (Gina Rinehart).
Explore the Parallel Shop
Start TodayThe Surf Pioneers
Australia didn't invent surfing, but it revolutionized surf culture and created the brands that defined it globally. Born in garages and shaping rooms along the coast, these brands went from local operations to international empires.
Billabong - Quadriple OG Tee
Our heavyweight cotton tee brings back the throwback fit you love, with wider shoulders and longer sleeves.
Billabong
Founded in 1973 on Australia's Gold Coast by Gordon and Rena Merchant, initially focused on boardshorts. The brand grew into a global surf empire, known for bold graphics and a commitment to surf culture. Billabong also launched Roxy (women's surf wear) in 1991.
The brand has faced ownership changes but remains headquartered in Australia and deeply tied to surf competitions and athletes.
Founded on Gold Coast, Queensland. Owned by Boardriders, Inc.
Rip Curl
Founded in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria, by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer. What started as two surfers making boards in their garage became one of the world's most influential surf brands. Rip Curl pioneered wetsuit technology and sponsors the Bells Beach world tour event—one of surfing's most prestigious competitions.
Known for their "Search" ethos—the endless pursuit of perfect waves—and their commitment to functional surf gear over pure fashion. The brand remains deeply connected to actual surfing.
Founded in Torquay, Victoria. Now owned by Kathmandu Holdings (publicly traded).
Quiksilver
Though Quiksilver's roots trace back to Torquay (founded by Alan Greene in the early 1970s after leaving Rip Curl), the brand expanded globally and became the world's largest surf apparel company. The iconic "mountain wave" logo is synonymous with surf culture worldwide.
Team rider Kelly Slater helped propel the brand's profile internationally. While Quiksilver has gone through ownership changes, its Australian heritage remains part of its identity.
Australian roots, global brand. Owned by Boardriders, Inc.
Rusty
Another Gold Coast brand, Rusty Surfboards and apparel have been building high-quality, performance-driven boards and clothing since its founding. Known for staying closer to its surfing roots than some larger competitors.
Made in Australia.
The Contemporary Coastal
Modern Australian brands that capture the coastal lifestyle—linen, natural fabrics, effortless style, and a commitment to quality over trends.
Venroy - Short Sleeve Linen Camp Collar Shirt
The Short Sleeve Linen Camp Collar Shirt in White is a classic Venroy staple.
Venroy
Bondi Beach captured in clothing form. Founded in Sydney, Venroy specializes in leisurewear made from natural fibers. Relaxed menswear designed for moving comfortably through life—whether that's at the beach, in the city, or traveling.
Think linen shirts, cotton tees, and easy shorts that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style.
Made in Australia.
Bassike
Founded in 2006 by Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan, Bassike takes a top-shelf approach to basics. Minimalist designs, premium materials (especially their renowned denim and jerseys), and sustainable practices.
The brand embodies refined simplicity—pieces that feel great and look effortless. Nothing loud, nothing trendy, just quality that lasts.
Made in Australia and internationally.
Commas
Bridging Sydney beach fashion and European design, Commas has modern aquatic menswear on lock. Sourcing fabrics from Italian mills, the brand creates Instagram-worthy collections of crisp white shirts, striped swim trunks, and linen robes.
The aesthetic: endless summer, sophisticated ease, living well by the water.
Australian designed, European fabrics.
Academy Brand
Founded in 2008 by former advertising creative Anthony Pitt, Academy Brand is all about effortless fashion at a great price. Clean aesthetics, well-crafted basics, and timeless style.
Perfect for building a capsule wardrobe: cotton tees, casual button-downs, relaxed-fit trousers. Nothing complicated, everything wearable.
Australian brand.
The Urban Sophisticates
For when the occasion calls for something more refined—Australian brands that excel at tailoring, business casual, and polished menswear.
M.J. Bale - Beecher Shirt
The Beecher Shirt is crafted from 100% cotton in a premium 60’s compact poplin, designed exclusively by M.J. Bale in a double-stripe pattern.
M.J. Bale
Recognized for exceptional bespoke tailoring and sophisticated menswear. Founded in Australia, M.J. Bale produces high-quality suits, dress shirts, and wool blazers preferred by business professionals and formal events.
The brand prides itself on using ethically sourced Australian merino wool, providing unmatched comfort and style. Whether you need a well-fitted business suit or smart-casual attire, every piece radiates confidence and elegance.
Australian tailoring house.
Calibre
What began as Australia's first upmarket men's boutique in 1989 has become a full-blown institution in urban design. Founded by Gary Zecevic, Calibre offers both off-the-rack style and tailored suit experiences.
Crafted to perfection, designed to impress—Calibre represents polished Australian menswear for city life.
Founded in Melbourne, 1989.
The Streetwear & Contemporary
Established Australian streetwear brands that have been consisistently making waves with their fresh perspectives on menswear.
Ksubi - 1999 BOX LIFE JERSEY
The 1999 Box Life Jersey Dusty Desert is an oversized fitting short sleeve resort shirt with a regular length finish, cut from tencel in the ecru colorway.
Ksubi
One of Australia's most prominent fashion brands, founded in 1999. Known for its unreserved approach and incorporation of street style—globally renowned for denim, graphic tees, and jackets.
Every item embodies individuality, often marked by rough edges, custom shapes, and signature touches. Trendsetters appreciate Ksubi for its modern outlook and unapologetic attitude.
Sydney-based brand.
Deus Ex Machina
"Bring what you've got." Based in Sydney, Deus Ex Machina is more than a brand—it's a culture celebrating motorcycling, surfing, skateboarding, and creativity. Their showroom, café, and headquarters act as a creative hub.
Originally catering to motorbike enthusiasts, Deus has expanded to include surf gear and a stylish clothing line that blends rugged individualism with contemporary design.
Sydney headquarters, global reach.
P.A.M. (Perks and Mini)
The brainchild of power couple Misha Hollenbach and Shauna Toohey, P.A.M. is known for dabbling in art, music, fashion, and graphic design. Their iconic streetwear regularly collaborates with world-class brands and artists.
Not afraid to play with textures, silhouettes, and upcycled materials, P.A.M. brings an art-school sensibility to Australian streetwear.
Melbourne-based.
Barney Cools
If the world is turning on to Aussie streetwear and coastal fashion trends, Barney Cools is a huge reason why. Founded by Nat Taubman in 2014, the brand has become one of the best Australian menswear labels on the market—blending beach vibes with urban cool.
Australian brand.
The Minimalists & Makers
Brands focused on quality construction, natural materials, and thoughtful design.
Jac+Jack - Marker Organic Cotton Cashmere Sweater
A lightweight cotton knit, this short sleeve style is polished yet relaxed. Crafted from a soft cotton-cashmere blend, this knitted tee features relaxed oversized sleeves and a ribbed trim finish on the neckline.
Jac + Jack
Creating high-quality pieces for the past decade, Jac + Jack uses only premium fabrics and yarns. Pieces are designed with unstructured ease—no restrictions, maximum comfort, perfect for wearing across occasions and seasons.
The modern man's wardrobe weapon: simple, well-made, effortlessly wearable.
Australian brand.
Handsom
A thoughtful blend of modernity and functionality from Melbourne. Handsom rebels against fast fashion, releasing small-batch monthly capsules instead of mass production.
Pieces are expertly crafted from luxe fabrics and designed to carry you through seasons. Clean design, unpretentious fashion.
Melbourne-based.
Song for the Mute
In 2011, Song for the Mute became the first menswear brand (and the youngest) to win the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award. Over a decade later, the brand remains an industry mainstay thanks to conceptual designs that outlast trends.
Melbourne-based.
The Accessible Essentials
Quality at reasonable prices—Australian brands making good clothing accessible.
Industrie
Australia's leading menswear label offering free delivery for orders over $100. Shop tees, linen shirts, pants, chinos, shorts, and boardshorts. Industrie balances quality with affordability, making it a go-to for everyday Australian style.
Australian brand.
Cotton On
One of Australia's largest fashion exports, Cotton On started in Geelong in 1991 and has grown into a global retail empire. Known for affordable basics, casual wear, and accessible style.
While not heritage-focused, Cotton On represents Australia's retail success story—practical fashion at prices anyone can afford.
Geelong-based, global manufacturing.
The Innovators & Specialists
Australian brands that are pushing boundaries with unique materials, approaches, or niches.
Woolly Clothing Co.
Pure Australian merino upgraded for everyday life. Woolly creates work shirts, polos, and basics from merino wool—offering flex, feel, and natural odor resistance you want daily.
Merino wool regulates temperature naturally, making it perfect for Australia's climate extremes. Woolly proves performance fabrics don't have to look technical.
Australian merino specialists.
Rhythm
Founded on Anzac Day 2003 in Burleigh Heads, Rhythm was driven by a vision to merge surf, art, music, and travel into a cohesive global fashion statement. The brand bridges surf culture and broader lifestyle movement.
Men's line: understated old-school cool. Rhythm's unique blend makes it a favorite among globe-trotters and fashion-forward surfers.
Burleigh Heads, Queensland.
Pass-Port
Australian label and multi-brand stockist, Pass-Port serves all your streetwear and skate needs. A thoughtful selection of contemporary, kitschy, and laid-back designs—a fusion of global skate culture and Australian design.
Australian skatewear.
Brands that are not Australian-Owned
Kathmandu
While Kathmandu has a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand, it's actually a New Zealand brand. Now owned by KMD Brands Ltd (publicly traded), with manufacturing primarily in Asia.
Country Road
Though Country Road feels quintessentially Australian (founded in Melbourne 1974), it's been owned by South African retail group Woolworths Holdings since 1997. The brand maintains Australian design and headquarters but is foreign-owned.
The Takeaway
Australian-based fashion isn't about following trends, it's about responding to the environment. Whether that's creating boots tough enough for the outback, wetsuits that can handle cold Southern Ocean swells, or linen shirts that breathe in Queensland humidity, Australian brands solve real problems with quality gear.
What unites these brands is an unpretentious approach to quality. No unnecessary details, no fashion for fashion's sake—just well-made clothing designed for how Australians actually live. From the cattle station to the surf break to the city office, there's an Australian brand that gets it right.
When shopping Australian brands, look for:
- Heritage manufacturing: Brands like R.M. Williams, Akubra, and Blundstone still make products in Australia
- Natural materials: Merino wool, cotton, linen—fabrics that work with Australia's climate
- Functional design: Nothing precious, everything purposeful
- Sustainability: Many contemporary brands prioritize local production and eco-friendly practices
The beauty of Australian fashion is its honesty. These aren't brands trying to be something they're not—they're the real deal, tested in real conditions, worn by real people living real lives.
Join Parallel Today
Create a Free AccountFrequently Asked Questions
What makes Australian menswear different from other countries?
Australian menswear is defined by pragmatism born from extreme environments. Outback heritage brands created gear for survival in harsh conditions—boots that last decades, coats that shed rain, hats that protect from brutal sun. Coastal brands developed functional surf wear tested in actual waves. This results in clothing that prioritizes durability, natural materials, and practical design over trends. The Australian aesthetic is unpretentious: quality without fuss.
Are R.M. Williams boots worth the investment?
R.M. Williams boots are handcrafted in Adelaide from a single piece of leather using 80+ processes and are fully repairable. Many owners wear the same pair for 20-50+ years, with the boots developing unique character over time. At $500-700 USD, they're expensive upfront but cost-per-wear over decades makes them economical. They're standard footwear for Australian politicians and have been adopted by the Australian Army. If you want boots that improve with age and can be repaired indefinitely, yes—they're worth it.
What's the difference between Australian surf brands and American surf brands?
Australian surf brands (Rip Curl, Billabong, Quiksilver) were founded by actual surfers in coastal towns like Torquay and focused initially on functional equipment—wetsuits and boardshorts tested in cold Southern Ocean conditions. They pioneered wetsuit technology and remained connected to competitive surfing. American surf brands often emphasized lifestyle and fashion earlier. Australian surf culture also influenced global beach fashion, bringing a more rugged, less precious approach to surf style.
Why do so many Australian brands use merino wool?
Australia is one of the world's largest producers of high-quality merino wool. Merino naturally regulates temperature (warm when cold, cool when hot), resists odors, wicks moisture, and is incredibly soft. It's ideal for Australia's climate extremes—from scorching outback heat to cold southern winters. Brands like M.J. Bale, Woolly Clothing Co., and Icebreaker (NZ, but popular in AU) leverage Australia's wool heritage to create performance basics that don't look technical.
What should I look for when buying Australian heritage brands?
Check three things: manufacturing location, ownership, and materials. "Made in Australia" means different things—R.M. Williams boots are handcrafted in Adelaide, but some of their other products are made internationally. Look for brands owned by Australian companies if that matters to you (many have been sold to foreign investors). For heritage brands, verify they still use traditional materials and methods: full-grain leather, rabbit fur felt, oilskin, merino wool. Quality Australian brands will proudly state their manufacturing origins.
