31 Australian Clothing Brands Our Editors Love – and New Styles To Shop for Winter

The Australian fashion industry is constantly evolving. And a bunch of really great emerging and established brands have cemented themselves as favourites at home and overseas. A common thread throughout the local industry is to value quality products, unique design and mindful manufacturing where possible. This is evident at events like Australian Fashion Week, as well as on the streets.

It’s no surprise that Aussie brands are sought-after for swim and activewear – our lifestyle practically dictates it. But local brands offering coveted shoes , bags and wardrobe essentials are growing every season.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Australian clothing brands and the must-have pieces from their collections right now.

Broadsheet’s top picks

• Best for workwear: A Emery, St Agni, Camilla & Marc
• Best for events: Sir, Aje, Alemais
• Best for casual silhouettes: Deiji Studios, Bassike, Assembly Label
• Best for size range: Emma Mulholland on Holiday, Aere

The best Australian clothing brands

A Emery

Designer Anna McLaren’s approach is all about creating beautiful but functional pieces to keep in your wardrobe for years to come. A Emery might be best known for its sleek footwear collection, but in recent years the Melbourne brand added clothing to the mix. An emphasis on fabric and fit has made its range of elevated wardrobe essentials fast favourites.

Our pick

Aere

Aere is The Iconic’s exclusive in-house label. Launched in 2019, it delivers pared-back but polished additions for your capsule wardrobe. Quality fabrics, comfortable fits and a seasonless approach to silhouettes means you can rely on these pieces for almost any occasion.

Our pick

Aje

If you’ve ever shopped for an occasion dress, chances are you’ve tried on a piece or two from Aje. The Sydney brand has fostered a loyal following for its bold silhouettes and statement-making colours and prints. But it also offers more everyday items – the more recently launched Aje Studio line delivers silhouettes inspired by the brand’s archives, including denim, more pared-back dresses and subtly detailed separates. Aje Athletica blurs the line between workout gear and off-duty elegance.

Our pick

Alemais

Bold, colourful prints run rampant through Lesleigh Jermanus’s ethereal collections at Alemais. Launched in 2020, the label has quickly won over a loyal fanbase – it also received the 2022 Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award. Instantly recognisable silhouettes are adorned with unique patterns and illustrated motifs – flowers, shells, chess pieces, spades and cacti have all appeared in recent seasons.

Our pick

Anna Quan

Designer Anna Hoang knows a thing or two about understated minimalism, constructing pieces at her Sydney-based label Anna Quan. You might also know (and love) the brand for its signature ribbed dresses woven in vibrant pops of lilac, lime green and blue, as well as elegant tailoring and eventwear.

Our pick

Assembly Label

A go-to for everyday favourites, Assembly Label has cemented its place in our wardrobes year round. From classic denim to easy-wearing basics, smart linen or elegant silk separates and well-cut tailoring, the Sydney-born brand is always on our minds. Womens, mens and kids collections are complemented by footwear and accessories, as well as lifestyle pieces.

Our pick

Bassike

There’s nothing basic about Bassike’s signature silhouettes. The Northern Beaches-born brand has made a name for itself by turning everyday pieces on their heads – think tailored pants with cut-out details at the waist, oversized denim and tailoring, slouchy tees and core layers. Each season celebrates Australian living, natural fabrics and sustainable manufacturing.

Our pick

Beare Park

Co-founded in 2021 by creative director Gabriella Pereira, Beare Park makes a case for simplicity, low-key cool and local manufacturing. Its softly tailored pieces are handmade in Sydney and Melbourne with fabrics from mills across France, Italy and Japan. This season, the label – which suited up the Matildas for their off-field uniforms – debuted denim and cashmere knits as part of its pared-back range.

Our pick

Camilla and Marc

You can’t talk about Australian suiting without mentioning Camilla and Marc. A cornerstone of wardrobes around the country, the Sydney brand was founded in 2003 by brother-sister duo Marc Freeman and Camilla Freeman-Topper. Proportions are a key part of the label’s design ethos – event dresses are equal parts dramatic and flattering. The brand is also loved for its C&M Signatures, a range of tees, tanks, shirting and sweats that can be worn any day of the week.

Our pick

Christopher Esber

It’s hard not to spot a Christopher Esber ensemble at events. Artfully draped and ruched silhouettes, and elegant, strategically cut out details make up the label’s DNA. Esber has a cult following that includes A-list fans such as Hailey Bieber and Zendaya. The designer was welcomed onto the official schedule at Paris Fashion Week in 2023, took home the Andam Fashion Award last year and then presented its spring/summer 25 collection again in Paris.

Our pick

Courtney Zheng

Sydney designer Courtney Zheng has moved fast since launching her eponymous label in late 2023. She’s quickly picked up stockists at home and abroad, including famed New York department store Bergdorf Goodman. Her background is steeped in the industry – she grew up in a family of garment manufacturers – and it shows in the precision of her tailoring. Expect clean, architectural lines with a sensual edge, worked in luxe fabrications like silk and leather, with a selection of cotton T-shirts making the label a go-to for elevated basics.

Our pick

Deering

Triangl co-founder and former AFR Young Rich Lister Erin Deering has returned to the fashion world with Deering. The brand is for all genders and offers elevated wardrobe essentials. The Melbourne label hopes to fill gaps in high-low wardrobes with its timeless jeans, bomber jackets and T-shirts, as well as more fashion-forward printed skirts and dresses.

Our pick

Deiji Studios

Deiji Studios began as a pyjama and leisurewear label. But recent seasons prove that these pieces aren’t just for homebodies. The Byron Bay-based brand’s range spans signature linen sets, cotton tanks and dresses, wool and cashmere knits, and even statement outerwear. The consciously crafted pieces have seasonless appeal and are designed to be built into your forever collection.

Our pick

Elka Collective

Founded in Melbourne in 2014 by creative director Courtney Price, Elka Collective offers understated essentials that take you from work to weekend wear. Season after season, we covet its signature denim and tailoring. There’s also a soft spot in our hearts for the brand’s day-to-night dresses and effortless co-ords.

Our pick

Emma Mulholland on Holiday

As the name suggests, Emma Mulholland on Holiday oozes permanent vacation vibes. There’s a nostalgic disco bent (giving major Cher from Clueless attitude) to the Sydney label’s high-octane designs. Mini skirts, tanks and pyjama-style sets are splashed with graphic prints, bold patterns and the label’s signature Happy Hibiscus motif. Accessorise with baseball caps, bucket hats and puffy tote bags – all adorned with the smiling flower.

Our pick

Esse Studios

Contemporary and considered. That’s the vibe of Esse Studios. The brand cuts elegant silhouettes from high-quality fabrics that dictate timeless ease. Standouts include signature silk dresses, fluid tailored pants and a collection of striking tops and classic shirting. Limited-edition drops complement core pieces and seasonal favourites to help build a lasting edit.

Our pick

Faithfull

Faithfull captures the spirit of never ending summer – any time of the year. The brand was founded by Sarah-Jane Abraham and Helle Them-Enger in 2014 and is now based out of Sydney and Bali. Each season brings a collection of collectible prints across coveted dresses, separates and swimwear. It does relaxed tailoring in neutral linens to help build a wardrobe that straddles everyday life and a holiday mindset.

Our pick

Foemina

Foemina was born from a desire to create a modern uniform that strikes a balance between feminine and masculine silhouettes. The Brisbane brand caters to the Australian climate, focussing on cotton pieces that wear and wash with ease. A strong edit of neutral hues is brought to life with seasonal pops of colour and classic prints.

Our pick

Friends With Frank

Friends With Frank has become a wardrobe mainstay. Its modern denim and everyday basics are no-brainers. Dresses – from signature cotton knit styles to seasonal printed pieces – work for day or night. And utilitarian outwear speaks to the brand’s Melbourne roots. A large part of each collection is made in Australia, supporting local industry and using consciously-sourced fabrics.

Our pick

Hyde & Stone

Sydney brand Hyde & Stone captures a sense of effortless luxury with its pared-back collections that focus on fabric and fit. Founder and designer Jemyma Kavanagh is inspired by her relationship with her mother and grandmother – women who taught her pattern making, sewing and tailoring but also to appreciate quality. The ready-to-wear collection is made from silk, wool, linen and cotton, which reflects the brand's idea to help customers mindfully build their collection.

Our pick

Jac & Jack

Jac & Jack has been keeping Aussies fashionably dressed for two decades. It focuses on perfecting and elevating everyday pieces and offers a strong collection of shirts, tops, tees, skirts, dresses and tailoring made from premium fabrics. Contemporary silhouettes bring a fresh feel to classic pieces that are designed to last.

Our pick

Jillian Boustred

Designer Jillian Boustred launched her namesake label in 2016. As the brand continues to evolve , Boustred remains true to her mission of crafting very wearable collections for women who want to feel comfortable and confident in their clothes. The brand recently added denim and tailoring to its rotation of signature shirting, best-selling knit dresses and special-occasion pieces. The brand works with Sydney-based manufacturers to deliver a growing edit of Australian-made pieces.

Our pick

Lee Mathews

Lee Mathews continues to define Australian women’s wardrobes with its well-crafted pieces that focus on silhouette and natural fibres. From hard-wearing pants and shirting that can take you from 9–to–5 and into the weekend to seasonal printed dresses in ethereal cuts, there’s always something on our wishlist.

Our pick

Matteau

Matteau’s collections celebrate quintessential Australian design. Founded by sisters Peta Heinsen and Ilona Hamer, the brand doesn’t set out to revolutionise your wardrobe. It simply wants to create beautiful pieces that carry a timeless quality and elegant spirit. Matteau’s printed maxi dresses are hard to beat. But crisp button-down shirts, signature Breton striped tees and smartly tailored trousers offer more daily wearability.

Our pick

Oroton

In 2019 Oroton added ready-to-wear to its collection of much-loved bags and leather goods. Since then, fans have come to admire collections of printed silk shirts, colourful dresses and refined tailoring. Last year, the brand introduced an Everyday range – pieces largely crafted from cotton that perform function and fashion at once.

Our pick

Posse

If you want to make a quiet statement, look to Posse. The Sydney-born label championed the “old money aesthetic” long before it became a Tiktok trend. Designer Danielle Mulham draws on classic silhouettes and reinterprets them in a contemporary way, and has seen viral Instagram moments many times over – including styles donned by Meghan Markle and Sofia Richie.

Our pick

Scanlan Theodore

Scanlan Theodore is a quiet achiever with staying power. Founded in 1987 by Gary Theodore and Fiona Scanlan, the label continuously walks the line between contemporary and timeless. Directional denim silhouettes, coloured suiting and always-flattering event dresses are designed with trending appeal but will also remain firm favourites for years to come.

Our pick

Sir

Bondi-born label Sir leans into a distinctly Aussie, laid-back sensibility with dreamy collections made up of lived-in linens, breezy resortwear and subtle tailoring. Its pieces bring together ruffles and feminine frills with cool cuts and clean lines; it lives somewhere between poolside chic, sophisticated island girl and effortless business casual. And don’t get us started on its flattering swimwear with playful prints and beaded details.

Our pick

St Agni

St Agni has amassed fans all over the world, namely supermodel Kendall Jenner, who regularly flexes the Byron Bay label’s minimalist designs. The adage “less is more” rings true with the brand’s pared-back sophistication. Invest in its oversized button-ups tailored to crisp perfection, slinky silk slip dresses, slouchy pants, deconstructed blazers and tanks with abstract details.

Our pick

Viktoria & Woods

This year Viktoria & Woods celebrates two decades of bestowing Aussie wardrobes with premium denim, elegant tailoring, off-duty loungewear and standout dresses season after season. The Melbourne-based brand uses sustainable textiles and mindful manufacturing practices, and has cemented its place as a local leader.

Our pick

Zimmermann

Founded in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann , this label is responsible for cementing Australian fashion on the global stage over the past three decades. Bold dresses that celebrate personality are easy choices for special occasions. Leopard print, blooming florals and hand-drawn motifs bring charm to thoughtfully cut dresses, skirts and tops. You’ll also find refined tailoring and sleek denim peppered throughout the collections.

Our pick

What is considered “affordable fashion”?

Affordability comes down to more than just the number listed on a product’s price tag. Taking cost-per-wear into consideration when you’re shopping is a good way to determine what fits within your budget. Sometimes, investing in something more expensive – especially classic items like coats and knitwear – has longer term pay off because you’ll wear them for years to come. It’s important to look at the garment’s fabrication when you’re shopping too – natural fibres generally last longer.

How to find affordable clothing brands that prioritise quality and sustainability

A bunch of great Australian brands are on a mission to craft quality clothes that take care of people and the planet. Doing your research and understanding where your clothes are made – and what they’re made from – will go a long way in helping you frame affordability in your wardrobe. Keep an eye out during seasonal sales or shop secondhand in order to buy the products you want within your budget.

Support local: What are the best Australian small clothing brands?

Broadsheet prides itself on spotlighting great Australian talent. From emerging designers to household names, the local industry is constantly growing – this list is a great place to discover label’s like Hyde & Stone, Foemina, Esse Studios and more. You can shop directly from boutiques and ecommerce stores or look out for Aussie brands on platforms like Riise , The New Trend and Net-a-Porter’s Net Sustain edit.

Additional reporting by Gitika Garg.

This article was originally published on November 14, 2024. It has been updated to reflect new information, products and pricing.