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, Elka Collective, 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
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 last year the Melbourne brand added clothing to the mix. An emphasis on fabric and fit has made its range of elevated wardrobe essentials fast favourites.
Price range: $100–$850
Our pick
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.
Price range: $40–$200
Our pick
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 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.
Price range: $59–$745
Our pick
Nostalgia denim mini dress
$425
Material: Cotton | Size range: AU4–6 | Perfect for: Year-round dressing
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 recieved 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.
Price range: $145–$1500
Our pick
Monte mini dress
$570
Material: Ramie | Size range: AU6–16 | Perfect for: A hit of colour
Designer Anna Hoang knows a thing or two about understated minimalism. Her Sydney-based label Anna Quan first reinvented the classic white shirt with the top-selling Anne style. The oversized silhouette that extends into elongated cuffs has made a strong comeback this season, complete with a blue trim. 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.
Price range: $160–$1200
Our pick
Penelope dress
$380
Material: Cotton | Size range: AU4–16 | Perfect for: Comfort chic
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.
Price range: $30–$600
Our pick
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.
Price range: $50–$2995
Our pick
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.
Price range: $180–$3600
Our pick
Cotton Jersey Glove dress
$320
Material: Organic cotton | Size range: AU4–16 | Perfect for: Timeless glamour
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.
Price range: $99–$1600
Our pick
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 last year, took home the Andam Fashion Award in June and recently presented its spring/summer 25 collection again in Paris.
Price range: $190–$3900
Our pick
Concave Stone tank dress
$690
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size range: AU4–14 | Perfect for: Comfortable cool
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.
Price range:$120–$800
Our pick
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.
Price range: $69–$429
Our pick
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.
Price range: $49–$449
Our pick
Hana skirt
$249
Material: Acetate | Size range: 4–14 | Perfect for: Cocktail hour
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.
Price range: $90–$1200
Our pick
Chunky-knit cardigan
$295
Material: Alpaca blend | Size range: AU6–20 | Perfect for: Statement layering
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.
Price range: $190–$1050
Our pick
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.
Price range: $28–$610
Our pick
Lida maxi dress
$360
Material: Organic cotton | Size range: XXS–XXL | Perfect for: Simple yet striking
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.
Price range: $185–$495
Our pick
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.
Price range: $65–$699
Our pick
Giselle dress
$479
Material: Silk | Size range: XXS–XXL | Perfect for: Summer events
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.
Price range: $129–$1250
Our pick
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.
Price range: $35–$3500
Our pick
Baby tee
$80
Material: Organic cotton | Size range: XS–XL | Perfect for: Comfortably cropped
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.
Price range: $110–$750
Our pick
Felix wide-leg jeans
$380
Material: Cotton | Size range: 0–5 | Perfect for: Conscious denim
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.
Price range: $129–1259
Our pick
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.
Price range: $200–$680
Our pick
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. Recently, the brand introduced an Everyday range – pieces largely crafted from cotton that perform function and fashion at once.
Price range: $79–$999
Our pick
Teddy boxer
$159
Material: Cotton | Size range: 4–16 | Perfect for: Chic in the heat
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 the brand’s stripey Theo dress spotted on Meghan Markle and the famous Emma vest donned by Sofia Richie.
Price range: $149–$549
Our pick
Beryl top
$279
Material: Cotton | Size range: XXS–XL | Perfect for: Going out top
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.
Price range: $200–$1800
Our pick
Stripe wrap dress
$750
Material: Cotton, polyamide | Size range: 6–10 | Perfect for: Vintage charm
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.
Price range: $60–$850
Our pick
Avery Twist mini dress
$360
Material: Linen | Size range: AU6–14 | Perfect for: Retro redux
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.
Price range: $75–$1459
Our pick
Minimal tailored vest
$389
Material: Organic cotton, linen | Size range: XXS–XL | Perfect for: Borrow from the boys
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.
Price range: $49–$1300
Our pick
Paramount pant
$450
Material: Silk | Size range: AU4–14 | Perfect for: Elevated ease
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.
Price range: $175–$3500
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 Undone, The New Trend and Net-a-Porter’s Net Sustain edit.
Additional reporting by Gitika Garg
We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.