Australian’s fashion manufacturing industry is making a comeback. While the industry had its hay-day before the country entered into free trade agreements in the 1980s, the demand for ethically produced fashion and locally made garments has seen the reintroduction of brands big and small producing their garments onshore. Denim is a part of that – and despite being a laborious garment to produce, Australian brands are meeting demand and making top quality, affordable, ethical jeans onshore.
1. Nobody Denim
Since 1999, Nobody Denim has been making quality, ethical denim. In 2023 the brand joined the Outland Denim group, cementing its place as an ethical and environmentally friendly producer of all things denim and jeans. Nobody Denim aspires to be Australia’s leading global denim brand, celebrating individuality and inspiring confidence. The brand says it combined elegance with bold femininity, offering timeless pieces that adapt to your unique style and stand the test of time.
2. Bassike
Staples and basics brand Bassike also produces some pretty sweet and sustainable denim products. On its website the brand says that sustainability for them means treating people and the planet with respect, lightening their environmental impact and constantly evaluating how they do that. Longevity is also a core consideration for Bassike, as it should be for all brands which is something that influences everything from the design stage in their business. They aim to produce all their collections with intention, integrity and longevity in mind. As a bonus, over 90% of Bassike’s products are ethically made in Australia which ensures a high level of supply chain transparency while supporting and helping to preserve the fashion industry in this country.
3. Embody Women
Embody Women’s approach to denim is simple: “jeans that fit your curves without pulling, pinching, or gaping”. The brand’s entire range is ethically made in Australia – with a focus on inclusivity in shape and size. To reduce Embody Women’s environmental impact and avoid unethical processes, each garment is washed in an industrial family-run laundry and dye house in Sydney that complies with Australian rules and regulations when disposing of chemicals. The best part? The Embody jeans are available in an inclusive size range from 8-26.
4. Dejour Jeans
Dejour Jeans have been making and tailoring quality denim in Melbourne since 1989. Known for having some of the best jeans in the city, the boutique denim maker and retailer is focused on quality over seasonal styles. While some of its production has been offshored since they started, they maintain a level of local production and their unique edge – providing alterations to their jeans in-store at no further cost. These jeans are affordable and high quality from the middle of Melbourne. Drop into 542 Sydney Road, Brunswick to see for yourself.
5. Manning Cartell
Made in Sydney since 2012, Manning Cartell celebrates femininity, strength and beauty with sharp silhouettes. The three sisters behind the label source luxurious fabrics from ethical producers to create the majority of collections on Australian soil. The denim collection includes jeans, skirts and shorts with statement design features. To reduce the environmental impact of the denim productions, the brand uses organic cotton and recycled cotton in the pieces.
6. Viktoria and Woods
Launched in 2004, the original goal of this Australian label was to create effortless modern wardrobe staples. Of course, denim fall into that category. A Viktoria and Woods essential, versatile denim is the ultimate all-occasion styling tool. The brand’s denim is custom washed and made from a premium cotton drill.
7. The Ark Clothing Co
For more than 25 years, The Ark Clothing Co. has been designed and made in Melbourne by a community of like-minded people who believe design should always be imbued with integrity. Proudly Australian owned with an incredibly passionate and talented team of over 70 staff, The Ark has 8 stores and makes small runs of its beautiful basics designs locally and ethically in Australia. The brand’s denim range includes jeans and jackets in classic colourways and cuts.
