With the popularity of streetwear culture rising in Australia, it is no wonder that more and more brands are springing up Down Under. From being importers of big brands, Australia has now become a producer, with several streetwear fashion brands popping up on every street corner.
In this article we’re taking the opportunity to highlight some of the top Australian streetwear brands to take note of, celebrating our ever-growing and thriving streetwear community.
Ksubi
Founded in 1999, Ksubi is one of the veterans in the Australian market. Having collaborated with several artists, the brand is known for its ripped jeans, t-shirts, and top-notch jackets, is a crowd favourite. In 2017, they collaborated with American rapper Travis Scott, releasing a limited-edition capsule collection.
Following the success of the collaboration, they were able to get Kendall Jenner to become the face of the brand by Fall 2019, garnering even more people into the community. With an emphasis on pairing jeans with cool t-shirts and hoodies, Ksubi has flagship stores across North America, UK, Japan, and Australia.
First Ever’s Ath Street
First Ever is a leading sportswear brand in Australia, providing apparel for the National Basketball League. Containing a diversified list of selections to choose from, they also have a gender-inclusive streetwear line called ATH-STREET.
Bassike
Bassike is one of the most environmentally conscious streetwear brands out in Australia. Committed to creating a sustainable business that thrives on materials made from 100% organic materials. The brand is well-known for the quality of their clothes and customers can be confident in Bassike durable clothing items.
Butter Goods
Inspired by jazz, hip-hop, and soul music, Butter Good’s delivers authenticity in style to its customers. Founded in 2008, Butter Goods has grown into quite the brand, doing a series of collaborations with popular brands such as DC Shoes and HUF. Butter Good is known for its uniquely printed tees and bright colour bold graphics.
Song for the Mute
Creative with their colours, storyline and experimentation, Song for the Mute is a minimalistic streetwear brand, offering unique pieces of clothing., They are a one of a kind story-based brand that has put Australian streetwear on the world map.
In 2011, Song for the Mute won the prestigious Designer Award at the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Innovating fashion as an art, the brand also has a partnership with a non-profit company, Australian Wool Innovation Limited.
Pass~Port
An Australian-grown skater store, Pass~Port was founded in Sydney in 2009. As a way to fill the Australian market with skater apparel — something that it was lacking heavily at that time —the brand has expanded and is now available worldwide. They have even some big-name collaborations under their belt, like the one with Vans. Pass~Port offers a wide range of printed t-shirts for streetwear lovers.
HoMie
The Homie is a streetwear brand that aims to do good, with 100% of its profits going to charitable causes. Aimed at helping people in hardship — from the homeless to the underserved in Australia — the brand produces gender-neutral apparel that anyone can wear. The brand was founded in Australia and prides itself as one of the country’s local streetwear brands focused on simplicity.
Oli.
Founded in Perth in 2012, designer Oliver McDonald began Oli. by printing his own designs on a t-shirt and selling them from his home studio. Over the years, the brand has grown into a local favourite, with each piece released as a limited-edition. Customers can rest assured to find everything from jumpers to beanies.
The People VS
The People VS is one of Australia’s most popular streetwear fashion brands. Vintage-inspired and with a presence in New Zealand, Japan, and Australia, The People Vs has carved out a little piece in the streetwear market by providing its customers with cool designs. From ripped jeans to music-inspired attire, their brand is visually aesthetic. Customers that are looking for a grunge look will be happy to find what they need at The People VS.
Final thoughts
While streetwear may not be fully developed in Australia as it is in other parts of the world, the brands above offer a wide selection of items that locals can choose from. The proof is in the numbers, as data shows, the streetwear and sneaker market continues to rise Down Under. As it does, more people are looking for interesting brands like the ones above, joining the vast community of streetwear enthusiasts and coming together to connect with the culture.
