From Your Head To Your Toes: Iconic Must-Have Aussie Clothing Pieces
They say that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can definitely spot the Australian with these iconic fashion pieces. For generations, Aussies have been choosing to adorn themselves with some classic and well-known pieces that have become more than fashion or necessary clothing, but rather a statement of national pride. Here are some iconic Australian fashion pieces:
Akubra
It’s an Aussie staple that’s as Australian as kangaroos – the humble akubra hat has been part of our culture for generations, and serves not only protection from the harsh sun, but also forms part of our cultural identity. Seen more commonly in country towns and in the bush, the akubra (named after the well-known brand Akubra) can be worn day-to-day out on the farm, but also as formal attire.
Cork Hats
Almost as iconic as the akubra hat, these hats form part of our famous Aussie bush culture. They are a simple wide brim hat that features dangling corks on strings that are hung around the outside of the brim. These form a layer of protection from the incessant flies and bugs that plague Australians during summer. Although more of a tourist item now, they still form a fairly famous Aussie image.
A classic Australian cork hat.
Driza-Bone
From the famous expression ‘dry as a bone’, this brand led to this classic piece of outerwear becoming an Aussie clothing necessity. Popular in the country, this is a form of long jacket made from water resistant and resilient materials and provide warmth and sun protection. You can recognise it the Australian film ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and has been worn by supermodels, actors, military men, and Olympians as an iconic Aussie statement piece.
R M Williams
Continuing on from the country theme, R M Williams are one of the oldest and most reputable leather boot brands within Australia, and much like the akubra, has become a term for any boots of the same ‘riding boot’ style of closed-toe, ankle-high leather boots with an elastic side piece. They are worn not only in the country, but also as a staple fashion piece in the city.
Rashies
Short for a ‘rash guard’, these pieces of clothing are something you can’t go an Aussie summer without. While the rest of the sun-loving world can be seen in bikinis and swim shorts, Australian children are brought up wearing this classic Aussie summer staple: the rashie. It’s the name for a type of long-sleeve swim shirt with a high neck to protect against stingers, sunburn, and the elements. It can be worn over a swimsuit or by itself as a shirt.
Hi-Vis
Short for ‘high visibility’, this is the term for any piece of clothing that is made from extremely bright fluoro work gear that is designed for worksites including shirts, pants, and vests. It can be found in three main colours: yellow, orange, and pink. Our nation is full of people that work in the trades, in construction, or project management, as well as many other professions that require ‘hi-vis’ to be worn. Our high level of workplace safety can be seen everywhere and is a sign of our respect for working hard, but safely in our working lives.
Photo by Emma Houghton
Bonds
Another famous household name turned regular vernacular, ‘bonds’ from the brand of the same name, refers to brief-style underwear. The brand now makes a whole range of clothing from pyjamas to baby clothing, but are still known best for their classic ‘undies’ that are worn by everyone.
Bunnings Umbrella
I know you’re thinking ‘but wait, that’s not clothing’ and you would be right, but this is one staple that you are sure to find in any Australian’s collection of clothing, shoes, and outerwear: the Bunnings umbrella. From the Aussie hardware store chain, this item is somehow found in the back of cars, behind front doors, on sports fields, or sitting in the garage of every home. No one really knows how you acquire them because you never remember buying them, but they are always there to help you when it rains.
The humble yet tough Bunnings brolly.
Image credit to Bunnings Australia
No matter what you wear, Australia supports freedom of choice for all and you are welcome to dress however you see fit. With our multicultural melting pot of a nation, you can see all kinds of fashion and clothing, but there will always be some iconic pieces that are a reflection of our unique, resilient, and often entertaining lifestyle.
