17 Best Australian Clothing Brands To Shop In 2026

When I was a teenager, Kookai was so beloved by my age group that we all carried our lunchboxes to school in the brand’s paper shopping bags. Vintage Kookai has been trending on Vinted recently, which reminded me just how Y2K the aesthetic was back then: lots of spandex, ruffled slips, printed jersey and lace-trimmed camisoles.

Kookai’s UK stores shut in 2013, so when the business was bought by an Australian parent company (it was originally founded in 1983 in France), it hardly made the news here. Then, in May of this year, the now-Aussie brand opened a 1,800 square foot flagship on Carnaby Street (off the back of success in New Zealand and Australian) to rave review.

I had the pleasure of trying on the label’s newest pieces and I love the high-low aesthetic that would serve you for work and play, not to mention off-duty and evening. The on-trend jersey basics are nailed, and bottoms are excellent – from black capris and low-rise bermudas, to lace-trimmed slips and leather pencils skirts. But the knitwear is what really got me: angora-laced polo-neck tops, wool collared bodysuits, scarf jumpers with flattering waisted fits. Run don’t walk.

14. Best for Lingerie-Inspired Evening-Wear: Sleeping With Jacques

Sleeping With Jacques was born in 2017 as an underwear-as-outwear brand, long before lockdown hit and we were all craving luxe loungewear. The label’s USP was louche velvet separates that looked like pyjamas but could be worn with everything from heels to slides and slippers. Editors were instantly hooked.

Fast forward to 2026, and founder Jacqui Hoang has pivoted to include couture-like evening gowns in her collections. These pieces still stay true to SWJ’s core aesthetic – there’s lace, velvet and silk-satin, but this time it definitely couldn’t pass as nightwear. Kourtney Kardashian-Barker was just spotted filming The Kardashians in one of those beautiful creations.

15. Best Sustainable: St Agni

St Agni is still headquartered (in that solar powered studio we mentioned!) where it was founded: Byron Bay. Lara and Matt Fells initially started with leather goods in 2014 but soon expanded into the elegant ready-to-wear every fashionista has come to know and love. Fast forward to 2026 and St Agni has five Australian retail stores, located in Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane, and over 90 retailers across the globe.