Big Ideas What are you wearing? Why we aren’t buying Australian made fashion
May 15, 2025
Tara Moses, COO of RM Williams, Sarah Sheridan, co-founder of Clothing the Gaps, Amy Gallagher of Cloak, and Juanita Page from Joseph and James come together to discuss the state of Australian fashion. They highlight the irony that Australians are the world's biggest clothing consumers while only three percent of clothes are made locally. The guests explore challenges in local manufacturing, the rise of fast fashion, and the need for transparency and sustainability in the industry. They emphasize supporting independent retailers and advocate for ethical consumer choices.
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Australia's High Clothing Consumption
- Australians consume more clothing per capita than any other country but only 3% is made locally.\n- This gap highlights a missed opportunity for the local industry and the community it supports.
Patriotism Fuels US 'Made In' Pride
- Tara Moses described the strong patriotism in the US for buying locally made products.\n- In Australia, this local pride is less prevalent but could grow with better storytelling.
Local Manufacturing Benefits
- Sarah Sheridan shared the benefits of local manufacturing like closer relationships and shorter lead times.\n- Smaller minimum order quantities help manage supply and waste better than offshore factories.