The Times Australia
Fashion and Beauty

.

New era of Australian fashion


Afterpay has released a report on the new era of Australian fashion, exploring how the industry has changed since 2020 and the progress made across sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and accessibility.

Released as part of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, the report reveals that nearly half (45.8%) of Australians are buying at least one item of clothing every month, and while their top consideration when shopping is price (83%), two in five (40%) say finding sustainably made items is important to them.

While Aussie shoppers want to purchase sustainable clothing, they are facing several barriers. Three in five (60.1%) say that it's too expensive, 47 per cent say it’s difficult to find sustainable brands and two-thirds (40%) suggest that there aren’t enough Australian sustainable brands.

The heightened focus on sustainability has led to the sharp rise of recommerce, with over two-thirds (67%) of Aussies saying that they’ve bought or sold second-hand clothing and almost one in five (17%) reporting that they resell garments on platforms such as eBay, Depop and Facebook.

The report also explores fashion’s more inclusive future, which is rapidly shifting to embrace gender-fluid styles and a more diverse range of models. One in seven (13%) Aussies are more likely to purchase from brands that offer gender-fluid products, although more than a quarter (27.2%) believe that Australian brands don’t offer enough in the way of gender-fluid fashion.

Women are more comfortable crossing gender lines and dipping into menswear, with almost half (44%) saying they’re likely to purchase clothing and accessories that aren’t explicitly for females, while only a quarter (26%) of men say they are likely to purchase items that aren’t explicitly for men.

One of shoppers’ biggest barriers is size inclusivity, with many Aussies (40%) reporting that they struggle to find clothes in their size in some brands. Although more than six in 10 (61.6%) Australians believe that Australia’s fashion campaigns and runways are somewhat more inclusive than counterparts overseas.

Anthony Eisen, Co-Founder at Afterpay, said, “As Afterpay celebrates its third year as the headline partner of Australian Fashion Week, we want to continue to shine a light on our key pillars of inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability. The ‘Australian Fashion’s New Era’ report reveals that Aussie shoppers are eager to see meaningful change across these areas from Australian fashion brands, and we have a responsibility to play our part in ensuring this evolution.”

Leila Naja Hibri, CEO at The Australian Fashion Council, who contributed to the foreword for the report said, “At a time when the industry is facing inflationary pressures, combined with shortages of skilled workers and materials, we need to transform outdated business models to better support a thriving, resilient industry.

“Australia has long overlooked the economic power of its fashion and textile sector. Fashion contributes more than $27.2 billion to the national economy and employs over 489,000 people, 77 per cent of whom are women. This report reflects an exciting opportunity to achieve a socially, environmentally and economically prosperous industry that better serves our fashion workforce and the Aussie consumer.”

Times Magazine

DIY Is In: How Aussie Parents Are Redefining Birthday Parties

When planning his daughter’s birthday, Rich opted for a DIY approach, inspired by her love for drawing maps and giving clues. Their weekend tradition of hiding treats at home sparked the idea, and with a pirate ship playground already chosen as t...

When Touchscreens Turn Temperamental: What to Do Before You Panic

When your touchscreen starts acting up, ignoring taps, registering phantom touches, or freezing entirely, it can feel like your entire setup is falling apart. Before you rush to replace the device, it’s worth taking a deep breath and exploring what c...

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Times Features

What Makes Certain Rings or Earrings Timeless Versus Trendy?

Timeless rings and earrings are defined by designs that withstand the test of time, quality craftsmanship, and versatility. Trendy pieces, on the other hand, often stand testimony ...

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to ...

What to Expect During a Professional Termite Inspection

Keeping a home safe from termites isn't just about peace of mind—it’s a vital investment in the structure of your property. A professional termite inspection is your first line o...

Booty and the Beasts - The Podcast

Cult TV Show Back with Bite as a Riotous New Podcast  The show that scandalised, shocked and entertained audiences across the country, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, has returned in ...

A Guide to Determining the Right Time for a Switchboard Replacement

At the centre of every property’s electrical system is the switchboard – a component that doesn’t get much attention until problems arise. This essential unit directs electrici...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand o...