Australian Made Underwear: A Guide to Buying Local

Australian Made Underwear: Because the small choices matter

Do you ever think about who really made your clothes? Tags and websites say things like "Designed in Australia" or "Ethically made overseas," but what does that actually mean? In an industry saturated with marketing and greenwashing, "Australian Made" can feel like just another empty phrase. But when it comes to underwear, the clothes we wear closest to our skin every single day, it’s worth looking a little closer.

At Hopeless, we’ve been making underwear and lingerie one by one, to order in our Melbourne studio since 2008. It’s something we care deeply about, and has been a conscious decision since our inception. This method of production means we keep full control of how things are made, are able to minimize waste and shipping emissions, and focus on sustainable, small scale, deadstock and upcycled fabric choices.

So let’s break it down. What does it actually mean when something is labelled Australian Made? And why is it important?

The phrase "Australian Made" is protected by law, and it means exactly what it says: the product was manufactured in Australia. Not just designed here, not just packed here, but actually cut, sewn, assembled, and finished right here in Australia.

For underwear, this can be a big deal. Most underwear brands manufacture offshore, where labour is cheaper and regulations are different. Australian manufacturing is smaller and more expensive — but it's also more transparent, traceable, and accountable. 

When you buy Australian Made underwear, you're supporting a small team of makers who design, market, grade patterns, sew, do customer service and everything in between . You're contributing to local industry, rather than sending money offshore, and you're getting a product made with care, just for you. This model is very different from an assembly line in a factory, where no accomodations can be made for unique design elements or fit adjustments.

Explore our collection of Australian Made Best Sellers here

It’s getting more and more difficult to find truly Australian made underwear. Many labels market themselves as local or ethical, but produce most of their collections overseas. That doesn’t mean they’re doing the wrong thing, you can definitely make ethical fashion offshore, but it does make it harder for shoppers to make informed choices.

Making things locally isn’t easy, or cheap. The cost of labour, rent, utilities, and materials is high. Most suppliers and brands have either closed or moved offshore. To us, the challenge is worth it. Being able to accomodate custom requests, offer a truly inclusive size range, and quickly adapt to changes in the market are all positives that benefit both our business and our customers.

Keeping our production in-house gives us full control over our supply chain. We know who is making your underwear (it’s us), how it's being made, and exactly where every piece comes from. That kind of transparency is rare, and we’re extremely proud of it.

If you're trying to find genuinely Australian Made underwear, here's what to check:

• Manufacturing details: Look for brands that state Made in Australia, not just Designed in Australia.

• Transparency: Does the brand share details about where and how their products are made?

• Certifications: While not always necessary, the official Australian Made logo is a good sign.

• Scale: If a brand is offering hundreds of styles at fast fashion prices, chances are they're not making them here.
  
  

In a world that is obsessed with scaling and growth at all costs, supporting small, local business is one of the best protests you can make. It’s about making a choice that supports independent designers and makers, reduces the environmental footprint of your wardrobe, and challenges the fast fashion system that is dominating our industry. It’s about investing in pieces that are made slowly and thoughtfully, one by one, just for the person that orders it.

Underwear might be a small part of your outfit, but little things can make a big difference. The more we seek out and support local, ethical, transparent production and design, the more the industry will shift.

Thank you for being part of the change!