
Fashion is a big business in Australia, contributing around AU$27.2 billion to the national economy in the 2021 financial year. The industry is highly interlinked with the overall economy, employing over 489,000 people (as of 2021) and contributing 1.5% to the country's GDP. Australia is the second-largest per capita consumer of textiles in the world, with the average Australian consuming 27kg of new clothing annually. The country's fashion landscape includes local brands like Billabong and Cotton On, international fast-fashion giants like Shein, and emerging local designers. The Australian government is investing over $380 million into its fashion and design industries, and the Australian Fashion Council is also taking initiatives to transform the industry, making it more sustainable and circular.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Revenue in 2023 | $10.97 billion |
| Revenue expected by the end of 2023 | $20.2 billion |
| Revenue growth until 2027 | Slightly more than 2% per year |
| Contribution to Australian GDP | 1.5% |
| Exports generated | $7.2 billion |
| Employment | 489,000+ |
| Percentage of women employed | 77% |
| Local luxury retail market revenue | $2 billion |
| Annual growth of local luxury retail market | 10%+ |
| Average clothing consumption per person per year | 27 kg |
| Government funding | $380 million |
| Textile waste sent to landfills per year | 800,000 tonnes |
| Transition to sustainable clothing | In Progress |
| Popular domestic brands | Billabong, Cotton On, The Iconic, and Rip Curl |
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What You'll Learn
- The Australian fashion industry contributes 1.5% to the country's GDP
- The industry generates $7.2 billion in exports annually
- The industry employs over 489,000 people, 77% of whom are women
- The average Australian consumes 27 kg of new clothing per year
- The Australian government is investing $380 million into the industry

The Australian fashion industry contributes 1.5% to the country's GDP
Fashion is a big business in Australia, contributing 1.5% to the country's GDP. In the financial year 2021, the industry contributed around $27.2 billion Australian dollars to the national economy. It is projected that revenue in the Australian fashion market will reach $10.97 billion in 2023, with an annual growth of more than 2%. The industry is expected to recover and grow in the coming years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian fashion industry is highly interlinked with the overall economy, employing over 489,000 people, 77% of whom are women. The country is the second-largest per capita consumer of textiles in the world, after the US. The average Australian consumes 27 kg of new clothing per year. This high consumption rate has led to thousands of tons of clothing and textiles being sent to landfills annually, contributing to Australia's waste crisis.
The Australian government is investing significantly in its fashion and design industries, with over $380 million in funding. The Australian Fashion Chamber was formed to nurture local talent and brands, and initiatives like the 'Seamless' project aim to promote sustainability and circular business models. The country is also home to globally recognized local clothing and surfwear brands, such as Billabong, Cotton On, The Iconic, and Rip Curl.
The media coverage of the Australian fashion industry is somewhat limited, with international publications often having more presence during fashion weeks than local outlets. However, the industry is working to gain more recognition and respect, with events like the annual Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. The local luxury retail market is worth approximately $2 billion in revenue, indicating the significant role of fashion in Australia's economy.
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The industry generates $7.2 billion in exports annually
The Australian fashion industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, generating $7.2 billion in exports annually. This industry is highly interlinked with the overall economy and provides employment to over 489,000 people, with 77% being women. The fashion industry in Australia is facing both opportunities and challenges due to shifting trends at the macro and micro levels.
One of the key challenges is the battle against inflation by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), resulting in the highest interest rates in over a decade and a gloomy short-term outlook for consumer spending. However, the outlook for 2024 and beyond is more positive, with rising immigration, easing inflation, and higher discretionary spending expected to boost growth. Australia is the second-largest per capita consumer of textiles globally, with the average Australian consuming 27 kg of new clothing annually.
The industry is also characterised by a growing emphasis on sustainability and personalisation, with consumers increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices. This has led to a push for ethical and eco-friendly brands offering products made from sustainable materials. The Australian government is investing significantly in the fashion and design industries, injecting over $380 million, and initiatives like the Australian Fashion Council's 'Seamless' project aim to foster circular business models and sustainable practices.
The country's fashion landscape includes well-known local brands such as Billabong, Cotton On, The Iconic, and Rip Curl, as well as international fast-fashion giants like Shein and ASOS. While Australia produces apparel locally, it is also one of the top apparel-importing countries, reflecting the significant role of imports in meeting consumer demands. The local luxury retail market is also notable, generating approximately $2 billion in revenue with annual growth exceeding 10%.
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The industry employs over 489,000 people, 77% of whom are women
The Australian fashion industry is a major employer, with over 489,000 people working in the sector. This large workforce is testament to the industry's significance in the national economy, contributing around 27.2 billion Australian dollars in the 2021 financial year. This contribution is expected to grow, with revenue projected to reach $10.97 billion in 2023, and the market size expected to increase in the coming years.
The industry's workforce is predominantly female, with 77% of its employees being women. This is in line with the broader pattern of the industry, which serves a consumer base that is largely female. Womenswear is the largest segment of the clothing market, and female consumers are increasingly making ethical and sustainable choices. The industry is responding to this shift, with an increased emphasis on sustainability and a push to support homegrown brands.
The Australian government is also investing heavily in the industry, with over $380 million being injected into the fashion and design sectors. This investment comes at a time when government funding is scarce elsewhere, indicating the industry's importance to the country.
The fashion industry in Australia is facing both opportunities and challenges. While consumer spending may be subdued in the short term due to inflation, the outlook for 2024 and beyond is positive, with rising immigration, easing inflation, and higher discretionary spending expected to boost the industry.
The industry is also dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected demand and supply. However, the Australian fashion industry is resilient and expected to recover, with a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses.
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The average Australian consumes 27 kg of new clothing per year
The Australian fashion industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, employing more people than the mining or utility sectors. The industry contributes 1.5% to the Australian GDP, generates $7.2 billion in exports each year, and employs more than 489,000 people, 77% of whom are women. The clothing market is divided into three segments: womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear, with womenswear being the largest segment.
To address these concerns, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical consumption in the Australian fashion industry. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices and are seeking out eco-friendly and transparent brands. The Australian government has also recognised the need for change, with Australia investing more than $380 million into its fashion and design industries. Additionally, the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme aims to halve national textile waste by 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the fashion and apparel industry in Australia, with lockdowns and reduced consumer spending affecting demand and supply. However, the industry is expected to recover and grow, with revenue projected to increase and a shift towards more sustainable practices. The market will witness a move towards circular business models, with brands focusing on renewable materials, waste reduction, and improved labour conditions.
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The Australian government is investing $380 million into the industry
The Australian fashion industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, generating billions in revenue and employing hundreds of thousands of people. In 2021, the industry contributed around $27.2 billion Australian dollars to the national economy, with the local luxury retail market alone worth approximately $2 billion. The industry also generates $7.2 billion in exports annually and provides jobs for over 489,000 Australians, 77% of whom are women.
Despite its economic importance, the Australian fashion industry has often been overlooked by the media, with fashion journalism taking a backseat to other types of coverage. However, the government is now investing heavily in the industry, recognising its potential for growth and job creation. With an injection of $380 million, the government aims to boost the fashion and design industries, fostering innovation and supporting local talent.
This investment comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, which has faced challenges in recent years due to shifting trends, economic conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to lockdowns, social distancing measures, and reduced consumer spending, affecting the demand and supply of fashion products. However, the industry is expected to recover and grow, with revenue projected to reach $10.97 billion in 2023 and continue growing by slightly more than 2% per year until 2027.
The Australian fashion industry is also facing increasing pressure to become more sustainable. With Australia having one of the highest per-capita apparel consumption rates worldwide, the industry significantly contributes to the country's waste crisis. Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices, demanding ethical and eco-friendly options. The Australian Fashion Council's 'Seamless' initiative aims to address this issue by promoting circular business models, incentivising sustainable design, and encouraging consumers to reuse, recycle, and reduce their clothing consumption.
The government's investment of $380 million is a strong vote of confidence in the industry's future and its ability to adapt to changing consumer demands and market trends. With this support, the Australian fashion industry is poised to emerge stronger and more resilient, solidifying its position as a key driver of economic growth and a source of national pride.
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Frequently asked questions
The fashion industry in Australia contributed around 27.2 billion Australian dollars to the national economy in the 2021 financial year. It also generates $7.2 billion in exports each year.
Revenue from the Australian apparel market is expected to reach $20.2 billion by the end of 2023, with a projected growth of slightly more than 2% per year until 2027.
The fashion industry in Australia employs over 489,000 people, with 77% of those employed being women.
The industry faces challenges due to its high per-capita apparel consumption rate, contributing significantly to the country's waste crisis. Australia is trying to move away from fast fashion and towards sustainability, with initiatives like the Australian Fashion Council's 'Seamless' project.
Australia has several globally recognised clothing and surfwear brands, including Billabong, Cotton On, The Iconic, and Rip Curl. The country is also home to fashion weeks like the Mercedes Benz fashion week and Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, which showcase local designers.











































