What is the Traditional Clothing of Australia?
The diverse culture of Australia and climate variations create the need for traditional clothing based on functionality and comfort. Working outdoors in hot muggy climates has developed traditional clothing that is loosely fitting, lightweight and casual. Akubra hats, drizabones, blundstones, gators, speedos and flip-flops are all traditional clothing of Australia.
Akubra Hats
Hats are often worn in many parts of the country in the United States for protection from the sun and residents of Australia also make good use of their traditional akubra hats. The first akubra hats were produced in Tasmania back in 1872 and are still popular today. They protect your face from the sun and are constructed of seven rabbit skins with a wide rim. Akubra hats are often worn by people working in the bush or the outback and tourists just love them.
Drizabones
If you are an Aussie and in need of wet weather protection you will be wanting a drizabone. These are a very old traditional oilskin riding coats worn by Australian stockman today. They originally became popular in the forties when sailors wore them for protection on windjammers. These durable coats protected Australian settlers through out history and are usually worn with akubra hats today.
Blundstones
Blundstones are tough sturdy work boots invented in the 1870's in Tasmania. They are still used as work boots and have become a fashion statement around the world.
Gators
Gators are made of loose fabric with a tight fitting rim worn above low boots for preventing prickly stickers, grass and seeds from getting inside your socks while traversing the bush.
Speedos
You are bound to see men all over Australian beaches wearing skimpy little bathing suits called speedos. Originally designed in 1929 they are still fashionable and guaranteed to increase your speed as you swim.
Flip-flops
Flip-flops also called thongs are casual wear shoes worn anywhere and every where that does not require formal wear. If you are an Aussie and your work for the day does not require boots, there is a good chance you will be wearing your thongs.