The Best Sydney-Based Fashion Brands To Watch In 2026
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
If there’s one thing to be said about Sydneysiders, it’s that we’re more often than not well-dressed—and in 2026, nothing feels chicer than wearing something nobody else has. But while sustainable fashion has never been more important, we aren’t living in London, Amsterdam or Paris, where thriving vintage and secondhand scenes make it easy to find one-off pieces. Sydney’s thrifting culture is still catching up. So where are the city’s best-dressed influencers, creatives and everyday fashion lovers finding their next great outfit? Our advice: start local.
Across studio spaces in Surry Hills, Chippendale showrooms and small-batch ateliers tucked around the Inner West, a new wave of Sydney-based fashion labels is emerging—designers experimenting with thoughtful silhouettes, local production and pieces that feel made for life in this city.
And with Australian Fashion Week on the horizon, there’s no better time to tune in to the local talent shaping Sydney’s fashion identity right now. These are the Sydney fashion brands to know in 2026—independent labels gaining cult followings among buyers, creatives and fashion insiders before the rest of the world catches on.
Katharina Lou
Online
Image credit: Katharina Lou | Instagram
Katharina Lou is an easy win for anyone keen to reincorporate colours and patterned pieces back into their wardrobe. The brand is all about bold, slow-made pieces with inclusive sizing and thoughtful details—clothes designed to be worn, reworn, and kept. Their viral styles have a loyal following for a reason: they’re fun, flattering, built to last, and instantly recognisable.
While they don't currently have a physical store, you can shop their locally made pieces online, or hold out for their limited studio try-on sessions.
Maem Disko
Online
Image credit: Maem Disko | Instagram
Founded in 2021 by Margot Castor, Maem Disko is the Sydney-born label bringing a playful, community-first approach to slow fashion. What began as a one-woman operation (cold-calling patternmakers and sewing pieces after hours) has grown into a cult-favourite brand known for its silky matching sets, vintage lace pieces and snatching tanks.
Alongside its flirty, nostalgic designs, Maem Disko places a strong emphasis on ethical production and small-scale manufacturing, creating pieces designed to last beyond a single season.
Itadaki
Online
Image credit: Itadaki | Instagram
For something a little more directional, Itadaki is a Sydney label blending Japanese design references with a distinctly contemporary edge. Founded as a way to reconnect with the designer’s Japanese heritage, the brand draws inspiration from the contrast between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the playful street style of Tokyo’s Harajuku scene.
Produced in small runs using deadstock fabrics, Itadaki sits firmly within the slow fashion movement, with a focus on craftsmanship, transparency and garments designed to be cherished long after the trend cycle moves on.
Fia Martinii
Online
Image credit: Fia Martinii | Instagram
For pieces that feel a little more romantic, Fia Martinii brings a travel-inspired elegance to the Sydney fashion scene. Known for its hand-beaded skirts and floaty silhouettes cut from 100% silk chiffon, the label leans into craftsmanship and intricate detail.
Drawing inspiration from everywhere from balmy Sydney evenings to Jaipur’s ornate textiles, the souks of Marrakech and Parisian glamour, Fia Martinii blends South Asian embellishment with a soft, feminine sensibility. The result is pieces that feel just as suited to a long dinner as they do a far-flung getaway.
Five By Flynn
16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington
Image credit: Five By Flynn | Instagram
Five By Flynn is the Sydney-born label tapping into the city’s laid-back approach to getting dressed. Founded in 2019 by Louie Collins, the brand started with a simple idea: create high-quality shirts with relaxed cuts and a slightly retro feel that didn’t really exist in the market.
What began as a five-shirt capsule has since grown into a full ready-to-wear collection spanning contemporary basics and statement pieces. The brand’s signature sits somewhere between resort wear and streetwear—easy silhouettes, vintage-leaning prints and unisex styling that reflects Australia’s evolving youth culture.
Maison Essentiele
Level 2/52/54 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Maison Essentiele | Instagram
If your style leans more understated, Maison Essentiele is the Sydney label quietly building a global following. Founded by Olivia Koennecke, the brand is known for its timeless silhouettes, vintage-inspired details and elevated wardrobe staples designed to be worn on repeat.
Originally launched as a sleepwear label in 2019, Maison Essentiele has since evolved into a full ready-to-wear collection that blends ‘90s minimalism, vintage lingerie references and clean tailoring. Think sensual fabrics like silk, cotton and wool, paired with refined, city-ready silhouettes that sit somewhere between polished and off-duty.
My Friends Are Yours
Online
Image credit: My Friends Are Yours | Instagram
My Friends Are Yours is a Sydney-based slow fashion brand, producing solely Australian designed and manufactured collections—it doesn't get more local than that. Think fun going out tops in flirty designs and fabrics, minis that show a little skin, and overall collections that are super on trend and current.
Dal 1992
Online
Image credit: Dal 1992 | Instagram
Dal 1992 is a new Sydney label rethinking hosiery with a slow-fashion lens. Founded by designer Pixie McElroy after scouting Italian factories, the brand focuses on sheer stockings and knee-length styles knitted in Italy from recycled and regenerated materials.
Each pair carries a repeated monogram and comes in signature colours like dusty blu, marron and scarlett. A thoughtful gift for anyone who's into quiet luxury and fun accessories.
Sunny's Slow Made Goods
Online
Image Credit: Sunny's Slow Made Goods | Instagram
There's nothing more special than recieving a true one-of-a-kind item in the mail—and while it's not quite as good as if you'd whipped it up it yourself, Sunny's Slow Made Goods are made to order. Each piece is crafted with a high level of attention to detail: quality, comfy, using natural and recycled materials.
By Neil Vernon
Online
Image credit: By Neil Vernon | Instagram
Timeless basics, office siren pieces, and fits that move seamlessly from day to night—By Neil Vernon is the place to go if those words strike a tone. You might recognise their off the shoulder, sheer and button down styles, hanging off the back of every model off duty look in Sydney.
Karameleon
Online
Image credit: Karameleon | Instagram
Karameleon is a Bondi-born label built on nostalgia, bold prints and a love of vintage. Designer Kara Otter left the fast-fashion grind to create something more playful and conscious—think Y2K-influenced swim, mini skirts and rhinestone tees made in small runs, plus a growing vintage arm for one-off finds. It’s a fun pick for anyone who loves colour, personality and pieces with a bit of attitude.
Main image credit: Katharina Lou | Instagram
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy, or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Sydney’s Best Pilates Studios To Stretch And Sweat In
Sydney’s Best Markets To Explore In 2026
