Australia’s workwear industry is mature and highly competitive. But for brands looking to design locally-compliant gear—or fabric suppliers aiming to meet those needs—understanding what defines the country’s top players is essential. In this article, I’ve taken a close look at three of the biggest names in the space: Hard Yakka, KingGee, and Bisley Workwear.
From product lines to fabric choices to the certifications they rely on, here’s what you need to know—and how you can align your own developments accordingly.
Hard Yakka, KingGee, and Bisley are three of the most established workwear brands in Australia. Each focuses on different sectors—from heavy-duty trade work to all-day comfort and certified safety wear. They primarily use cotton, cotton-stretch, and poly-cotton blends, and their garments typically meet key AS/NZS standards, including 4501.2 (general requirements), 1906.4 (hi-vis), and 4399 (UV protection).
Hard Yakka: Built Tough for the Harshest Work Environments
Hard Yakka is a heritage brand—founded in 1930 and built on the idea of gear that can take a beating. Their audience includes tradies, construction crews, and workers in mining and maintenance roles who need reliable, hard-wearing apparel.
🔩 Key Product Lines:
- Legends Pants: Heavy-duty cotton drill with triple stitching
- Koolgear Hi Vis Shirt: Lightweight, ventilated, perfect for warm conditions
- 3056 Series: A modern, urban-style range for active job roles
- Canvas Overalls and Jackets: Designed for colder weather and abrasive environments
🧵 Fabric Strategy:
Hard Yakka’s product listings include:
- Light to heavy cotton: From 145gsm ripstop shirts to 310gsm drill and canvas pants
- Cotton/elastane blends: Used in slim-fit or flexible pants
- Cotton/polyester/stretch: For enhanced durability and wearability
- UPF50+ on most products for UV protection (AS/NZS 4399)
Fabric Match Suggestion
For garments like the Legends Pants or drill jackets:
👉 310gsm 100% Cotton Drill, UPF50+, Mercerised & Preshrunk
KingGee: Everyday Comfort Meets Industrial Function
KingGee was founded in 1926 and is now known for combining work-ready functionality with a modern focus on comfort. It serves a broad range of roles—from trades to warehousing—where ease of movement and breathable materials matter.
🔧 Key Series:
- Workcool 2 Shirt: Designed for airflow and sweat-wicking
- Tradie Utility Shorts: Lightweight and flexible for active roles
- Tencel Blend Shirts: Great for hybrid indoor/outdoor work
👕 Fabric Insights:
KingGee emphasizes comfort with:
- 155gsm cotton ripstop for hot-weather wear
- Poly/cotton/spandex blends for movement
- Tencel blends for soft, skin-friendly shirts
Fabric Match Suggestion
For Workcool or hi-vis shirts:
👉 155gsm 100% Cotton Ripstop, Hi-Vis Yellow, UPF50+
Bisley Workwear: Certified, Functional, and Rapidly Growing
Bisley Workwear is one of Australia’s fastest-growing workwear brands, known for its high compliance standards, wide product range, and function-first design.
🧰 Notable Product Ranges:
- Hi Vis Drill Shirt: A standard in construction and transport
- X Airflow™ Shirt: Engineered for heat-intensive conditions
- Flame-resistant (FR) and anti-static gear
- UPF50+ certified products for full-day outdoor exposure
🧵 Fabric Types in Use:
- 190gsm cotton twill for work shirts
- Poly/cotton/spandex blends for stretch-fit styles
- FR-treated fabrics for electrical or welding tasks
Fabric Match Suggestion
For shirts or trousers in the Hi Vis or utility ranges:
👉 190gsm 100% Cotton Twill, Hi-Vis Yellow
Compliance Cheat Sheet: AS/NZS Standards to Know
| Standard | Focus | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| AS/NZS 4501.2 | General Protective Clothing | Core safety criteria for workwear |
| AS/NZS 1906.4 | Hi-Visibility Materials | Reflectivity and brightness regulations |
| AS/NZS 4399 | UV Protection | UPF rating for sun-exposed garments |
| AS/NZS 4967 | Flame Resistance | Required for welding and high-heat industries |
| AS/NZS 1716 | Chemical Protection | For use in hazmat or lab environments |
| AS 2001.2 | Fabric Testing | Strength, tear, abrasion, dimensional stability |
Final Thoughts
Each of these brands brings something different to the table: Hard Yakka stands for durability, KingGee delivers on comfort and design, and Bisley dominates in compliance and technical function.
If you’re developing workwear or sourcing fabrics, understanding how these leaders work—their materials, their target market, and their compliance practices—will help you build smarter, safer, and more competitive products.
And if you need fabrics aligned with these specs? The drills, ripstops, and twills linked above are a great place to start.