Wool clothing is Australian-made when it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia, and the green and gold Australian Made logo shows a business is licensed to make that claim. The label speaks to where the garment was made, not necessarily where the wool was grown, so check both.
Plenty of knitwear leans on Australian imagery, from kangaroos to the word Australian in the product name. Not all of it was made here. This guide explains what the main Australian labels mean, what they leave out, and the checks that help you buy genuine Australian-made merino knitwear.
What Does Australian-made Meaning on Clothing?
The Australian Made Campaign says a product can be described as Australian made, or made in Australia, if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia. The claim is about the production process rather than the content of the product.
An older rule also required at least 50 per cent of production costs to be incurred in Australia. The Australian Made Campaign notes that requirement applied before February 2017.
In practice, this means a label tells you where a garment was made. It does not automatically tell you where the wool was grown.
Australian Labels - General Comparison
|
Claim |
What it tells you |
What it does not tell you |
|
Australian Made logo |
The business is licensed to use the logo and the product meets the program's criteria |
That every input is Australian |
|
Made in Australia |
The product was last substantially transformed here |
Where the wool was grown |
|
Product of Australia |
A stricter claim, broadly that significant components and nearly all processes are Australian |
Who owns the business |
|
Australian owned |
Who owns the business |
Where the product was made |
|
Designed in Australia |
Where the design was done |
Where it was manufactured |
5 Checks to Do Before You Buy
1. Look for the logo and its wording.
The green and gold Australian Made logo is used under licence and comes with a descriptor such as "Australian Made".
2. Search the licensee directory.
The Australian Made website lists licensed businesses, including Aklanda.
3. Ask two separate questions.
Where was the wool grown, and where was the garment knitted? A genuine maker can answer both.
4. Read for specifics.
A product page that names a factory location and wool-growing regions says more than the phrase "Australian wool" alone.
5. Ask the brand to back its claim.
The ACCC has penalised sellers that displayed Australian Made imagery on products made overseas, so a clear answer matters.
Shopping for merino knitwear?
See what Melbourne-made looks like in the men's range and women's range. Shop Aklanda Knitwear
How Aklanda Answers Your 5 Checks?
Licensed
Aklanda is listed on the Australian Made Campaign's licensee directory.
Where it is knitted
At the factory at 268 Wolseley Place, Thomastown, Victoria. Aklanda has been making knitwear in Melbourne since 1988.
Where the wool is grown
Aklanda states its merino comes from farms in South Australia and New South Wales.
Fibre quality
The wool is tested to an average fibre diameter of 21.5 micrometres or less.
Process
Aklanda says every garment follows a six-step process within Australia. Read more in Our Story and Merino Wool Explained.
You can also see the range in person. Use Find a Stockist or contact the team to visit the factory outlet.
Why Does Origin Matter?
Many shoppers pay more for Australian-made products, and the ACCC has said that false origin claims disadvantage businesses that genuinely make their products here. Checking a claim protects your purchase and supports local manufacturing, including the wider Australian-made merino knitwear market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Australian-made mean on wool clothing?
It means the garment underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia. The claim covers where the product was made, not content. A garment can be Australian-made even if some inputs, including fibre, come from elsewhere, so it is worth asking where the wool was grown.
Is Australian-made the same as made from Australian wool?
No. Australian-made describes where a product was manufactured, while Australian-grown or sourced wool describes where the fibre came from. A reliable brand will state both clearly, for example, by naming the regions its merino comes from alongside its factory location.
How can I check if a brand is Australian-made licensed?
Search the licensee directory on the Australian Made website, which lists businesses authorised to use the logo. Aklanda appears there. You can also ask the brand directly where its garments are knitted and where its wool is grown.
Does designed in Australia mean made in Australia?
No. Designed in Australia tells you where the design work happened, not where the garment was manufactured. If you want a garment made here, look for a made in Australia claim or the Australian Made logo, and confirm the factory location.
Is Aklanda knitwear Australian-made?
Aklanda knits its garments at its factory in Thomastown, Melbourne, and is listed as an Australian Made licensee. It states that its merino comes from farms in South Australia and New South Wales. You can confirm the licence on the Australian Made website.
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