The language you use and the clothes you wear are two of the most immediately obvious and recognizable things about your identity.
Those two things can very often meet somewhere in the middle, then, and thus arises tons of different slang terms for different items of clothing.
This is very much the case in Australia, where there is typically a slang word, however obscure, for just about every single item of clothing you might wear.
Today, we’re going to break down some of these terms.
Let’s get started.
Australian Slang For Clothes
Bluey
“Bluey” refers to a durable felt or heavy wool jacket, commonly worn by miners and construction workers in Australia.
Despite the name, these jackets are not always entirely blue.
Many feature high-visibility yellow sections with reflective strips for safety in hazardous work environments.
The term “bluey” comes from the shared dark blue section found on these jackets.
However, in most lighting, the color can appear so dark that it almost looks black.
These jackets have been a staple of outdoor and industrial workwear in Australia for many years.
Examples in sentences:
- “Better grab your bluey, it’s freezing out there.”
- “Every bloke on the site was wearing a bluey this morning.”
- “He’s had that same old bluey for years, it’s practically part of him.”
- “Blueys are great for keeping warm on those chilly mornings.”
- “I left my bluey in the ute, can you grab it for me?”
Blunnies
“Blunnies” refers to work boots, most commonly those made by the Blundstone brand.
These boots are known for their durability and are worn for a variety of work-related tasks.
Over time, the term “Blunnies” has come to be used for any work boots, even those made by other brands.
The name comes from shortening “Blundstone” into a two-syllable word, often ending in an “–y” sound, as is common in Australian slang.
The term is widely used and understood across Australia.
Examples in sentences:
- “I bought a new pair of Blunnies for work this week.”
- “She’s been wearing her Blunnies for years—they’re so comfortable!”
- “I need to get some Blunnies for the construction site.”
- “He wore his Blunnies to the farm and they held up great.”
- “Do you think Blunnies are the best work boots for the job?”
Cardie
“Cardie” is the go-to Aussie shorthand for a cardigan.
This term is widely used throughout Australia, regardless of age.
While cardigans might not be the height of fashion among younger generations, they haven’t disappeared completely, ensuring that “cardie” remains a well-recognized term.
The origin is simple—it’s just a shortened version of “cardigan,” following the classic Aussie habit of abbreviating words.
Examples in sentences:
- “It’s getting chilly, better grab my cardie!”
- “Nan knitted me a new wool cardie for winter.”
- “Do you think this cardie goes with my dress?”
- “Left my cardie at the café, hope it’s still there!”
- “Mum always carries a cardie in case it gets cold.”
Dacks
“Dacks” is a classic Aussie term for trousers, used across all generations.
It can refer to any type of trousers, though variations exist, such as “trackie dacks” for tracksuit pants or “underdacks” for underwear.
This slang has been around for decades and remains in common use today.
The exact origin of “dacks” isn’t entirely clear, but most believe it comes from the British clothing brand Daks, which was established in 1894.
Despite being a British brand, it gained popularity in Australia, and the name stuck as a slang term for trousers.
Examples in sentences:
- “It’s freezing outside, better put some dacks on!”
- “My new dacks are so comfy, I don’t want to take them off.”
- “He ran out in his undies after someone stole his dacks!”
- “Trackie dacks are perfect for a lazy Sunday.”
- “You can’t go to a fancy dinner in those old dacks!”
Dunders
“Dunders” is a more generic term for underwear in Australian slang, though it’s most commonly used by men to refer to old, worn-out, and tattered underwear, such as boxer shorts.
While it’s widely understood, it’s not typically the term women would use for their underwear, though they may use it in some cases.
For example, one might say, “These old dunders need throwing out.”
The term likely comes from a corruption of the word “under” and turned into a noun.
While its exact origins are unclear, it seems to be quite an old term.
Examples in sentences:
- “I can’t believe I’ve still got these old dunders.”
- “Don’t forget to grab your dunders before the laundry goes in.”
- “These dunders are so worn, I should have thrown them out ages ago.”
- “You should see the state of his dunders—completely shredded!”
- “I need to buy some new dunders; these are falling apart.”
Flannie / Flanno
“Flannie” or “flanno” is a popular Australian slang term for a flannel shirt. Flannel is a soft woven fabric, often featuring check patterns.
These shirts have historically been associated with blue-collar professions but have long been fashionable as well.
The term is widely understood across Australia.
Like many Australian slang words, “flannie” and “flanno” are simply shortened and altered forms of “flannel.”
Australians have a habit of abbreviating words and adding “-y” or “-o” sounds, which is exactly how this term came to be.
The exact origins of the slang are unclear, but it has been in use for decades.
Examples in sentences:
- “It’s getting cold, might need to throw on a flannie.”
- “He always wears a flanno, no matter the weather.”
- “I bought a new flannie today, what do you think?”
- “Flannos are back in fashion, everyone’s wearing them again.”
- “Can I borrow your flannie? Mine’s in the wash.”
Guernsey
“Guernsey” in Australian slang refers to a sports team sweatshirt or jersey, typically bearing the team’s name or logo.
The term is most commonly used with team sports such as football or rugby.
While it can also refer to being selected for a sports team, its more widespread usage is related to the garment worn by fans and players alike.
The term has its origins in a knitted woolen sweater worn by sailors, which was later adopted in Australia, likely through contact with British sailors.
Over time, the meaning evolved to specifically denote sports jerseys.
Examples in sentences:
- “I wore my Guernsey to the match to show my support for the team.”
- “He proudly donned his Guernsey for the rugby game.”
- “She’s got a new Guernsey with the team’s logo on it.”
- “The players were all given their Guernseys before the match.”
- “He scored a try while wearing his Guernsey!”
Gumboots
“Gumboots” refers to rubber boots, also known in the UK as Wellington boots and in the U.S. as rain boots or rubber boots.
These boots are designed for wading through water or walking in deep, wet mud, making them essential for certain outdoor tasks.
The term “gumboots” comes from “gum rubber,” which refers to the natural rubber used to make these boots.
This term is universally understood in Australia, and it’s the go-to slang for this type of footwear.
Examples in sentences:
- “I need to grab my gumboots before heading out into the paddock.”
- “These gumboots are perfect for a rainy day walk.”
- “She wore her gumboots to the farm and didn’t get a single splash of mud on her.”
- “I’ll put on my gumboots, we’re going to wade through the creek.”
- “Don’t forget your gumboots when you go gardening today!”
Jocks
“Jocks” is a common Australian slang term for men’s briefs, which are the shorter style of underwear in the classic Y shape.
While this style of underwear is not as popular as it once was, it still remains in use.
For example, someone might say, “I’m going to get some new pairs of jocks.”
The term likely derives from “jockstrap,” a piece of athletic support underwear, or from the name of an Australian underwear company called “Jockey.”
Either origin is possible, but the term has been in use for several decades.
Examples in sentences:
- “I need to buy more jocks, mine are all worn out.”
- “He’s got a drawer full of new jocks.”
- “She laughs every time he buys new jocks.”
- “I just got these jocks, they’re really comfy.”
- “Do you know where I left my jocks?”
Jumper
“Jumper” is a widely used term in Australia for what others might call a sweater or sweatshirt.
It refers to a thick, warm upper-body garment that is pulled over the head, without zips or buttons.
This term is common across most English-speaking countries, except for the United States, where “sweater” is the preferred term.
First attested in Britain in 1853, the exact origin of “jumper” is uncertain.
Some suggest it may derive from the French word “jupe,” meaning skirt, but this remains speculative.
The term spread to Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remains in everyday use.
Examples in sentences:
- “It’s freezing outside, better grab a jumper.”
- “This is my favourite woolly jumper, it’s so warm.”
- “Do you like my new jumper? I just bought it yesterday.”
- “I left my jumper at the café, can we go back and get it?”
- “It’s not that cold, you don’t need a jumper!”
Moccies
“Moccies” is a slang term used in Australia to refer to moccasin-style shoes.
While not everyone outside Australia may be familiar with moccasins, this term is widely understood within the country, used by both young and old across all regions.
For example, someone might say, “Think I’ll wear my moccies tonight, look sharp.”
The term comes from simply shortening “moccasin” and adding the familiar Australian –Y sound at the end, making it a much quicker and easier word to say.
Examples in sentences:
- “I love these moccies, they’re so comfy.”
- “Have you seen my moccies? I can’t find them anywhere!”
- “She always wears her moccies when she wants to relax.”
- “You’ll look great in those moccies, mate!”
- “Time to slip on my moccies and go for a stroll.”
Runners
“Runners” is a commonly used slang term in Australia for running shoes, equivalent to “sneakers” in American English or “trainers” in British English.
While “sneakers” is becoming more common in Australia, it is more often associated with basketball shoes rather than general running or track shoes.
For example, one might say, “Have you seen his runners? They’re sick.”
The term simply derives from the fact that these shoes are worn for running, and it’s a straightforward and widely accepted slang term across Australia.
Examples in sentences:
- “I need to buy a new pair of runners for my morning jog.”
- “Those runners look really comfy, where did you get them?”
- “She ran a marathon in her new runners and did great!”
- “Are those the latest brand of runners? They look awesome.”
- “I forgot my runners at home, can we stop at the store?”
Sand Shoes
“Sand shoes” is a term commonly used in Australia to refer to light, canvas shoes like plimsoles.
These shoes are typically worn at the beach or in coastal regions and are ideal for walking on sand.
While not universally used across Australia, the term is widely understood, particularly in areas near the coast where these shoes are most commonly worn.
It’s a simple and functional term that likely originated from their association with beach activities.
Examples in sentences:
- “I forgot my sand shoes, I can’t go to the beach without them!”
- “She slipped on her sand shoes and ran straight to the shore.”
- “The sand shoes were perfect for strolling along the beach this afternoon.”
- “I always keep my sand shoes in the car for spontaneous beach trips.”
- “Sand shoes are great for light exercise and casual walks by the ocean.”
Singlet
“Singlet” is the standard Australian term for a sleeveless undershirt, often worn under clothing or on its own in hot weather.
Unlike in other English-speaking countries, where “singlet” might refer to specialized athletic wear for activities like wrestling or gymnastics, in Australia, it simply means a vest or tank top.
The term dates back to the mid-18th century, originally referring to an unlined woolen garment.
It was coined in imitation of the older term “doublet.” It is believed that British sailors helped introduce and spread the term in Australia.
Examples in sentences:
- “Have you seen my singlet? I swear I left it on the chair.”
- “It’s boiling outside, so I’m just wearing a singlet today.”
- “I always sleep in a singlet during summer.”
- “Get yourself a proper singlet if you’re working out in this heat.”
- “He had his thongs, his singlet, and an esky full of beers—true Aussie style.”
Strides
“Strides” is another common Australian term for trousers, generally used to describe pants you’d wear out, such as jeans or slacks, rather than casual trackies.
Unlike “dacks,” this term doesn’t usually have modifiers and isn’t used for underwear.
The word originates from the idea that trousers are what you take your “strides” in while walking.
Despite its slightly old-fashioned feel, “strides” is still widely recognized and used across Australia.
Examples in sentences:
- “These are my favourite strides, I wear them everywhere.”
- “Got a big meeting today, better wear my best strides!”
- “I need some new strides, these ones are falling apart.”
- “You can’t go out in trackies, put on some proper strides!”
- “Nice strides, mate! Where’d you get them?”
Sunnies
“Sunnies” is a popular and universally understood slang term in Australia for sunglasses.
It’s commonly used by Australians to refer to any type of sunglasses, and for many, it’s the only word they use for this accessory.
The term is simply a shortened version of “sunglasses,” and it has been widely adopted in everyday speech.
While the exact date of its first use is unclear, it’s likely been around for a while, becoming a staple of casual Australian slang.
Examples in sentences:
- “Don’t forget your sunnies—it’s so bright outside!”
- “I need a new pair of sunnies for summer.”
- “He took off his sunnies when he stepped inside the store.”
- “These sunnies are perfect for the beach!”
- “She always wears her sunnies, even when it’s cloudy.”
Thongs
“Thongs” is an internationally well-known Australian slang term referring to flip-flops or sandals.
These light sandals are typically worn in casual settings, especially at the beach or during warm weather.
They consist of a simple piece of rubber with a plug between the big toe and the next toe to keep them on the foot.
The term “thongs” comes from the similarity between the rubber piece and a thong, the undergarment.
Despite the international understanding of the term as flip-flops, in Australia, “thongs” is the dominant way to refer to this type of footwear.
Examples in sentences:
- “I slipped on my thongs and headed straight to the beach.”
- “You can’t go wrong with a pair of thongs for a summer day out.”
- “She forgot her thongs and had to walk on the hot sand barefoot.”
- “My thongs are so comfortable, I wear them all day.”
- “Are you wearing thongs to the pool party?”
Trackies
“Trackies” is a widely used term in Australia (and Britain) for track pants, commonly known as sweatpants in the U.S.
While the word can refer to different styles, it generally describes comfortable pants suitable for workouts or lounging.
The term is simply a shortened form of “track pants.”
It’s unclear exactly when “trackies” entered Australian slang, but it likely emerged not long after tracksuits became popular in the 1960s, following their invention in the 1930s.
Examples in sentences:
- “It’s a lazy Sunday, so I’m staying in my trackies all day!”
- “I threw on my trackies and went for a quick jog.”
- “Trackies are the best for a cozy night in.”
- “Why wear jeans when trackies are so much more comfortable?”
- “These trackies are so worn out, I need a new pair!”
Uggies
“Uggies” is a slang term used in Australia to refer to sheepskin or faux sheepskin slippers.
While in many other English-speaking countries, “Ugg” is a brand name (especially Ugg boots), in Australia, the term is used generically to refer to any slippers of this material.
For example, one might say, “Let me get my uggies on and I’ll go check the mailbox.”
The term “uggies” predates the popular branding of “Ugg” by Deckers Corporation, and the company even withdrew its attempt to trademark the term in Australia due to its widespread usage across the country.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’m putting on my uggies to keep my feet warm this morning.”
- “He slipped into his uggies and made himself a cup of tea.”
- “Do you wear your uggies inside the house or just outside?”
- “She can’t find her uggies after coming back from the store.”
- “I love how cozy my uggies feel during winter.”
Undies
“Undies” is a widely used Australian slang term for underwear.
While it is most commonly associated with men, it is also used by women to refer to any type of underwear, from boxers to briefs, and everything in between.
For example, someone might say, “These undies are so comfortable.”
This term is simply a shortened version of the word “underwear” and is not exclusive to Australia.
It is also commonly heard in the U.K. and New Zealand, meaning it could have originated in any of these places.
Examples in sentences:
- “I need to buy more undies.”
- “These undies are my favorite, so comfy!”
- “Do you have clean undies for tomorrow?”
- “I forgot to pack my undies!”
- “She bought a whole bunch of new undies.”
Windcheater
“Windcheater” is a slang term used in Australian English to refer to a sweatshirt or jumper.
It might sound like it would describe a jacket like the American “windbreaker,” but in fact, it simply refers to the warm garment you wear to keep cozy.
The name “windcheater” comes from the idea that wearing it helps “cheat” the wind, keeping you warm and protected from the chill.
Though not as universally used across all of Australia, it is widely understood.
The term likely emerged in the late 20th century, though its exact origin remains unclear.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’ll need my windcheater—it’s getting chilly out there.”
- “Don’t forget your windcheater if you’re heading out to the beach at night.”
- “This windcheater is perfect for keeping warm while jogging in the morning.”
- “I always throw on a windcheater when I’m running errands.”
- “She wore her favourite windcheater and a pair of trackies to the park.”
So, as you can see, no matter what item of clothing you are looking to describe, you’ve got a word in Australian slang specifically for it.
Whether it’s something as simple as your sweater or sweatpants, or as specific as the kind of underwear or shoes you’re wearing, there’s a word for it.
Naturally, some of these words get used a lot more than others, but you’d have to go a long way to find someone in Australia who outright didn’t understand them.
More in Australian Slang
- Australian Slang For Afternoon
- Australian Slang For Alcohol
- Australian Slang For Ambulance
- Australian Slang For Americans
- Australian Slang For Awesome
- Australian Slang For Barbecue
- Australian Slang For Beautiful
- Australian Slang For Beer
- Australian Slang For Boyfriend
- Australian Slang For Breakfast
- Australian Slang For Carpenter
- Australian Slang For Chocolate
- Australian Slang For Christmas
- Australian Slang For Cigarette
- Australian Slang For Clothes
- Australian Slang For Crocodile
- Australian Slang For Dad
- Australian Slang For Dinner
- Australian Slang For Dog
- Australian Slang For Drunk
- Australian Slang For Excited
- Australian Slang For Flip-Flops
- Australian Slang For Friend
- Australian Slang For Gas Station
- Australian Slang For Girl
- Australian Slang For Girlfriend
- Australian Slang For Goodbye
- Australian Slang For Hello
- Australian Slang For Kangaroo
- Australian Slang For Lazy
- Australian Slang For Liquor Store
- Australian Slang For Lucky
- Australian Slang For Man
- Australian Slang For Plumber
- Australian Slang For Police
- Australian Slang For Quilt
- Australian Slang For Redneck
- Australian Slang For Sandwich
- Australian Slang For Sausage
- Australian Slang For Swimsuit
- Australian Slang For Thank You
- Australian Slang For Toilet
- Australian Slang For Wine
- Australian Slang For Yes
- Australian Slang Quiz
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Founder -
@PollyWebster
Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.