---
node: fashion_au_world_wars
type: fashion
slug: world_wars_australia_fashion
title: "Fashion in Australia during the World Wars"
lead: "During the world wars, the slouch hat and uniform of the Australian soldier (the Anzac) were etched into national memory; at home wartime thrift governed dress, and women's fashion followed international trends."
published: 2026-07-28
updated: 2026-07-28
image_file: world_wars_australia_fashion.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trooper_6th_Light_Horse_Regiment.jpg"
image_author: "Trooper, 6th Light Horse Regiment (1914–18)"
image_license: "Public domain"
change: "Created as a fashion sub-page under the history section, with a period image (australia region)"
requester: internal
reason: "Per the owner's decision, fashion lives under each history era"
---

## Overview

Two world wars, and the Depression between them, greatly shaped dress in this age.

## Key garments and style

The Australian Army's slouch hat and khaki uniform became the symbol of the soldier from Gallipoli on. At home, wartime rationing and thrift made dress plainer. Urban women's dress followed international trends, from the light styles of the 1920s onward.

## Transition

After the Second World War, Australia grew its own relaxed dress rooted in the outdoors and the beach.