Australian Outback Collection

Australian Outback Collection originated in—as its name hints—Australia, over twenty years ago, working with Wax Cotton to make jackets specially formulated to combat Australia’s extreme environmental conditions. These Drover coats were a success and continue to be produced today. All AOC garments are now designed and manufactured in Vancouver, BC, but stay true to their roots of producing high quality outerwear in high performance Wax Cotton.

The minds behind AOC have committed to the company’s reputation of well-made, functional, and durable clothing and extended their commitment to include eco-friendly sportswear and accessories. These garments now come with a promise of sustainability, innovation, as well as style.

What makes AOC unique is their use of Wax Cotton (known as Oilskin) as a naturally strong, weather-resisting material. Lori McElwain, General Manager of Australian Outback Collection describes the process of producing Oilskin by “weaving a 2-ply cotton yarn into a strong canvas fabric, which is then treated with a mixture of micro and technical waxes. The result is a wind and water-resistant finish, more commonly found in man-made fabrics, that maintains the breathability of cotton.”

AOC’s green movement has been aided greatly by their introduction to environmentally sustainable biodegradable and recycled fabrics. Their locally manufactured shirts are blends of hemp, PET, and recycled pop bottles—creating stylish, rugged shirts. AOC is an advocate for using hemp in their clothing because it is one of the strongest fibres available, and is also 100% biodegradable—not to mention it can grow easily without pesticides.

AOC’s commitment to the environment isn’t exhausted in its fabrics or production processes, either. Because AOC’s coats are manufactured in Vancouver, just one block away from their head office, they are dramatically cutting back on the side effects of shipping. Per year, a ship will cross the ocean for AOC about six times per year, if they didn’t manufacture in Vancouver, this number would increase to 12-16 times per year. Because the factory is so close to head office, ground transportation associated with deliveries and quality control checks are reduced significantly as well. “This initiative cuts down on potential cases of commercial ship oil spills, the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, and other types of water, land, and air pollution.”