In a realm where fashion often swings between maximalist theatrics and minimalist uniformity, Best charts a different course - one that feels like an intimate road trip through the Australian landscape, where heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary cool converge. The brand, formerly known as Best Jumpers, has entered a new era - one that maintains its essence while embracing a broader, more tailored perspective. Founded by Melbourne designer Dylan Best, it operates with the quiet confidence of an old song hummed on a long drive - understated yet deeply resonant, nostalgic yet undeniably modern.
A Stitch Between Past and Present
Dylan Best’s journey into fashion reads like a well-worn novel filled with unexpected detours. Initially pursuing a business degree in Melbourne before refining his craft in New York at fashion institutions like Rag & Bone, Ralph Lauren, and Club Monaco, he wove together an understanding of global aesthetics with a profound respect for local identity. Best is the culmination of this duality: garments that whisper rather than shout, embodying an effortless synergy between laid-back Australiana and refined streetwear. The latest evolution brings with it a sharper focus, introducing a structured womenswear capsule while refining its signature relaxed silhouettes with elevated tailoring and considered craftsmanship.
Fabric as a Time Capsule
Best isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about storytelling through textiles. Each piece is a carefully curated blend of high-end materials, sourced predominantly from Japan, offering a tactile experience that bridges nostalgia with modernity. The plushness of a wool-blend knit, the crisp yet yielding embrace of tailored elasticated trousers - these are garments that don’t just clothe the wearer but invite them into a sensory dialogue between past and future.
Silhouettes favor boxy, relaxed cuts - an intentional homage to both vintage Australian workwear and contemporary street tailoring. However, the AW25 collection introduces a heightened sense of refinement, weaving in pleated wide-leg trousers, vintage-washed Japanese denim, and graphic boucle knitwear. Outerwear takes a sculptural turn, with the Melb Padded Jacket reimagining the quintessential puffer through an architectural lens, reflecting Melbourne’s balance of industrial grit and modern sophistication.
AW25: A Study in Effortless Sophistication
For its latest collection, Best distills sartorial elegance into wearable ease, refining its signature aesthetic while expanding its horizons. The transition from Best Jumpers to Best aligns with a growing global presence, mirroring the brand’s ability to adapt while remaining deeply connected to its roots. The collection feels like the wardrobe of a traveler who collects moments rather than souvenirs - subtle, textured, and deeply considered.
Icons of the Collection
Best’s reverence for Australiana finds expression in garments that feel both whimsical and rooted in tradition. Take the Wombat Boucle Cardigan - a boxy V-neck knit that serves as a tactile love letter to the land Down Under.
Its contrast intarsia wombat logo is a quiet, knowing wink rather than an overt proclamation. The rib-knit neckline, tortoiseshell-style buttons, and drop-shoulder design offer the kind of refined ease that feels like slipping into an old favorite with the excitement of something new. Crafted from a sumptuous blend of merino wool, yak, and poly, it’s as much about texture as it is about warmth.
Equally striking is the Kensington Zipped Sweatshirt, a modern reinterpretation of the classic quarter-zip. Designed with a unisex, boxy fit, drop shoulders, and the signature transparent wombat rubber patch, it exemplifies Best’s ability to distill details into quiet luxury. Ribbed hems, sleeve cuffs, and a metal-branded zipper elevate it from casual to considered - a piece made for those who appreciate the power of subtlety.
A Womenswear Evolution
While Best has always had an organic appeal among female customers, AW25 marks the first time the brand presents a structured womenswear capsule. This collection refines unisex classics into pieces intentionally designed for the female form. The Daisy Double-Pleated Pant, crafted in Japanese wool twill, embodies this transition - offering the sharp tailoring of traditional menswear, thoughtfully adjusted for a more sculpted, feminine silhouette. The introduction of women’s knitwear, including a boucle vest cut to flatter and frame the body, further underscores the brand’s evolving vision.
More Than Fashion: A Legacy in the Making
Best isn’t merely a clothing brand - it’s an evolving conversation about how we dress, what we value, and where we’re headed. It channels Australia’s easygoing spirit while embracing international craftsmanship, crafting pieces that age not just gracefully but meaningfully. The transition from Best Jumpers to Best isn’t a departure but an evolution, signaling a commitment to longevity, refinement, and a broader creative scope.
In an industry obsessed with trends, Best stands as a counterpoint - a brand that doesn’t chase the moment but captures something timeless. For those who seek clothing that feels like a well-written verse - familiar yet endlessly open to interpretation - Best is more than a label. It’s a mood, a movement, and a masterclass in quiet sophistication.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Best Jumpers.