Genderless Melbourne label Best Jumpers is making thoughtful, elevated casual wear
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BEST JUMPERS
WORDS BY HANNAH COLE
Made locally, appreciated globally.
What signifies Australian fashion? Beyond the stereotypes – the Bintang singlet, boardies and thongs of the Bali-bound; bikini babes clad in surf labels; a Melburnian in all-black – it can be difficult to capture what makes our fashion unique. But that’s also the beautiful thing about Australian fashion. We’re a bit of this and a bit of that; a pick and mix of influences from all over the world.
Melbourne-based label Best Jumpers offers a unique take on this jumbled flavour, delivering elevated casual wear something that feels seamlessly simple. The label blends the attitude of New York City, the detail of Tokyo streetwear and the casual, laidback approach of Australian style. The result is something not overly ‘done’ or fussy – the perfect platform to add personality, flavour and flair.
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Founded by designer Dylan Best in 2018, Best Jumpers has forged the way for thoughtfully-designed, well-fitted unisex pieces. The label’s garments are made in Melbourne from high-quality fabrics, many of which are sourced from Japan.
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Having previously worked at Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco in New York, Dylan has an eye for creative details. “Each season, we strive to improve our design process and practices to create the best possible garment,” he explains.
Best Jumpers’ current collection is made for streetwear fanatics and comfort lovers alike. Offering more than just its namesake jumpers, the label offers all the basics a well-functioning wardrobe needs.
Designed with trans-seasonality in mind, the range is comprised of super-soft sweatshirts, hoodies, knits, outerwear and the label’s bestsellers – its elasticated tailored pants. Hues of mint, pink and almond add some colour to comfort dressing, while staple black navy and grey are ideal for the understated dresser. Best Jumpers is made for layering, tying around waists, draping over shoulders or wearing alone.
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Inspiration for the range traverses time zones, with Dylan citing moldboard images of David Letterman, Jack Nicholson and Michael Jordan as influences. On this side of the globe, a young Rose Byrne, Heath Ledger and the humble wombat (a Best Jumpers icon, if you will) make a mood board appearance too.
This season, the label expanded its cozy offering into footwear. The Sneak01 is a unisex minimal leather sneaker designed for work and play. Crafted from genuine leather, it’s available in black or white with a brown gum sole. Additionally, the AW22 collection marks the arrival of Best Mates, a capsule collection of friendship bracelet-esque sweat separates. So what’s next?
In September, Dylan will be adding an exciting denim element to the Best Jumpers collection, helping to reverse your hatred of hard pants. Made from Japanese stretch raw denim, the low-rise, relaxed-fit jeans are set to be another genderless wardrobe staple. With a background in the denim field, Dylan’s dedication to fit and form promises a Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants–tier pair of jeans.
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As the label expands, more womenswear basics are also being added to the range. Think cotton skirts, boxy shirts and shirt dresses, all made from breathable Japanese cotton. And just in time for summer, Best Jumpers will soon be releasing relaxed tailored pants, shorts and boardies.
Just as our society is a melting pot of the best bits from everywhere, our homegrown labels and style codes should be too. It’s through intentional, inspired and well-made design that we push the Australian fashion industry into the future – and Best Jumpers gets it. Watch this space.
Browse the latest drop here.