KingGee Workwear Turns 100

How to Buy Workwear That Lasts

TL;DR KingGee was founded in Sydney in 1926 and turns 100 this year. The secret to its long life is simple: work clothes built to be worn hard. When you buy workwear, look for a fit that moves with you, strong stitching where it counts, and fabric that suits our warm Northern Rivers weather. Come in and Gerard will help you find the right fit.

A century of hard work

In 1926, a Sydney man named Robert Adcock started making overalls. The story goes that the name came from King George V, and back then "King Gee" meant "the best". During the Second World War, the brand made uniforms for Australia's defence services. Today it's one of the names you'll see on building sites, farms and in sheds right across the country.

Three years after King Gee began, Stewart's Menswear opened its doors in Mullumbimby. We have a soft spot for anything that's still going strong after all these years because we know it doesn't happen by accident. It comes from doing the basics well, year after year.

Why does buying Quality workwear matter?

Cheap work clothes can feel like a win at the counter. Then the seam splits on day three, or the knees wear through before winter. Good workwear costs a little more up front, but it saves you money over time. It also saves you the hassle of shopping again.

Here's what Gerard looks for when he helps a customer choose.

1. Fit that moves with you

Work clothes need to bend, squat, reach and climb. In store, try this:

• Squat down. Shorts and pants shouldn't pull tight across the thighs or dig in at the waist.
• Reach up. Your shirt should stay tucked and not ride up your back.
• Wear your work boots. Pant length looks very different with boots on.

2. Strong stitching where it counts

Check the spots that take the most strain: the crotch, pocket corners and belt loops. Double or triple stitching and small reinforced bars at the pocket corners are good signs. These are the places cheap clothes give up first.

3. Fabric for our climate

Mullumbimby summers are hot and sticky. Heavy cotton drill is tough, but it can be a lot in January. Lighter, breathable fabrics and vented shirts are worth a look for summer work. Keep the heavier gear for cooler months or rough jobs.

4. Pockets that make sense

Think about what you carry every day. Phone, tape measure, pencil, keys. A good pocket layout saves you a lot of patting down and searching.

5. Care that adds years

A little care goes a long way:

• Wash in cold water and turn clothes inside out.
• Skip the fabric softener on work clothes. It can wear fibres down faster.
• Line dry where you can. The dryer is hard on fabric.

At Stewart's Menswear we stock a practical selection of King Gee workwear. If you know the brand, you will know that they have a huge range. We can't stock it all, but we can order any of the King Gee styles in for you with a quick turnaround - and we match the King Gee website price!

Built to last, like the best things are

KingGee has earned its 100 years. We're proud to be heading for our own in 2029. If you need workwear that fits well and lasts, come and see us in store or shop online, with free Click & Collect for locals.

 

Frequently asked questions

How old is King Gee? King Gee was founded in Sydney in 1926, so the brand turned 100 in 2026.

Where does the name King Gee come from? The story goes that it came from King George V. At the time, "King Gee" was a saying that meant "the best".

Do you stock King Gee workwear in Mullumbimby? Yes. You'll find Kin gGee workwear in store at Stewart's Menswear, and online.

What's the best way to find my size in workwear? Try it on with your work boots and do a quick squat and reach test. 

How can I make my work clothes last longer? Wash cold, turn them inside out, skip the fabric softener and line dry when you can.