Hard Yakka — Australian workwear since 1935
Federal Workwear stocks the Hard Yakka range — one of Australia’s oldest and best-known workwear brands. Hard Yakka was founded in 1935 in Brunswick, Victoria, when David K. Laidlaw began producing overalls and heavy-duty clothing under the company name D. K. Laidlaw & Sons. The brand name “Yakka” is Australian slang for “work” — the name captures what the brand has stood for over the last nine decades.
The brand has changed hands a few times: Hard Yakka was acquired by Pacific Brands in 2007, and in 2014 the Workwear Group (Hard Yakka, KingGee and Stubbies) was acquired by Wesfarmers for around AUD 180 million. Today Hard Yakka sits under the Workwear Group, alongside its sister brands KingGee, Stubbies and NNT.
At Federal Workwear, we carry the Hard Yakka lines tradies actually ask for — the Raptor range, including the popular Raptor Cuff Pant (Y02717) and Raptor Active Shorts (Y05160); the 3056 safety boot in both men’s (Y60201) and women’s fits; the Core Stretch cargo pants and shorts for movement on the tools; the Hi-Vis 2-tone shirts (Y04605) for high-visibility roles; and other staples across pants, shorts, shirts and boots.
If you’re choosing between the Raptor and the Core Stretch cargos, weighing up the 3056 against other safety boots, or sizing up across the women’s range — drop into our Bondi Junction or Banksmeadow store to try them on. We wear this gear ourselves and are happy to help. Call 02 9700 7909 or order online with free shipping over $99. The full current Hard Yakka range we stock is shown below.