Can I wear this? Mob Only and Ally Friendly - Making it easier for you and us :)
Navigating Allyship and Appropriation: A Common Question at Clothing The Gaps
Sometimes, it can be confusing navigating the space between allyship and appropriation, and we get this question all the time at Clothing The Gaps.
The DMs usually go something like this:
"Hi there, I'm a non-Indigenous person and I really love your products. I want to support Aboriginal people and causes, but I don't want to offend anyone or for it to be seen as cultural appropriation. Just wanted to double check before I buy something—it's okay if I wear your Aboriginal designs and merch?"
This question is so important, and we’re glad it’s being asked. It shows that people genuinely care about getting it right, which we absolutely appreciate.
To help navigate this space, we’ve created the Ally Friendly and Mob Only symbols to guide your purchases. These symbols are featured in all product descriptions on our website and on our product swing tags. Here’s what they mean:
Ally Friendly merch is created with our mob in our heart and everyone in mind.
Ally Friendly merch is for everyone.
When we see non-Indigenous people wearing our designs, we feel proud that they are repping Indigenous fashion, our merch, and culture. It means that Aboriginal designs are visible in the world, and Indigenous people are not invisible.
Wearing our designs—whether it’s our Free The Flag tee or Not A Date To Celebrate design—helps start conversations that matter. You’re not just wearing a t-shirt, you’re making a statement. Wearing our designs carries these important conversations into spaces where the Aboriginal community may not be represented, and that helps us push for change where it’s needed most.
Wearing Aboriginal Designs Is Just the Start
Purchasing from Aboriginal brands and wearing Indigenous designs is a great start, but it’s just the beginning. True support goes beyond just buying products. Wearing our tees doesn’t dismantle systems that oppress Indigenous people, but it’s a meaningful step toward greater awareness and action.
At Clothing The Gaps, we equip you with not just the merch, but also educational resources, campaigns, and storytelling. But the learning journey doesn’t end with the purchase—it continues with you.
Mob Only merch is designed exclusively for Indigenous peoples to wear.
When we create Mob Only items, we make it clear in the product description and on our tags. For example, our Shades of Deadly slogan tees are for Mob only. If you don’t understand the lingo (language) on the tee, then it’s probably not for you.
Taking It a Step Further: Becoming an Accomplice
We also like the term “accomplice,” which takes allyship one step further. We encourage you to read this article Where do you fit? Tokenistic, ally – or accomplice? by Summer May Finlay (Yorta Yorta).
Want to read more:
We’re more than a tee, we’re a conversation starter.
I’ve read comments here that suggest your ‘mob only’ categorisation of product is divisive. It’s not. We have to start from where we are now not from some nonexistent future where equality is the norm. I am so sorry for the ignorant response to the referendum. We all say YES as loudly as possible. Thanks. Stay strong. 💛❤️🖤
Kia Ora! Really appreciate the work you are doing here ❤️ Added a few items into my cart, then stopped, upon reading a few of the notes and articles. While I’d love to think myself an Ally already, and I feel a level of kinship as an indigenous Māori of Aotearoa, I realised I haven’t yet earned the title of true Ally. I still have much to learn, much to do and get involved in, before I am able to really back it up in the conversations that wearing your powerful merch may spark. Surface level support won’t cut it. Appreciate you highlighting this, and I look forward to being able to rock your gear with confidence and knowledge, in the near future!
Thanks Laura and Clothing the Gap for these informative messages and links. Always learning as an Accomplice and Advocate… it’s an enriching journey and we never stop learning. Gilbruk (respect). Namaste Chris Knight Inspirational Connections / Soroptimist International
Im in my 50’s and only recently knew of my Wiradjuri grandparent. How do I find out more?
I want to learn about being an accomplice as I’m now hearing of the anguish of my older family members who felt lost and betrayed that our heritage was hidden.
Thank you for this education- I needed it. I followed the link to the University of Wollongong article and I felt it in my gut. Learning about tokenistic allyship, ally and accomplice was enlightening. I have more to do.
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