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.
Is it cultural appropriation for non-Indigenous people to wear Indigenous Australian designs?
Isn’t that a question for First Nations People? To speak only for me, if the IA designs come with an invitation from the Indigenous Australians that designed them, asking them to be worn by all, Id say it’s not appropriation, I’d so proudly wear them.
First Nations People the world over have had their cultural identities reimagined and bastardised by non Indigenous people since colonialism began and before. It’s not for non Indigenous people to interpret Indigenous Australian Culture in the first place, or have a position on what is and what is not culturally acceptable. As long as the designs are by the very People Whose Culture is being represented through the artworks, it is up to the Indigenous Artist and who they made the art for. Non Indigenous Australians need to stop consulting themselves on other Peoples Cultures. They need to stop speaking on behalf of and making decisions for First Nations Australians too. It’s the height of disrespect and is deeply ignorant and patronising.
First Nations People, Their Culture, Their Knowledge, Their connection to Country, Their Dreaming, it’s so entirely essential to all humanity, we need to listen to Their Voices and treasure Them.
The only reason I feel remotely ‘patriotic’ towards so called Australia at any time of the year, is solely its connection to this most vital and precious People. My family have the tiniest percentage of First Nations Ancestry. It’s our most valued lineage for good reason. It’s the only flag I will fly proudly.
Support Indigenous Businesses. Support Indigenous Artists. Support Indigenous Communities.
Ensure your support winds up in the hands of Indigenous Peoples. Call out bigotry and racism. Close the gap. Consult Indigenous Australians about Indigenous matters. Listen to Indigenous Australian voices. Value Indigenous Peoples the world over. Learn how to be respectful of Country and Cultural ways from Indigenous sources and understand they vary from Nation to Nation. It’s not the job of Indigenous Australians to educate you but you can learn from respected educational sources. ♥️
I like the brand, the messages, the B-Corp and the clarity of your explanations. I like the challenge to be an “accomplice”. I’m in no way offended by your explanations, and your wish to maintain culture for mob. I understand that you’re saying some things are so precious to you that they can’t be shared, and I appreciate that you are sharing some of your stuff with us white fellas. <3
I think that this is a very dangerous approach. You have made a big mistake.
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Warm Regard.
Your article is very inspiring with high-quality content. We are sure that you will find additional useful information on our website. Come on, visit us at Garmen Bandung and we can collaborate with each other.
Warm Regard.
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