The 90-Year Journey of an Australian Family Icon
In a world of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, few names carry the weight of nearly a century of tradition. As we approach our 90th anniversary in 2026, Blowes Clothing remains a proud, third-generation Australian family business with a rich heritage rooted in regional NSW.
Our story is one of resilience, premium craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the communities we serve. From our founding in 1936 by Cyril Blowes to our current status as a regional retail cornerstone, this is the journey of an Australian family icon.
1936: The Foundation in Mudgee
The journey began in Mudgee, NSW, when a 23-year-old tailor named Cyril Blowes purchased a small tailoring business. Cyril’s vision was simple but powerful: providing high-quality, durable, and classic apparel for both rural and city-inspired needs.
It was during these early years that a pivotal partnership was born. Cyril initiated a relationship with R.M.Williams that continues to this day—making Blowes Clothing one of the longest-standing partners of this iconic Australian label.
Through War and Growth: The Early Decades
Cyril’s dedication was put to the test during WWII, when he enlisted in the Australian Army. To protect the business, he packed his stock and stored it at his mother's house in Orange. Upon his return in 1945, he reopened the Mudgee store, personally travelling to Sydney warehouses weekly to ensure his customers had access to the best stock.
By the 1950s, Blowes Clothing began its expansion into other regional hubs, opening stores in Coonabarabran and Wellington.
A Legacy Continued: The Next Generations
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the business underwent a generational transition as Cyril’s son, Warwick Blowes, and his nephew, David Blowes, joined the team. The duo shared a flat in Sydney for two years while learning their trade at Myer and Lowes Menswear, forming a bond that would drive the business forward for decades.
Under their leadership, the brand expanded further:
1972: Purchased a menswear store in Dubbo.
1986: Opened the Orange store on Anson Street, later relocating to its current prime location on Summer Street in 1989.
2001: Expanded into Bathurst.
Modern Era & Regional Excellence
Aaron Blowes represents the third generation of leadership, with a career built on decades of hands-on experience. Throughout the 1990s, Aaron worked alongside his father in the Orange store during his school years. After studying Business & Retail Management, he joined the company permanently in 1998, where he worked his way up from Sales Assistant to Store Manager over six years.
Key milestones of the modern era include:
2005: Aaron took a major step in the business succession by purchasing a half-share of the business from his father, David, and became a Director responsible for sales strategy and growth.
2017: Aaron purchased the remaining share of the business from his father and rebranded the company as Blowes Clothing.
Wagga Wagga: That same year, Aaron opened the Wagga Wagga store, which has become a highly successful and integral part of the Riverina community.
Why Blowes Clothing Stands the Test of Time
Deep-Rooted Expertise
With 90 years of trading, we don't just sell brands like R.M.Williams, Akubra, and Polo Ralph Lauren; we have spent nearly a century mastering the fit, care, and quality of these iconic products.
Authoritative Partnerships
Our status as a prominent regional retailer specialising in premium Australian-made products gives us a unique authority in the industry. Our longstanding ties with some of the world’s most renowned brands ensure our customers always receive genuine, high-standard apparel.
Community Trust & Local Presence
We are proud members of our local communities. Whether you visit us in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, or Mudgee, you are receiving advice from a team that understands the regional lifestyle.
Looking Toward the Future: Blowes in 2026
As we prepare to celebrate our 90th anniversary, we remain true to the roots Cyril planted in 1936. We are continuing to balance our strong regional presence with a thriving eCommerce platform, ensuring every purchase - whether in-store or online - is an investment in timeless style and uncompromising quality.
We invite you to join our Blowes Plus Rewards Program, a loyalty initiative designed to reward our dedicated community with exclusive offers, early access to sales, and tailored promotions.