If there's anyone that understands the power of a good uniform it's the Matildas. To wear the Australian green and gold kit is the achievement of a lifetime. It's practical, yes, but also unifying. When worn right – every player has their superstitions – it can shift the scoreboard. Hand your jersey to a young fan, and as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has confirmed, you ignite a chain reaction until, suddenly, the whole country is ablaze with football fever, young and old.

So when Football Australia selected BEARE PARK to design the national football team's off-pitch formalwear, it was "our proudest milestone for the brand to date," says BEARE PARK Creative Director and Co-founder, Gabriella Pereira. While sportswear isn't what BEARE PARK is known for, the brand's women-led, Australian made reputation is. A fact that sits in harmony with all the Matildas stand for.

The 'Matildas Suit', as BEARE PARK has named it, is a superlative uniform worthy of our first-class players. Using 100% Australian merino wool woven in the Biella region of northern Italy, the soft grey pinstripe is cut and hand-sewn in Sydney into a suit comprising three pieces. There's the timeless double-breasted blazer, present in a slouchy, masculine shape; a pair of wide-leg mid-rise trousers favoured by Matildas captain Sam Kerr and star-midfielders Mary Fowler and Charlie Rule; and finally, a tailored short option, adored by goalkeepers Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold and defender Alanna Kennedy.

Each suit has been personalised, with the player's name and cap number embroidered inside along with the signature ‘Til it’s Done' rallying cry.

As the Matildas set their sights on Paris 2024, and compete in the qualifiers with their final squad, BEARE PARK has granted RUSSH an exclusive first look at the national women's football team all suited up. Below, we spoke to Matildas members Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Teagan Micah, and Charli Grant about the BEARE PARK off-field uniform and their personal style.

 

Mary Fowler 

How does the BEARE PARK off-field uniform make you feel?

It means business. It makes me feel confident and gives me a sense that something big is about to happen. I feel prepared to do something great when I am wearing it.

 

When was the last time you wore a suit?

I couldn't tell you! Although, it certainly wasn't crafted as perfectly as this.

 

Describe the BEARE PARK off-field uniform in three words…

Stylish, distinctive and comfortable.

 

What’s your favourite detail about the suit? 

I love being able to choose from a combination of the blazer and shorts or long pant. It is so important to feel confident and comfortable in what you are wearing everyday. I truly feel like myself wearing it, which such a unique quality of the uniform.

What is your style like off the pitch? Do you gravitate toward a personal uniform?

90% of the time I am wearing baggy jeans and a t-shirt with sneakers but I also enjoy dressing up and putting on a heel.

 

Do you have a style icon? Who are they and why do they speak to you?

I wouldn't say I look to a particular individual for style, but more so an attitude of dressing. I admire those who dress with confidence. I always try to wear pieces that give me a sense of confidence. This is something I definitely feel when wearing this year's off-field uniform by BEARE PARK.

 

Hayley Raso 

How does the Beare Park off-field uniform make you feel? 

Amazing, it is very elegant and sleek. I really enjoy dressing up whenever I have the opportunity so to have something so elegant to wear feels really nice.

 

When was the last time you wore a suit…

When I attended the Real Madrid game in the Presidential suite earlier this year.

 

Describe the Beare Park off-field uniform in three words…

Classic, Elegant and Cool.

 

What’s your favourite detail about the suit?

I love the pinstripe, it gives it a real edge.

 

What is your style like off the pitch? Do you gravitate toward a personal uniform?

Typically quite casual, however I do like to dress up whenever I get the opportunity.

 

Do you have a style icon? Who are they and why do they speak to you?

I think ultimately I am lead most by what I like to wear. Whenever I am wearing something I feel comfortable and confident in, it shows. This year's suit from Beare Park is exactly that. It is classic with an understated confidence. I feel very proud to wear it.

 

 

Charli Grant

 

Take a closer look at the Matildas dressed in their BEARE PARK off-pitch uniforms, below. Alternatively, dress like your favourite player and secure the Matildas suit at BEARE PARK's website.