OUR HERITAGE
100 Years in the Making
The story of City Collection began in 1926 with the establishment of J Boag (Clothing) Pty Ltd by Jean Boag – a pioneering businesswoman who created the foundations for a family-owned Australian clothing company built on quality, craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence.
Following in Jean’s footsteps, her son Peter Boag joined the business after completing his legal training, choosing to pursue his passion for the family enterprise and continue building on the legacy his mother had created.
A defining moment in the company’s history came in 1956, when J Boag (Clothing) Pty Ltd was commissioned to produce the Australian men’s uniform for the Melbourne Olympic Games. This prestigious project reflected the company’s reputation for quality manufacturing, attention to detail and the ability to deliver garments to the highest standards on a national stage.
Under Peter’s leadership, the business continued to grow and evolve, with a strong focus on manufacturing excellence. The company specialised in the production of shirts and sleepwear, with garments proudly manufactured in Brunswick and Rosebud, Victoria. Through decades of experience, J Boag developed a deep understanding of garment construction, fabric performance and the importance of creating clothing that is comfortable, durable and fit for purpose.
Building on this rich heritage, the City Collection brand was introduced as a specialist uniform label, bringing together decades of manufacturing expertise with a modern approach to corporate and healthcare uniforms. Today, City Collection continues to deliver high-quality uniform solutions designed to support organisations, reflect their brand identity and provide comfort, confidence and professionalism for the people who wear them.
Our commitment to quality and thoughtful design ensures garments are made to perform, endure and provide long-term value — creating uniform solutions that support both people and the organisations they represent.
Nearly 100 years of experience, innovation and family values continue to shape who we are today — combining a proud Australian heritage with a commitment to creating uniforms that are designed for the future.
Our History
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2020
Founded in 1926 in Melbourne by entrepreneur Jean Boag, J Boag Clothing, specialising in men’s shirts, blossomed into the City Collection Australia we know today. This family-owned business remained under Boag ownership for three generations.
Ever attuned to changing needs, J Boag Clothing quickly filled a void in the mens pyjamas market in 1931 and manufactured at their factory in Rosebud, Victoria.
1956, MCG, J Boag was woven into Olympic history winning the bid to craft every men’s Olympic uniform, etching their innovation & quality into sporting legend.
Courtesy: Herald Sun
Their keen eye for trends continued in 1975 with the introduction of men’s cricket and bowling shirts, perfectly capturing the sporting spirit of the times. This adaptability paved the way for their expansion into the 80’s. Factory opened in Preston.
Recognising the burgeoning demand for uniforms and the untapped potential of the women’s market, they quickly propelled their women’s uniform range to the forefront of the industry, becoming a benchmark for excellence.
Made history at the Melbourne Grand Prix 1996 by supplying the first-ever official event uniforms, marking a new era for the race in its new home.
Copyright: ©Jack Atley
In response to the growing demands of the corporate sectors, the visionary decision was made in 1999 to launch the City Collection label. This marked a pivotal moment for the company, as it grew into the corporate uniform sector, recognizing an emerging niche in the market.
Beyond mastering tailored garments, City Collection saw further opportunity in the neglected healthcare market. Uniforms lacked the quality and versatility demanded by dedicated workers. By 2011, they filled the gap with a specifically designed healthcare line, meeting instant success.
In 2020, a new chapter unfolded. As the Boag family retired after an incredible tenure, the company entered a new era under the ownership of local group, IFOTA. This strategic change in ownership was important in maintaining the brand’s unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and the profound understanding of what it means to provide excellence in all we do.
In this exciting era with Ifota, we deliver a fully integrated supply chain - from concept through to final delivery
In this exciting era with Ifota, we deliver a fully integrated supply chain - from concept through to final delivery.
Our end-to-end expertise across design, manufacturing and warehousing creates real value for our resellers.
Built on the J Boag legacy, we lead with innovative design to deliver quality, long-lasting uniform solutions – backed by exceptional service at every stage.
Enhanced Quality & Innovation
End-to-end control ensures consistent quality – from first sketch to final delivery. Our integrated approach enables faster innovation, bringing new ideas to market quickly, while allowing us to respond and adapt to changing trends and customer needs with ease.
Improved Customer Experience
Transparency at every stage builds trust, while our uniforms deliver consistent quality, comfort and style – backed by responsible sourcing and ethical, sustainable practices.
Dressing for Work Made Easy
“Dressing for Work Make Easy” defines our brand – shaping every decision we make, from design to delivery.
Environment
Are our fabrics sustainable and eco friendly? Does this reduce overall carbon footprint?
People
Do garments fit all body shapes and meet specific consumer needs?
Product
Are garments durable and of premium quality? Are styles classic yet timeless to stand the test of time?
Community Partnership
Are garments inclusive and relatable and something staff will be proud to wear?
Technology
Do our styles, techniques and manufacturing processes reflect innovative and forward-thinking solutions?