New research reveals Australians are choosing comfort over style this winter, with Ugg boots, activewear and casual fashion becoming part of everyday life.
There was a time when Australians would only wear Ugg boots inside the house, usually paired with pyjamas on cold winter mornings. But in 2026, comfort dressing has completely changed the way Australians approach fashion, and Ugg boots are no longer just indoor shoes.
According to new research by Ugg Express and Lonergan Research, more than 80% of Australians now believe it’s socially acceptable to wear Ugg boots outside the home, showing just how much fashion norms have shifted in recent years.
The findings were released ahead of Wear Your Uggs Day on June 1, an annual initiative by Ugg Express encouraging Australians to wear their Ugg boots while raising awareness and funds for mental health organisation Beyond Blue.
This year marks the sixth year of the campaign, with proceeds from selected products supporting Beyond Blue’s counselling and mental health support services.
Ashley Lu, Marketing Manager at Ugg Express, said the research highlights the emotional value Australians place on comfort.
“Comfortable footwear has a powerful impact on how we feel day to day, and it’s clear Australians across all generations recognise that,” Lu said.
“With comfort continuing to shape fashion choices and attitudes, we’re encouraging people to embrace the benefits of cosy footwear and step confidently into winter as part of Wear Your Uggs Day.”
The research reflects a broader shift towards casual dressing across Australia. Activewear is now commonly worn to cafes, grocery stores and social outings, while sneakers and oversized basics have become everyday staples rather than clothing reserved for weekends.
Fashion commentators have also noted the decline of traditional dress codes following the pandemic, with comfort focused clothing becoming increasingly accepted in workplaces, restaurants and entertainment venues.
And while Millennials may have pioneered the original noughties Ugg obsession, it’s Gen Z who are now driving the revival.
More than half of Gen Z respondents (55%) say they own a pair of Ugg boots, compared to 45% of Millennials, 36% of Gen X and 24% of Baby Boomers.
The findings reflect how much Australian fashion has shifted towards comfort in recent years, with practicality and wellbeing now influencing the way many people dress.
Nearly all Australians surveyed (96%) said comfortable clothes and shoes help them feel more relaxed or improve their mood, reinforcing the growing connection between fashion and mental wellbeing.
However, despite leading the Ugg resurgence, Gen Z also emerged as the generation most conflicted about comfort versus aesthetics. Almost one in five Gen Z respondents (19%) admitted they prioritise style over comfort when choosing what to wear, significantly more than older generations.
Millennials, meanwhile, appear to be the most confident when it comes to wearing Uggs beyond the front door.
One in ten Millennials report wearing their Ugg boots to work or out to lunch, while 11% have worn them to parties or social events and 7% have even worn them on dates.
The research also revealed surprising regional divides.
Victoria was named Australia’s most anti-Ugg state, recording the lowest rate of acceptance for wearing Ugg boots outside the home at 74%, although that still represents a strong majority.
Whether Australians view Ugg boots as fashion, comfort or both, the research suggests they are no longer confined to the couch. If the statistics are any indication, Australians are increasingly embracing comfort dressing both at home and in public.
