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My Berlei

Berlei Heratage

Berlei was launched in the 1900's by forward thinking Australian entrepreneur Fred Burley. Innovative from the very beginning Burley's commitment to producing quality garments with excellent fit whilst providing outstanding customer service every time was essential.

Burley conducted an anthropometrical survey of Australian women, the aim was to identify basic figure types so that ready made corsets might be designed to fit as if made-to-order.

In 1929 Fred Burley founded Berlei UK with offices in Regents Street, London. Burley ensured his staff were trained to a high level and began selling products into Paris and as a result the brand was praised in Vogue.

1947: employees of Burley enjoyed a staff provident fund and a profit-sharing scheme, Burley invested in his staff.

1950's: The first approved design for a maternity bra was developed in conjunction with the medical profession and was launched onto the Australian market and proved to be an immediate success.

In the 1980's Berlei designed the very popular bra style the 'minimiser' - shaped to apportion larger bust so that they appear smaller.

Innovation filtered into the 1990's when Berlei launched the sports range Berlei Shock Absorber, endorsed by athlete Sally Gunnel.

1999 The film 'Undercover' was produced documenting the life of Fred Burley and the Berlei lingerie brand.

More history Berlei Australia