The Short Answer
Australians wear mullets for a mix of reasons: nostalgia, cultural identity, rebellion, humour, and fashion. What began as a practical or lowbrow hairstyle evolved into a symbol of pride, individuality, and playful defiance. From sports stars and hipsters to regional youths and urban creatives, the mullet has become an ironic fashion statement that’s both celebrated and criticised—making it one of the most polarising and enduring styles in the country.
The Long Answer
Introduction to the Mullet Phenomenon in Australia
It’s hard to visit Australia without noticing a surprising number of mullets walking the streets, showing up on footy fields, or even turning heads in corporate offices. Far from a fringe trend, the mullet has cemented itself into the mainstream Aussie aesthetic. Whether cleanly trimmed or wild and exaggerated, mullets appear on men, women, kids—and even the occasional corporate executive. In Australia, the mullet is more than a haircut; it’s a cultural expression.
Historical Roots of the Mullet in Aussie Culture
The mullet’s roots in Australia can be traced back to the 1970s and 80s, when it was proudly sported by cricketers, footballers, rock stars, and the average bloke alike. It became iconic during the height of Aussie pub rock, with bands like Cold Chisel and figures like Warwick Capper making it their trademark. The haircut’s dual nature—neat in the front, unruly in the back—matched the “work hard, play hard” attitude of Australian culture. While global trends saw it fall out of favour, in parts of Australia, especially rural and working-class areas, the mullet never truly disappeared.
From Derogatory to Iconic: The Bogan Factor
In Australia, the term “bogan” is often used to describe someone seen as uncultured, rough around the edges, or working-class. For years, the mullet was heavily associated with bogans and considered outdated or tacky. But as fashion trends evolved, so did perceptions. Today, many young Australians embrace the bogan stereotype with pride and humour. Wearing a mullet can now be an ironic or even empowering choice—part homage, part rebellion. What was once mocked is now a badge of honour in many subcultures, from suburban teens to tradies and beyond.
Irony and Rebellion: Why Gen Z Embraced It
For Gen Z Australians, the mullet’s revival is layered in irony. Many wear it precisely because it defies fashion norms and provokes reactions. In a culture that often values self-deprecation and not taking oneself too seriously, the mullet offers a way to “take the piss” without saying a word. It’s anti-fashion that became fashionable. The humour behind wearing a “shithouse” hairstyle appeals to younger Australians who enjoy subverting expectations, especially after years of rigid beauty standards.
The Role of AFL and Sporting Figures
The resurgence of the mullet in Australia can’t be separated from sport—especially Australian Rules Football (AFL). Players like Bailey Smith, Tex Walker, and even Ivan Maric brought the hairstyle back to the public eye, sparking a new wave of imitation among teenage fans and young men across the country. These athletes wore mullets not just with pride, but with flair—blond, bleached, permed, or paired with moustaches. Once something you’d see at a backyard BBQ, the mullet was suddenly all over national television, racking up fans (and imitators) in droves.
Post-COVID Hair Identity: A Statement of Freedom
The global pandemic altered not just how people worked and socialised, but also how they saw themselves. In Australia, lockdowns gave rise to a DIY grooming culture, where barbers and salons were inaccessible and people had time to experiment. As restrictions eased, many Australians held onto their unconventional styles—especially mullets—as symbols of freedom, individuality, and a break from the polished norms of office culture. With remote work blurring the lines between professional and personal expression, the mullet became a fun, liberating rebellion against the buttoned-up corporate look.
Femullets and Gender Fluid Fashion
The mullet’s revival isn’t limited to men. Women and non-binary Australians have also embraced the style, giving rise to what’s often called the “femullet.” This trend blends traditional masculinity and femininity, creating a haircut that proudly occupies the in-between. Influenced by 70s icons like Joan Jett and modern queer aesthetics, the femullet stands as a visible marker of identity for many. It communicates self-confidence, a rejection of conventional beauty standards, and alignment with alternative, often queer, subcultures—especially in urban and artsy circles like Melbourne’s Fitzroy or Sydney’s Newtown.
Class Commentary and Aesthetic of ‘Looking Poor’
There’s a growing trend in fashion to appear unrefined or working-class—ironically. This “poverty aesthetic” is sometimes a deliberate rejection of wealth signalling, and the mullet fits perfectly into this mould. Stylists note that many clients request haircuts that look less “salon-finished” and more rugged or scrappy. The mullet’s association with blue-collar Australians, regional communities, and suburban youth makes it an effective, if controversial, statement piece. Some people wear it to align themselves with authenticity or to satirise class divisions. Either way, it’s a look that refuses to be polished.
Urban vs Regional Divide: City Trend or Country Tradition?
While the mullet has exploded in popularity in inner-city enclaves—especially among hipsters and creatives—it never really went out of style in regional Australia. In country towns, mullets have long been part of everyday fashion, sported by tradies, footy players, and pub regulars. For rural Aussies, the mullet isn’t ironic—it’s functional, familiar, and tied to cultural identity. The recent adoption by city dwellers adds an interesting layer: a traditionally regional look becoming fashionable in the very urban spaces that once mocked it. This overlap blurs the lines between parody, homage, and reinvention.
Fashion Cycles and Cultural Nostalgia
Like flared jeans and scrunchies, the mullet’s return is also a classic case of fashion being cyclical. Styles once deemed embarrassing often resurface decades later, worn with new meaning. Australians, in particular, have a soft spot for nostalgia—especially when it comes with a touch of irony. What began as a punchline in the 2000s became a proud throwback to the glory days of the 80s and 90s. For many, rocking a mullet is a way to channel memories of retro sports stars, rock legends, or even cheeky TV characters from childhood. It’s vintage, it’s familiar, and in true Aussie fashion—it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Mullets and Masculinity: Confidence and Conversation Starters
One of the lesser-discussed appeals of the mullet is its psychological and social function—especially among men. In a culture where compliments directed at men are rare, wearing a mullet often sparks reactions, banter, or even admiration. Some men describe their mullets as “fuckwit filters”—those who judge them instantly aren’t people they’d want to engage with anyway. Others enjoy the attention, describing how strangers initiate conversations or offer thumbs-ups. In a way, the mullet becomes a statement of unbothered masculinity—a bold declaration that says, “I know how ridiculous this looks, and I don’t care.” Confidence, not style, is the point.
Public Perception: Love It, Hate It, Laugh About It
Ask ten Australians about mullets and you’ll get ten wildly different opinions. Some adore the look and see it as playful, retro, or iconic. Others cringe at the very sight. The hairstyle evokes strong reactions from both supporters and critics—ranging from romantic appeal to comic disdain. For some, it’s a turn-on; for others, a walking fashion disaster. The division is part of the allure. In many ways, the mullet thrives on its ability to provoke, amuse, and challenge social norms—especially fashion norms. It’s this polarisation that keeps it culturally alive and socially relevant.
The Influence of Music and Pop Icons
Pop culture has played a key role in fuelling the mullet revival. From David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus to modern stars like Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, and AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith, public figures have helped reframe the haircut as stylish rather than silly. Music videos, stage performances, and red carpet appearances have normalised even the most extreme mullets. When celebrities confidently wear what was once a punchline, the style earns legitimacy—and inevitably, followers. Whether it’s glam rock, queer pop, or indie alternative, the mullet has been embraced by people who live outside the box.
Conclusion: A Haircut That Refuses to Die
In the end, the mullet endures because it breaks rules and invites conversation. It’s both ironic and sincere, nostalgic and modern, crass and cool. Australians wear mullets not just because they’re in fashion, but because they represent something deeper—freedom of expression, rejection of pretence, and love for the absurd. It’s a haircut that can mean everything or nothing at all. Whether you’re a country tradie, an inner-city hipster, a teenage rebel, or just someone who thinks “business in the front, party in the back” is still funny, the mullet has a place on your head. And for better or worse, it’s probably here to stay.
