Legend of the iconic Sir Sidney Kidman who serves as the inspiration behind homegrown brand comes to life
Article by SARAH FITZMAURICE, courtesy of Daily Mail Australia
13.02.2026
In an industry where fast fashion fuels fleeting and impractical trends with poor quality items that offer little value to consumers, many brands simply don’t stand for anything.
That is why heritage Australian brand Kidman is different. It is built on solid principles, expert craftsmanship and is steeped in legacy, taking inspiration from one of the country’s greatest men: Sir Sidney Kidman.
The brand is known for its range of premium, hardworking clothing with pieces that are versatile, practical and stylish, as well as its range of incredibly well-made footwear.
With a collection that is testament to Australia’s quintessential country style, the brand offers premium items for the man or woman of today, whether they work on the land or in the boardroom.
The Australian-owned and operated brand has firm roots in Australia’s proud agricultural history, dating back to the late 1800s. Kidman clothing is a modern tribute to the legendary ‘Cattle King’ and his respect for life on the land and its demands.
The brand pays homage to this iconic Australian in a new video that helps tell a small part of the story of Sir Sidney’s legendary legacy.
His life inspires the styles that appeal to discerning shoppers who value quality and style, and those who work on the land and need practical, hardworking clothing to withstand the elements.
Sir Sidney Kidman was born in Athelstone, South Australia in 1857 and after leaving home at just 13 years old with nothing more than five shillings and his legendary one-eyed horse named Cyclops, he undertook a series of tough jobs in Australia’s burgeoning pastoral industry.
He worked on outback stations in varied roles including as a drover and bullock driver, stockman and livestock trader.
Having diligently saved most of what he earned throughout his younger years, Kidman grew his money through clever investments, varied businesses, and relentless hard work. His disciplined approach enabled him to secure his own cattle station in 1886, buying ‘Owen Springs’ in the Northern Territory.
This was just the start, as the following year he purchased ‘Thule’ near Charleville in Western Queensland.
Over time, he continued to expand rapidly, purchasing more stations and property, eventually becoming the largest private landholder in Australia, boasting one of the world’s largest pastoral empires.
His success was testament to his understanding of the land, the cattle and the seasons, which led to his pioneering ‘drought-proofing’ strategy, as well as his entrepreneurial spirit. So dedicated was he to his work, it’s said Sir Sidney never smoked and never consumed alcohol. Ever the likeable character, it’s also rumoured that he never swore in his entire life.
‘In every endeavour of his life, Sir Sidney truly embodied the famous spirit of our early Australian pioneers, who toiled year after year in some of the toughest working conditions imaginable to help lay the foundations for modern Australia. We have much to be thankful for with great Australians like Sir Sidney and through our Kidman brand, his proud legacy lives on,’ Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, Mrs Gina Rinehart, said.
Kidman’s achievements and contributions were honoured in 1921 when he was given a knighthood by King George V.
At the time of his death in 1935, Sir Sidney was a beloved husband to wife Isabel, father to six children, and owned or had a large interest in more than three per cent of Australia’s mainland with hundreds of thousands of cattle.
Such was the scale of the legacy he left behind that when he was honoured with a State Funeral in September of 1935, it’s estimated that three quarters of Adelaide turned up to pay their respects.
‘When talking about the legendary Sir Sidney Kidman, three words come to mind: cattle, courage and country,’ Adam Giles, CEO of Hancock Agriculture, said.
‘Sir Sidney was a man known across Australia for his relentless hard work and love of the land. These are the qualities that we weave into every stitch of our Kidman boots, hats and clothing to ensure his legacy lives on in some of Australia’s finest apparel.
‘As a resounding figure, both literally and figuratively, Sir Sidney stood at over six-feet tall and was renowned for being well-built – just like all our Kidman products today.
‘When you wear Kidman products you’re not just pulling on an iconic Australian brand – you’re carrying forward a proud legacy started by one of the country’s most likeable pioneers.’
The premium, heritage brand is synonymous with luxury craftsmanship, enduring quality and its popular boots are a timeless investment, designed to be worn and loved for years to come.
Kidman also boasts a bestselling range of stylish men’s and women’s apparel including polos, shirts, jeans and pants, jackets and handmade hats.
To shop the Kidman range or to learn more, head to Kidman.com.
