ABOUT US
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
OUR STORY
Boston Clothing is proudly Australian-owned and family-operated, based in Preston, Melbourne. Founded by Howard Thompson in 2001, the business now spans three generations, sharing a love for quality clothing and a hands-on approach to everything we do. From our Melbourne head office to our stores across Australia, we remain committed to the idea that started it all: a good outfit for a fair price.
1989
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
“I could see a future in making clothes for Australians.”
- Howard Thompson, founder.
Howard started his apparel business in 1989, wholesaling to retailers across Australia. The product that got it all moving? Double-pleat trousers.
“It was so baggy. It was all we sold in the first year – burgundy and bottle green!”
From the beginning, his goal was simple: a good outfit for a fair price.
2001
BOSTON IS BORN
Howard launched Boston to create a transeasonal suit wardrobe for the Australian businessman. Reliable garments, quality fabrics and a fit made for the men wearing them.
Working with manufacturers in Qingdao, China, he introduced suits in 100% wool Super 110 high-twist fabric. At 180 grams per metre, it combined lightness, durability and a soft feel. We still use that fabric in our 106 collection today.
2007-2008
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Howard’s son, Peter Thompson, joined the business in 2007 and took over management in 2008. Howard’s instinct for fabric and connection with people remained central to Boston.
“My father has always had a special knack interacting with staff and customers. But what is really special is he has a sixth sense with fabric,” says Peter Thompson, CEO.
2021
OUR FIRST FORAY INTO RETAIL
After two decades supplying independent menswear retailers, Boston opened its first pop-ups at Doncaster and Fountain Gate.
Customers’ response to the quality and value of our shirts and suits turned those temporary spaces into permanent stores. Their popularity also encouraged a broader casualwear collection, bringing the full Boston range together under one roof.
2025-2026
GROWING ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Brisbane followed in 2025, with Canberra and Perth joining in 2026. A new Melbourne flagship is set to open in October 2026.
In 2026, Peter’s two daughters joined the business, carrying the family’s love for Boston into a third generation and helping shape its future.
Today, Boston remains Australian-owned and family-operated, based at our 5,000-square-metre warehouse and head office in Preston, Melbourne. Through every chapter, the goal stays the same: a good outfit for a fair price.
1989
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
“I could see a future in making clothes for Australians.”
- Howard Thompson, founder.
Howard started his apparel business in 1989, wholesaling to retailers across Australia. The product that got it all moving? Double-pleat trousers.
“It was so baggy. It was all we sold in the first year – burgundy and bottle green!”
From the beginning, his goal was simple: a good outfit for a fair price.
2001
BOSTON IS BORN
Howard launched Boston to create a transeasonal suit wardrobe for the Australian businessman. Reliable garments, quality fabrics and a fit made for the men wearing them.
Working with manufacturers in Qingdao, China, he introduced suits in 100% wool Super 110 high-twist fabric. At 180 grams per metre, it combined lightness, durability and a soft feel. We still use that fabric in our 106 collection today.
2007-2008
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Howard’s son, Peter Thompson, joined the business in 2007 and took over management in 2008. Howard’s instinct for fabric and connection with people remained central to Boston.
“My father has always had a special knack interacting with staff and customers. But what is really special is he has a sixth sense with fabric,” says Peter Thompson, CEO.
2021
OUR FIRST FORAY INTO RETAIL
After two decades supplying independent menswear retailers, Boston opened its first pop-ups at Doncaster and Fountain Gate.
Customers’ response to the quality and value of our shirts and suits turned those temporary spaces into permanent stores. Their popularity also encouraged a broader casualwear collection, bringing the full Boston range together under one roof.
2025-2026
GROWING ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Brisbane followed in 2025, with Canberra and Perth joining in 2026. A new Melbourne flagship is set to open in October 2026.
In 2026, Peter’s two daughters joined the business, carrying the family’s love for Boston into a third generation and helping shape its future.
Today, Boston remains Australian-owned and family-operated, based at our 5,000-square-metre warehouse and head office in Preston, Melbourne. Through every chapter, the goal stays the same: a good outfit for a fair price.
MICHEL LYON
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The Michel jacket and Lyon trouser were introduced as proprietary Boston styles, developed specifically for the Australian market as demand grew for slimmer tailoring.
the 5wt shirt
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Boston introduced the 5WT shirt, combining cotton-rich fabric with easy-care practicality. It became a signature of the brand. Wash, hang, wear.
SHAPE EDWARD
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The Shape jacket and Edward trouser joined the collection, introducing a slimmer silhouette as men’s tailoring continued to evolve.
WHAT WE'RE KNOWN FOR
Quality at an honest price
Our wholesale background, longstanding manufacturing relationships and hands-on approach help us deliver the value Howard set out to offer from the start. Clothes that look good, fit well and earn their place in your wardrobe.
More choice under one roof
The Boston collection spans tailoring, casualwear, footwear and accessories, complemented by international brand Hechter Paris and youth-focused Christian Brookes. Together, they offer a broader choice of styles for different generations and occasions.
Shirts are our thing
Introduced in 2012, our signature 5WT shirts have become a Boston staple. Cotton-rich, easy-care fabric and a choice of fits make them a dependable part of the working wardrobe. Wash, hang, wear.
fabrics chosen by us
Every fabric in the Boston range is selected by our team. Regular trips to fabric fairs in Paris, Milan and Shanghai help us source cloths, explore patterns and select styles with the Australian customer in mind. We oversee all manufacturing, staying involved from fabric selection through to the finished garment.
Wool-rich tailoring. Cotton-rich shirts
We focus on pure wool and blends with a high wool content across our tailoring, alongside cotton-rich shirts. From our original Super 110 high-twist wool to seasonal fabrics, we choose materials for their feel, comfort and durability.
Our own take on fit
Our proprietary Michel, Lyon, Shape and Edward styles were developed by Boston specifically for the Australian market. Suit separates let you choose your jacket and trousers independently, with an extensive size range and short, regular and long jacket options across selected styles.