Two Sydney labels, both beloved, both a fixture of the modern Australian wardrobe. Zimmermann and Aje are often mentioned in the same breath, and shoppers regularly weigh one against the other. They share a city and a sense of confident femininity, yet they have quite different personalities. Here is how our fashion desk sees the two.

The quick verdict

Choose Zimmermann for romance, print, and resort. Choose Aje for structure, texture, and a sharper line. If you love a painterly silk maxi and the best swim in the business, Zimmermann is your house. If you are drawn to sculptural tailoring and considered separates, Aje will speak to you.

Signature and aesthetic

Zimmermann is built on print, broderie, and the ease of an Australian summer, with a romantic, feminine point of view that runs through every collection. Aje leans more architectural, known for sculptural shoulders, texture led fabrics, and a clean, modern silhouette alongside its softer pieces. Both are unmistakably Australian, but Zimmermann feels like a holiday and Aje feels like the city.

Categories and strengths

Zimmermann is the stronger choice for resort and swim, with a printed silk dress and a sculptural swimsuit that are hard to match elsewhere. Aje is particularly good for occasion separates and tailoring, the kind of jacket and trouser that anchor a smart wardrobe. For dresses, both deliver, though Zimmermann leans print and volume while Aje leans line and structure.

Price

Both sit in contemporary luxury. Zimmermann generally prices a step higher, reflecting its silk, broderie, and the craft those require. Aje is often a touch more accessible, which makes it a natural entry point for the Australian look. Neither is inexpensive, and both reward the investment with pieces that last.

So which should you buy?

You do not have to pick a side, and many of our clients own both. If your wardrobe needs a showstopping printed dress and a swimsuit for the season ahead, start with Zimmermann. If you want a sharp jacket and elevated separates that work all year, start with Aje. For more alternatives in the same world, see our guide to brands like Zimmermann, and to understand the house better, read whether Zimmermann is a luxury brand.

Shop both at Coveti, authenticated by our team with worldwide shipping.