Chesty Bond

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Chesty Bond is a long-lived fictional cartoon character and trademark for the Australian clothing company Bonds. Originally created in 1938 as part of a merchandising campaign to sell men's underwear (and the singlet - a type of vest - in particular), Chesty Bond is recognised by many Australians as a popular national icon.

By 1940, a Chesty Bond cartoon - drawn by cartoonist Syd Miller - was being featured three times each week in Sydney's Sun newspaper, eventually running for 20 years. Chesty, with his characteristically powerful jutting jaw and impressive physique, became a superhero when he pulled on his trusty Chesty Bond Athletic vest. As a result of the successful campaign, Chesty Bond became the archetypal Australian hero synonymous with Australian masculinity and an icon recognised Australia wide.