Berlei conducted a research project to quantify Australian 'figure types'.The name came from that of the firm's founder, Frederick Richard Burley, who felt that his name as normally spelt was not contextually appropriate to his products.

Burley was a pioneer in employee relations and an accomplished public citizen, holding office in the Rotary Club and contributing to other worthy organizations.

The League created the Great White Train as a promotional tool for early Australian industries.

[6] The movie Undercover was made about the early years of the Berlei company and the life of Frederick R Burley.

Burley made his first overseas business trip to the US in 1913, to research methods and investigate the use of machinery of the time.

[2] Fred Burley's vision for the company was "To Design and Manufacture Corsets and Brassieres of such perfect Fit, Quality, and Workmanship, as will bring pleasure and profit to all concerned, while at the same time rendering such excellent service to our Clients and Consumers as will merit their permanent patronage".