Why We Love Swanndri Products
Posted by Team NZNC on 30th May 2022
Swanndri is an iconic New Zealand trademark and one that we are super proud of. Being associated with Swanndri as a key reseller takes us way back to our Kiwi roots.
Swanndri, or “Swanny” as we call it here, was designed by a man called William Broome, who trademarked Swanndri in 1914. Broome settled in Taranaki and developed woollen knitwear and felting techniques to create weather-resistant clothing.
You’d like to think that Broome was a Kiwi himself, but he was, in fact, an English tailor who immigrated to New Zealand to start a business when he was twenty-one. A man after my own heart with all that ambition!
Swanndri creates heavy-duty, weatherproof woollen garments that are labelled as tough work shirts, initially widely used by farmers and those working outdoors to protect themselves from the elements. Nowadays, Swanny is commonly worn on a day-to-day basis, and it’s definitely moved up in the fashion stakes!
As time moves on, designs improve and are enhanced, but the traditional Swanny is a dark plaid with either red or blue criss-crossing stripes over a black base. This hasn’t changed; they are still made in the same way.
Why is Swanndri such a great choice for a work shirt?
The newer versions of Swanndri are made from 100% New Zealand wool. At New Zealand Natural Clothing we are committed to championing the use of local fibres but also heirloom garments that are an investment, this is why Swanndri is one of our top recommendations!
NZ natural fibres mean that Swanndri.....
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Five Great Benefits of Wool
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Soft and comfortable against the skin. Fine wool fibres can feel wonderfully soft and are generally comfortable to wear.
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Keeps you smelling fresh as a daisy! Wool naturally manages moisture and resists odours, helping you stay fresher for longer.
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Keeps you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Wool's natural temperature-regulating properties help keep you comfortable in changing conditions.
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Keeps you drier for longer. Wool can absorb up to approximately 35% of its weight in moisture vapour, helping manage perspiration. The natural waxy coating on wool fibres also provides some resistance to light rain.
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Naturally crease-resistant. Who wants an amazing work shirt that protects you and lasts for years, only to have to iron it? Wool's natural resilience helps it resist creasing.
You can learn more about the fantastic fibres NZ has to offer here.
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You may be wondering...
If you aren’t a Kiwi yourself, you may be wondering why we’re so interested in clothing that can handle cold, dreary downpours.
You might be surprised to learn that the Far North of NZ has subtropical summers, while the inland areas of the South Island can get as cold as −10°C in the winter months.
However, most of New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and lots of sunshine!
Swanndri has come a long way, and with its updated designs and old-school quality, it really does offer a great, durable option that stands the test of time and weather.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, and a lot of our loyal customers are, Swanndri is a great choice for you. Swanndri offers timeless, comfortable clothing that serves a purpose. It becomes part of your lifestyle, and its temperature-regulating properties will help keep you comfortable in changing conditions.
It’s super important to us that what we offer as a company is sustainable. Rest assured that we are proud to stock Swanndri garments and support quality clothing designed to stand the test of time.
Swanndri - the brand
Swanndri is an iconic Kiwi outdoor brand owned by an apparel producer and importer with a portfolio of other brands. The company is Christchurch-based and contracts a factory in China for most of its production.
This arrangement has been in place for many years, dating back to when Swanndri orders could no longer be adequately supplied by New Zealand manufacturers. The cost of establishing a manufacturing plant and meeting the associated compliance requirements was simply not economically viable.
Another iconic brand, Line 7, has also been acquired by Swanndri and offers wet-weather gear for the dairy and marine sectors.
Some Swanndri socks and accessories are still made in New Zealand, along with a limited selection of original garments produced locally in response to public demand.
The irony is that while many customers express a preference for New Zealand-made clothing, fewer are prepared to pay the higher prices associated with manufacturing in smaller volumes in countries with higher wages and production costs.
As a result, local production remains very limited, and Swanndri generally retains these New Zealand-made garments for sale through its own retail channels rather than making them available to resellers.
Is it ethical to import?
The team at Swanndri have assured me that they have a strict contractual arrangement with their factory in China, with staff on hand to oversee production and finishing. They maintain that there is no manufacturing facility in New Zealand capable of matching the quality of finish achieved through this relationship.
Why should I buy Swanndri from NZNC and not direct?
Very good question!
You should buy from New Zealand Natural Clothing because:
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We are often the best deal, as all purchases accrue a 5% rebate.
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You can purchase other branded products from us in the same transaction.
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All your purchase history is in one place, and our customer care and ongoing support are a real bonus for you.
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Our store is a “try-it-on” zone too! Come in, feel the fabrics and find your perfect fit.
We are fibre freaks here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, and we love chatting about what we offer in-store and online. So please pop in and quiz us on all things fibre, feel the different garments, ask questions and have a laugh – you’re always welcome at New Zealand Natural Clothing!