New Zealand: Beginning March 2025, clothing company Swanndri will include wool repair patches with every purchase of wool jackets and bush shirts, aiming to promote sustainability and reduce textile waste while strengthening customer relationships and encouraging a culture of repair and reuse.
Starting in March 2025, New Zealand-based clothing company Swanndri will implement a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and enhancing customer care by including a wool repair patch with every wool jacket and bush shirt sold. This effort is aligned with the company’s longstanding philosophy of ‘Engineered for Generations,’ a principle that has been instrumental in guiding Swanndri for over a century.
The repair patches, made from the same high-quality wool fabric as the garments themselves, are designed to facilitate easy repairs for small holes or tears. These scenarios may arise from various factors, such as a day of rigorous work on a farm, an unfortunate run-in with barbed wire, or simply the natural wear and tear that accompanies years of use. By attaching the patch to the garments’ swing tickets, Swanndri ensures that the solution is readily available for customers when needed.
The motivation for this initiative stems directly from customer feedback, as noted by Darren Barry, Head of Design at Swanndri. Speaking to Avenues Magazine, Barry remarked, “Many of you have shared stories of Swanndri garments passed down through generations, worn proudly as symbols of quality, tradition, and resilience. These tales of longevity resonate deeply with us and reinforce our commitment to making products that last. In today’s fast-paced world of disposable fashion, we aim to stand apart by fostering a culture of repair and reuse.”
This approach not only extends the life of clothing but also contributes to a reduction in textile waste, promoting a more circular economy. By providing a practical solution to everyday wear and tear, Swanndri aims to strengthen its connection with the community while also addressing environmental concerns.
The process for repairing garments is described as straightforward, requiring merely a needle, some thread, and a small amount of care to restore the clothing to its previous condition. This act of maintenance serves to ensure that Swanndri garments remain treasured companions over the years.
In addition to the wool jackets and bush shirts, Swanndri is looking to expand this initiative to include repair patches with its wool luggage starting in summer 2025. Barry also expressed hope that this venture could inspire other companies in the industry to adopt similar sustainable practices, stating, “Together, we can champion a future where fashion values quality, responsibility, and timeless design.”
Barry concluded with a sentiment unique to the Swanndri approach, saying, “Because at Swanndri, we don’t just make garments; we create lifelong companions.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
