Choose Swazi for Your Outdoor, Farming, and Hunting Clothing
It's said that great things have small beginnings.
In the case of Swazi, celebrated for its industry-leading, rough and ready outdoor clothing, this is certainly true. This brand didn't start under the bright lights of a skyscraper office meeting room, it was born in the small New Zealand garage of one determined man over 30 years ago.
What began as a mission to create the perfect gear for his own expeditions soon burst into a globally recognised brand that's highly sought after by hunters, farmers, and anyone setting out to conquer the great outdoors.
Despite its incredible success, Swazi remains a community-oriented enterprise, still operating out of its hometown. The wide range of hunting jackets, bush shirts, and much more are perfect for all your countryside activities, and that's why we at Hollands absolutely love Swazi clothing.
So, we're here to give you a proper introduction to this fantastic Kiwi brand, talking you through their passion and innovation, and sharing with you a few of our favourite picks to start stocking up your wardrobe with all things Swazi.
The Beginning of the Brand
If you know anything about New Zealand, you'll know that it's a place full of beautiful landscapes, challenging terrains, and, in recent years particularly, slightly unpredictable seasonal weather.
You might think of Lord of the Rings and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the Instagram-worthy panoramic views from hikes up Mount Cook and Tongariro National Park, and, of course, the vast farm land and countryside where you might encounter a sheep or two.
So, it's no surprise that a man who has hands-on experience in the wilderness of this unique and formidable country is at the centre of a hugely popular, impressively designed, and fantastically functional outdoor clothing brand.
Who is Davey Hughes?
Davey Hughes, the Kiwi man in the garage and the founder of Swazi, is a professional trapper, who has been there, seen that, and now created the t-shirt! He's hunted Caribou in the Arctic Circle, grizzlies in Alaska, and buffalo in Tanzania, as well as running the gruelling Coast to Coast adventure race 3 times.
He knew what was fluff and what was legit, leading him to draw from his own practical and extensive experience to create Swazi gear that's raw, real, and resolute. It was the beginning of the brand, and little did he know that it would take off around the world.
You can learn more about Davey in this brilliant YouTube video.
The Continuing Story of Swazi
So, Davey had created the first pieces of Swazi garments and they were an instant hit.
At an outdoor show in Melbourne, he sold out before lunchtime, and this sparked something in him. He knew that this was worth pursuing - that other people, like him, were in need of functional, high-quality, innovative technical gear for the outdoors.
Back home in New Zealand, Swazi had its factory in Levin, which is a town in the North Island as you head down towards Wellington. The passionate team, who lived close by and were part of the community, cranked out the clothing and it was soon put to good use by those in farming, hunting, camping, and hiking.
Anyone who enjoyed their outdoor activities was choosing Swazi clothing and reaping the benefits of its durability and effectiveness.
Why is Swazi So Popular?
From there, business continued to boom. When you have fantastic products, you let them speak for themselves, and that's what Swazi outdoor clothing does. Whether you need a waterproof jacket for out on the farm, a reliable fleece jacket for everyday errands, or a warm base layer when it's bitterly cold and you're getting ready for a shoot, this brand is the place to turn.
Today, Swazi remains community-oriented. Its success means it has had to expand its production, but it still primarily operates out of Levin, creating local jobs for people and building on its wide selection of hunting clothing, farm clothing, and more. It focuses on instilling a sense of responsibility for future explorers and promoting a life full of adventure.
It stands firm on its core values, instilled by Davey when he first began: make it functional, make it last, make it the best.
Must-Have Swazi Essentials: Top Picks of Outdoor Clothing
Experienced hunters know stealth is non-negotiable. Seasoned farmers know resilience is key. Hardened adventurers know versatility is everything.
Swazi know how to make durable, practical, and comfortable clothing that ticks all the boxes required by outdoor enthusiasts.
Hopefully, we've inspired you to start stocking up on your own Swazi gear, and so we want to point you in the right direction with a few popular items to get you started:
-
Swazi The Hood: This is a top-seller and for good reason. It's one of those fleeces you just won't want to take off! We love its long zip for temperature control and its high collar to keep your neck warm.
-
Swazi Micro Shirt: Super soft and lightweight, this is an easy essential to have in your wardrobe. In particular, it's worth noting that the cut is extra long to prevent the top riding up when wearing a backpack.
- Swazi Wapiti XP Waterproof Jacket: Everyone needs a dependable waterproof coat, and it's hard not to be impressed by this one. Built from Swazi's soft 3-layered stretch AEGIS fabric, it boasts breathability, windproofing, and exceptional waterproofing.
When the clothing is Swazi, there's no adventure too arduous, and no outdoors too imposing - you're kept warm, dry, and protected all day long. Take a look at the few options listed above or browse our full range. Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly customer service team, who would love to help.
Summary
Whether you need new farming clothes or hunting clothing, a practical everyday t shirt for work or leisure, or something technical and performance-driven to answer the call of the wild, Swazi can be relied upon to deliver.
Hollands Country Clothing is proud to stock Swazi in our fantastic range, and we hope that you will love them as much as we do!
Matthew Holland brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the world of shooting. Residing and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matthew not only writes about shooting experiences but lives them firsthand. As a member of a regular shoot, he draws from his personal experiences to share insights and recommendations for this country sport. Combining his practical knowledge with a genuine love for country living, Matthew is your trusted guide to all things shooting and hunting.
