Kia Kaha Clothing
Changes in Materials
Robbie Williams in Kia Kaha hoodie
(Click to enlarge)
Over the time the business has been operating Dan has seen a number of significant developments in terms of the materials used.
"Cottons were used for the T-shirts we were doing back at the start, and that's now changed. There's the quick dry kind of fabric with a wickable yarn, which brings the moisture out. That's what everyone wants when they're playing sport now. The other area is the double mercerized cotton, golf polos are made out of that usually, and everyone wants it. It's a very fine yarn and very technical, which is a new development for us."
However, despite significant changes in materials, production methods haven't changed too much.
"The actual producing of it is much the same – the main difference is an improved quality in the final garment. All the material development and all the testing is done on the fabric side."
While there an increasing amount of production is coming from offshore, Dan believes there will always be a need for a production capability in New Zealand.
"There are certain things that you need that you can't do overseas. I can't ring up China and say that I need 20 tracksuits for the Petone lawn bowls team going to the nationals – with their logo on it. They'll say to me, 'Make it 2,000 units and we'll look at it'. So there's always going to be a place for satisfying that type or order. And it's not just as small as 20 units, it could be 200 units. Even for 500 it's more economical to do it here sometimes."
