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Buying local
NZ Made Clothing: Brands, Fabrics and Fit
Explore NZ made clothing by the garment you need, the fabric you enjoy wearing and the way it fits. Our maker stories introduce local production, while practical checks help you choose the right item.
Hemp Depo clothing, from our January 2024 maker story.
In this guide
NZ made clothing brands to explore
New Zealand made clothing and fabric origin
Choose by use before fibre
Measure a garment that already fits
Plan care, cost and ordering
Check the licensed product
Your questions
Explore NZ made products.
NZ made clothing brands to explore
Hemp Depo
Hemp Depo, profiled in January 2024, described hand-sewn clothing made in Tauranga's Historic Village, including pants, hoodies, shirts and tops. Its story illustrates local garment making with imported fabric.True Fleece
True Fleece's March 2021 profile focuses on merino clothing made in Christchurch for adults and children, including schoolwear. Compare the intended use, fabric composition and garment measurements.Untouched World
Our July 2023 Untouched World story explores knitwear and natural-fibre garments. It introduces the relationship between fibre choice, making and design.
Our March 2019 fashion-designer feature includes Deryn Schmidt, Desiree and Cashews. Read the stories, then check the particular item and licence details. Explore other categories in our NZ made products guide.
New Zealand made clothing and fabric origin
A garment can be made in New Zealand using imported fabric. The important distinction is where the manufacturing that creates the garment takes place. A local design studio or company address alone does not answer that question.
Read both origin and fibre labels. One describes manufacture; the other describes composition. Merino, cotton or hemp does not establish where the garment was cut and sewn. Ask about the item you want rather than assuming every product in a range follows the same process.
Choose by use before fibre
Everyday workwear: compare movement, opacity, pockets, washing and layering.
A warm layer: check fabric weight, room underneath, neck shape and sleeve length.
A summer garment: consider coverage, fit, fabric feel and care.
Repeated weekly wear: ask about size availability and replacement ordering.
An occasion piece: confirm measurements, alterations and delivery timing.
Our NZ made knitwear guide goes further into knitted layers. Choose a garment that fits your routine instead of assuming one fibre suits every season.
Measure a garment that already fits
Size names vary between makers. Lay a similar garment flat and compare the measurements provided: chest or bust, waist, hip, shoulder, sleeve and length as appropriate. Check whether the chart lists body measurements or finished-garment measurements.
A relaxed shirt needs different allowance from a fitted jacket, and a layer worn over a jumper needs more room. Send the maker any measurement that is unclear and explain how you want the garment to sit. For trousers, include rise and inseam rather than relying only on waist size.
Plan care, cost and ordering
Read the care label before buying. A garment that needs a routine you cannot maintain may be the wrong choice. Ask about pressing, drying and special care for trims or mixed materials.
Compare the full price including delivery and alterations.
Confirm stock or made-to-order timing.
Check exchanges, particularly for gifts or custom sizing.
Ask about repairs and alterations.
Keep style and size details for reordering.
For a made-to-order piece, agree measurements and design changes in writing before production. Clarify which changes remain possible once work starts.
Check the licensed product
Use the licence-holder search with the maker's name and review the products. Our product check gives you another way to investigate a garment.
Buying footwear too? Compare the different fitting questions in our NZ made shoes guide. A considered purchase should work with what you already own.
Your questions
Does NZ designed clothing mean NZ made?
Design and manufacture are different activities. Check where the garment is made, including cutting and sewing.
How do I compare sizes between makers?
Check whether the chart shows body or garment measurements. Compare a similar garment that fits you well.
Your next step
Find a maker whose work suits your wardrobe, then check the garment's origin and measurements. Our register helps you take that next step.
