The Collector

Scott’s a practical person. But he’s also a collector.

We know what you’re thinking. Collecting is inherently impractical, right? It’s basically gathering a bunch of stuff you don’t need, will never use, and leaving it to gather dust in the garage until your partner has finally had enough and makes you drop it all down to the Sallies.

Not this guy. Scott collects Swanndris. But he wears all of them. Yep, all of them. As Scott says, “I’m not a collector. I’m a wearer.”

He’s currently got about 40 on rotation. And he wears one almost every day. He’s got his hunting Swanny. His fishing Swanny. His bush Swanny. His around the house Swanny. His going out Swanny. His lawnmowing Swanny. He didn’t mention a bedtime Swanny… but you get the idea.

Thing is, Scott only collects Swanndris that are his size, that he’ll use, and that are in styles or colours that he doesn’t already have. “I don’t just pick up anything and everything,” he says. “It’s got to be useful.”

He’s been collecting – sorry, wearing – for a while now, and over that time he’s become an expert on everything Swanndri. He can take one look at the tag and tell how old a Swanndri is as far back as the 50s. He knows the smell of the original waterproofing – so can tell again how old it is and how much use it’s had. He’s even figured out how to stretch out Swannys that people have shrunk.

He’s also become a master repairer. Scott will rescue Swanndris that are in a really bad state and use them for parts – from buttons to laces to tags to sleeves – for his collection, ensuring every part is original and authentic and from the right era. “And if they’re truly buggered,” he says, “they make great beds for the pets.”

When we asked him for his tips on how to look after and preserve a Swanndri, his response was simple. “Wear it.” Scott reckons the best way to get the best out of a Swanndri is to use it and honour it. Let it do what it was made to do and it’ll last a lot longer than if you leave it in the cupboard under the stairs. And once you’ve really worn it into the ground, well, wool’s a natural fibre after all, so eventually nature takes it back.

So when did it all start? Scott says that when looking back through old family photos, he’s often wearing them as a kid, so a love for Swanndri was probably instilled in him way back then. Now, it’s not just about what a Swanndri is (a practical piece of outdoor clothing). It’s what it represents. A constant reflection of Kiwi life over the years. Of good times spent outdoors through changing times. And, of course, the individual yarns every Swanndri holds.

What’s next for the collection? Scott’s not really sure. He’s got almost every Swanndri he needs. And he’s not going to start gathering more Swanndris just for the sake of it.

He says, “Swanndri was created because there was a practical need. So it makes sense my collection is for a practical purpose, too.” In that way, he’s honouring the legacy and intention of Swanndri.

It’s clear Scott’s not doing this for gold or glory. He just loves Swanndris. He like the stories they tell, he likes the styles, and he likes wearing them. Simple as that.

We ask him if he worries about marking or damaging his pristine collection by wearing them every day. “Nah,” he says, “that’s what they’re made for.”