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Fabric and Fibre Library
Made for Generations
Discover the fabrics and fibres behind gear that's built to last.
For more than a century, Swanndri has been woven into the rhythm of New Zealand life. Born in the rugged weather of Taranaki, our name was inspired by the way a swan's feathers shed water - an ode to gear built to keep Kiwis dry, warm, and comfortable no matter what the day brings. From icy rural mornings to blazing summer afternoons, Swanndri has always been crafted for people who live close to the elements.
That spirit of durability, practicality, and ingenuity continues in every piece we make. And behind each garment is a story: the fibres we choose, the way we weave them, the natural performance they're designed to deliver.
This Fabric & Fibre Library is your guide to understanding what makes Swanndri products truly stand apart. Here, you can explore the materials at the heart of our range - how they're sourced, how they perform, and why we've chosen them. Whether you're looking for gear to take on the farm, the bush, or your everyday adventures, this resource helps you choose with confidence.
Consider it your behind-the-scenes pass to the craft, innovation, and natural performance that have defined Swanndri for generations.
Merino // Merino Fusion
Merino is one of nature's most exceptional fibres - soft, breathable, and able to regulate temperature in nearly any condition. It wicks moisture, resists odour, and is fully biodegradable, offering a rare blend of comfort, performance, and sustainability.
Strong Wool Blends
Our strong wool blends combine the natural warmth and durability of New Zealand-grown wool with the added strength and easy-care qualities of modern fibres. The result is a dependable, hard-wearing fabric that delivers comfort, resilience, and long-lasting performance.
100% New Zealand Wool
At Swanndri, every product begins with a simple belief: to craft gear that stands the test of time, you start with the very best wool. We choose only premium New Zealand-grown fibre-sourced through ZQRX - ensuring exceptional quality, natural performance, and wool that's grown with genuine care.
Waterproof Rainwear
Our windproof technology is built for real conditions - sudden southerlies, open ridgelines, and long days spent outside. Engineered to block the wind while remaining breathable, it delivers dependable comfort and protection when the weather turns sharp.
Windproof
Our windproof technology is built for real conditions-sudden southerlies, open ridgelines, and long days spent outside. Engineered to block the wind while remaining breathable, it delivers dependable comfort and protection when the weather turns sharp.
Oilskin // Waxed Cotton
Oilskin has earned its place as an outdoor classic-robust, dependable, and shaped by years of hard use in the elements. Our waxed cotton creates a natural, weather-resistant barrier that sheds rain and significantly reduces wind, while remaining breathable for long days outside. It's enduring protection with a heritage of real-world performance.
Down
Filled with responsibly sourced down and wrapped in durable, down-proof fabrics, our insulated layers deliver exceptional warmth without unnecessary bulk. Lightweight yet hard‑working, they keep you moving comfortably from hillside to high street-warmth and quality you can rely on.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is naturally soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin, grown with a lighter touch on the land. By using fewer chemicals and less water, it creates a cleaner, more responsible fibre - one that feels better to wear and is kinder to the people and places it comes from.
Recycled Polyester Fleece
Recycled polyester is tough, quick-drying, and reliably breathable, offering long-lasting performance for everyday wear and active use. By giving waste materials a second life, it reduces landfill and reliance on virgin resources - delivering the same strength, durability, and easy-care qualities as traditional polyester, with a lighter footprint.