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Why We Make In Aus

Why We Make In Aus

Budgy Smuggler, Australian for Swimwear.


Why do you make swimwear in Australia?

We ask Chief Smuggler, Linny.


"Since we started, nearly 20 years ago… every pair of Budgy Smuggler swimwear has been proudly made in Sydney, Australia. 

It’s made in the same factory of some great Australian brands before us like Zimmerman, Jets and of course Speedo itself when it was Australian owned. Most or all of those brands have shipped manufacturing totally offshore in search of understandably higher margins but also with less control on the manufacturing cycle, environmental impact & labour standards. 


People often ask why we also don't move to a cheaper manufacturing base...they ask if you can save $5-$10 a pair and you make half a million garments...couldn't you make $5M more? In our minds, that's not how it works.


There's two things that are crucial in our minds at Budgy Smuggler. The first, quality and the second is the feeling you get when you put on a pair of Smugglers."



"On the quality front, it's hard to beat being able to track your production through every step. We want it to be quality you can be proud of and that people in our home country, Australia, are proud of.


The second is the feeling that you have when you put on a pair of Smugglers. We want you to literally feel like you're putting on a piece of Australia, to a brand that cares about its home country, about its manufacturing eco-system and that doesn't want to mass produce like pretty much everyone else.


It's also the right call for the environment.


While it's true we could save $5-$10 a pair if we made overseas, nearly 1/3 of what's made overseas ends up in land fill or discounted to below cost...so what's the true cost?


And lastly, there’s something we really love about seeing our swimwear being crafted. Our factory is run by our original cutter, Wayne, who has been with us for 2 x decades! 

He's got no plans of stopping any time soon and neither do we."


Comments (9 comments)

Span Morris

As one of the long standing smugglers both myself, BOBs and BOBettes are proud that Budgy has stayed true to Australia and the very essence of smuggling, individuality…this can never be reproduced in a mass production facility and that’s why there is a little bit of home grown magic in every pair of smugglers and smuglettes. Looking forward to the next 20 years and the 20 after that. Cheers, Span

Wendy PARRY

The two most important things in any purchase I make. Australian owned and made. Excellent quality. Every pair fits like it should. Perfect to swim in. I love them! Keep it going everyone!

Paul

Love your work guys.
2 important things to me when buying anything. Quality and Australian made. Don’t mind paying a little more because you have the 2 requirements covered. Once again, great work guys.
Cheers Paul 👍

Stu

Love it….great article and you’re right there is a joy that comes from pulling Budgys on knowing they were designed and made locally….and they are amazingly comfy

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