Budgy Smuggler, swimwear 100% made in Australia!
Why do we manufacture in Australia?
Why do we manufacture in Australia?
Since we started just over 20 years ago... every Budgy Smuggler jersey has been lovingly made in Sydney, Australia.
January 20, 2025
,
Bridget de Jong
Why do we manufacture in Australia?
Budgy Smuggler, swimwear 100% made in Australia!
Our Budgys are manufactured from scratch in a factory that also produces products for several major Australian brands such as Jets, Zimmerman, and of course, Speedo. Most of these brands have relocated their operations overseas in search of higher margins and lower environmental standards, leaving our domestic industry behind.
People often ask why we don't take the route of offshoring, to a cheaper manufacturing base. Sure, saving $5-10 per jersey while manufacturing half a million pieces would allow for much more profit, but in our minds, that's not how it works.
At Budgy Smuggler, two elements are crucial in building our mindset and brand image. The first is quality, and the second is the feeling you get when you put on a Budgy Smuggler swimsuit.
When it comes to quality, being made in Australia allows us to monitor and control production every step of the way. We are committed and proud to produce our swimwear in Australia, and we know you appreciate this quality.
It's also important to us that you're happy and feel good about putting on your Budgy Smuggler jersey. We want you to literally feel like you're wearing a piece of Australia, a brand that cares about its country of origin, its manufacturing ecosystem, and doesn't want to mass-produce.
This move to produce in Australia is also a good decision from an environmental perspective. While it's true that we could save $5 to $10 per jersey if we manufactured overseas, nearly two-thirds of what is manufactured overseas ends up in landfill or reduced to below cost.
And finally, there's something we really love: being able to see our swimwear being made. Last but not least, the production facility is run by master craftsman Wayne, with whom we've worked for 20 years. He has no plans to stop anytime soon, and neither do we.
