WAWWA

WAWWA is a Manchester clothing brand founded in 2016 by brothers Sean and Andrew. It makes utility-inspired clothing, bags and hats from organic and low-impact materials, largely produced in its own Manchester factory.

What is WAWWA?

WAWWA is an independent clothing brand from Manchester, run by brothers Sean and Andrew, with Andrew bringing a background in graphic design. The label positions itself around organic, fair and vegan clothing with a strong focus on social and environmental impact.

History

Founded in 2016, WAWWA started with graphic T-shirts before moving into bags and hats and then more complex garments. In 2020 it produced face masks that its founders describe as possibly the first commercially available masks in the UK. The brand later moved production in-house to a former cotton mill in Ancoats, Manchester.

Products and positioning

The current range draws on classic utility and military wear, using ripstop and waxed cotton for pieces such as cargo trousers, cargo shirts and heavyweight sweaters, mostly in non-seasonal colourways. Material choices include:

• Organic cotton, sourced locally where possible
• Buttons made from corozo nuts
• Labels from recycled plastic and water-based print inks
• Compostable packaging

WAWWA has calculated estimated carbon footprints for almost all of its products and runs a 1+1 collection, donating an item to someone in need for each piece bought.

Why it matters

By making almost everything in-house, WAWWA can turn around products quickly, cut waste and shipping emissions, and plan services such as repairs and alterations, an example of small-scale local manufacturing returning to a historic textile city.

Frequently asked questions

Where is WAWWA from?

WAWWA is from Manchester, England, where it makes most of its clothing in-house in a former cotton mill in Ancoats.

What does WAWWA sell?

WAWWA sells utility-inspired clothing such as cargo trousers, shirts and heavyweight sweaters, along with T-shirts, bags and hats.

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