In late 2019, I made the decision to head down under and immerse myself in the agricultural industry of New Zealand. I spent my time working on a sheep and beef farm, located 100 kilometres south of Queenstown on the South Island. For six months, I worked hard, gaining a deep understanding of New Zealand farming, with a bit of travelling in between—though, like many, my plans were cut short by the global events of 2020 to 2022.
While I was in New Zealand, something unique caught my eye: the shirts worn by blue-collar workers across the country were unlike anything I had seen back in the UK. These shirts weren’t just practical and hard-wearing; they also had a distinctive, rugged style that stood out. Naturally, I stocked up on a range of work shirts from various brands, and I couldn’t resist throwing in a few pairs of Harlequin shorts to complete the authentic Kiwi look!
But let me take you back to where my real desire to start my own business began…
Before my time in New Zealand, I had already been exploring various business ventures, looking to start something of my own. I had been fortunate enough to gain a fair amount of freedom in previous jobs, particularly when I worked for Big Bale South, demonstrating Massey Ferguson's latest baler in 2018. With very little experience, I was sent off baling for the summer, effectively my own boss, working alongside Burden Brothers Contracting. It was during this time that I learned not only about baling but also the freedom that came with making my own decisions on the job (within reason, of course, as I was still employed). This taste of freedom, combined with the laid-back, culturally relaxed attitude I encountered in New Zealand, sparked an even bigger desire to create something of my own. I returned to the UK with the determination to build my own business—one where I could contribute to my own success rather than someone else’s. That’s when the idea of producing my own range of work shirts took hold, drawing inspiration from the brands I’d come across in New Zealand, as well as the classic block colours of British rugby shirts that have long been a staple in many wardrobes.
While working for a local farmer, I began laying the foundations for Wop-Wops. As you can imagine this could be a whole story in itself—building the website, creating the brand name, setting up social media, designing the clothing, and, most importantly, finding the right manufacturer to bring our vision to life. After months of research, I found a factory in China and, in June 2021, decided to take the plunge by placing my first order: 500 shirts in one colour, the minimum order quantity for this specific manufacturer. It was a significant risk, especially as I had no idea whether people would even like them! But taking that leap was the only way to find out. We officially launched the brand with our original Rangiora Work Shirt in September 2021. To my relief, we received over 20 orders on the first day, showing there was demand for what had taken months of hard work, savings, and family support to create. This initial success gave me the confidence to expand, and over the following months, we sold enough to introduce our now-signature shorts collection, which has since become a cornerstone of the Wop-Wops brand.
We still work with the same factory in China today, as their quality is impeccable. After testing samples from various factories and countries, it became clear that China’s expertise in the garment industry, along with access to the latest advancements in the industry, really sets them apart—even, unfortunately, compared to the UK as we have lost many skilled workers as well as a lack of infrastructure needed for manufacturing . I’ve visited Gavin, the factory owner, on multiple occasions now, and our relationship continues to grow. stronger.
In 2024, we proudly attended a variety of country shows, where Wop-Wops continued to evolve into more than just a shorts brand. With exciting plans for 2025 on the horizon, we can’t wait to share what’s next.
In late 2019, I made the decision to head down under and immerse myself in the agricultural industry of New Zealand. I spent my time working on a sheep and beef farm, located 100 kilometres south of Queenstown on the South Island. For six months, I worked hard, gaining a deep understanding of New Zealand farming, with a bit of travelling in between—though, like many, my plans were cut short by the global events of 2020 to 2022. While I was in New Zealand, something unique caught my eye: the shirts worn by blue-collar workers across the country were unlike anything I had seen back in the UK. These shirts weren’t just practical and hard-wearing; they also had a distinctive, rugged style that stood out. Naturally, I stocked up on a range of work shirts from various brands, and I couldn’t resist throwing in a few pairs of Harlequin shorts to complete the authentic Kiwi look!
Before my time in New Zealand, I had already been exploring various business ventures, looking to start something of my own. I had been fortunate enough to gain a fair amount of freedom in previous jobs, particularly when I worked for Big Bale South, demonstrating Massey Ferguson's latest baler in 2018. With very little experience, I was sent off baling for the summer, effectively my own boss, working alongside Burden Brothers Contracting. It was during this time that I learned not only about baling but also the freedom that came with making my own decisions on the job (within reason, of course, as I was still employed). This taste of freedom, combined with the laid-back, culturally relaxed attitude I encountered in New Zealand, sparked an even bigger desire to create something of my own. I returned to the UK with the determination to build my own business—one where I could contribute to my own success rather than someone else’s. That’s when the idea of producing my own range of work shirts took hold, drawing inspiration from the brands I’d come across in New Zealand, as well as the classic block colours of British rugby shirts that have long been a staple in many wardrobes.
While working for a local farmer, I began laying the foundations for Wop-Wops. As you can imagine this could be a whole story in itself—building the website, creating the brand name, setting up social media, designing the clothing, and, most importantly, finding the right manufacturer to bring our vision to life. After months of research, I found a factory in China and, in June 2021, decided to take the plunge by placing my first order: 500 shirts in one colour, the minimum order quantity for this specific manufacturer. It was a significant risk, especially as I had no idea whether people would even like them! But taking that leap was the only way to find out. We officially launched the brand with our original Rangiora Work Shirt in September 2021. To my relief, we received over 20 orders on the first day, showing there was demand for what had taken months of hard work, savings, and family support to create. This initial success gave me the confidence to expand, and over the following months, we sold enough to introduce our now-signature shorts collection, which has since become a cornerstone of the Wop-Wops brand.
We still work with the same factory in China today, as their quality is impeccable. After testing samples from various factories and countries, it became clear that China’s expertise in the garment industry, along with access to the latest advancements in the industry, really sets them apart—even, unfortunately, compared to the UK as we have lost many skilled workers as well as a lack of infrastructure needed for manufacturing . I’ve visited Gavin, the factory owner, on multiple occasions now, and our relationship continues to grow. stronger.
In 2024, we proudly attended a variety of country shows, where Wop-Wops continued to evolve into more than just a shorts brand. With exciting plans for 2025 on the horizon, we can’t wait to share what’s next.
In late 2019, I made the decision to head down under and immerse myself in the agricultural industry of New Zealand. I spent my time working on a sheep and beef farm, located 100 kilometres south of Queenstown on the South Island. For six months, I worked hard, gaining a deep understanding of New Zealand farming, with a bit of travelling in between—though, like many, my plans were cut short by the global events of 2020 to 2022.
While I was in New Zealand, something unique caught my eye: the shirts worn by blue-collar workers across the country were unlike anything I had seen back in the UK. These shirts weren’t just practical and hard-wearing; they also had a distinctive, rugged style that stood out. Naturally, I stocked up on a range of work shirts from various brands, and I couldn’t resist throwing in a few pairs of Harlequin shorts to complete the authentic Kiwi look!
But let me take you back to where my real desire to start my own business began…
Before my time in New Zealand, I had already been exploring various business ventures, looking to start something of my own. I had been fortunate enough to gain a fair amount of freedom in previous jobs, particularly when I worked for Big Bale South, demonstrating Massey Ferguson's latest baler in 2018. With very little experience, I was sent off baling for the summer, effectively my own boss, working alongside Burden Brothers Contracting.
It was during this time that I learned not only about baling but also the freedom that came with making my own decisions on the job (within reason, of course, as I was still employed). This taste of freedom, combined with the laid-back, culturally relaxed attitude I encountered in New Zealand, sparked an even bigger desire to create something of my own. I returned to the UK with the determination to build my own business—one where I could contribute to my own success rather than someone else’s. That’s when the idea of producing my own range of work shirts took hold, drawing inspiration from the brands I’d come across in New Zealand, as well as the classic block colours of British rugby shirts that have long been a staple in many wardrobes.
While working for a local farmer, I began laying the foundations for Wop-Wops. As you can imagine this could be a whole story in itself—building the website, creating the brand name, setting up social media, designing the clothing, and, most importantly, finding the right manufacturer to bring our vision to life. After months of research, I found a factory in China and, in June 2021, decided to take the plunge by placing my first order: 500 shirts in one colour, the minimum order quantity for this specific Manufactuer. It was a significant risk, especially as I had no idea whether people would even like them! But taking that leap was the only way to find out. We officially launched the brand with our original Rangiora Work Shirt in September 2021. To my relief, we received over 20 orders on the first day, showing there was demand for what had taken months of hard work, savings, and family support to create. This initial success gave me the confidence to expand, and over the following months, we sold enough to introduce our now-signature shorts collection, which has since become a cornerstone of the Wop-Wops brand.
We still work with the same factory in China today, as their quality is impeccable. After testing samples from various factories and countries, it became clear that China’s expertise in the garment industry, along with access to the latest advancements in the industry, really sets them apart—even, unfortunately, compared to the UK as we have lost many skilled workers as well as a lack of infastructure needed for manufacturing . I’ve visited Gavin, the factory owner, on multiple occasions now, and our relationship continues to grow. stronger.
In 2024, we proudly attended a variety of country shows, where Wop-Wops continued to evolve into more than just a shorts brand. With exciting plans for 2025 on the horizon, we can’t wait to share what’s next.
Before my time in New Zealand, I had already been exploring various business ventures, looking to start something of my own. I had been fortunate enough to gain a fair amount of freedom in previous jobs, particularly when I worked for Big Bale South, demonstrating Massey Ferguson's latest baler in 2018. With very little experience, I was sent off baling for the summer, effectively my own boss, working alongside Burden Brothers Contracting. It was during this time that I learned not only about baling but also the freedom that came with making my own decisions on the job (within reason, of course, as I was still employed). This taste of freedom, combined with the laid-back, culturally relaxed attitude I encountered in New Zealand, sparked an even bigger desire to create something of my own. I returned to the UK with the determination to build my own business—one where I could contribute to my own success rather than someone else’s. That’s when the idea of producing my own range of work shirts took hold, drawing inspiration from the brands I’d come across in New Zealand, as well as the classic block colours of British rugby shirts that have long been a staple in many wardrobes.
While working for a local farmer, I began laying the foundations for Wop-Wops. As you can imagine this could be a whole story in itself—building the website, creating the brand name, setting up social media, designing the clothing, and, most importantly, finding the right manufacturer to bring our vision to life. After months of research, I found a factory in China and, in June 2021, decided to take the plunge by placing my first order: 500 shirts in one colour, the minimum order quantity for this specific manufacturer. It was a significant risk, especially as I had no idea whether people would even like them! But taking that leap was the only way to find out. We officially launched the brand with our original Rangiora Work Shirt in September 2021. To my relief, we received over 20 orders on the first day, showing there was demand for what had taken months of hard work, savings, and family support to create. This initial success gave me the confidence to expand, and over the following months, we sold enough to introduce our now-signature shorts collection, which has since become a cornerstone of the Wop-Wops brand.
We still work with the same factory in China today, as their quality is impeccable. After testing samples from various factories and countries, it became clear that China’s expertise in the garment industry, along with access to the latest advancements in the industry, really sets them apart—even, unfortunately, compared to the UK as we have lost many skilled workers as well as a lack of infrastructure needed for manufacturing . I’ve visited Gavin, the factory owner, on multiple occasions now, and our relationship continues to grow. stronger.
In 2024, we proudly attended a variety of country shows, where Wop-Wops continued to evolve into more than just a shorts brand. With exciting plans for 2025 on the horizon, we can’t wait to share what’s next.
Jake Flett
Founder
