Interview with Pippa, founder of DUNK Waterproofs

We met with the founder of Dunk, Pip, mum of three mud-worshiping kids – Harry, George, and Etta – to learn how Bridge & Stitch helped create her new outdoor waterproof collection for kids, designed for durability, fun, and made in the UK buyers’.

How did Dunk come about?

I am a Mum with 3 young kids on a farm in Lancashire where the weather is very temperamental! We love being outdoorsy and togging up in any weather, but we need clothes that keep kids dry and cleanish. I’ve tried 12 brands of waterproofs and there was always something wrong. They would either rip, weren’t waterproof, or didn’t fit. I found one I liked but they weren’t sturdy enough. After more time with my kids during lockdown, I realised the importance of being outside, both physical and mental, we should all do more of it. I had the vision to take the gear into schools too.

I saw the gap in the market for sturdy kids’ waterproofs in funky designs. I started thinking about my own collection but had no idea where to start. I researched fashion ideas and talked to a friend who worked in kids’ wear who said it was tricky as guidelines around childrenswear are rigorous, you have to be really on it and get it right. I looked online for an expert to help me with design through to production and found Bridge & Stitch. By Christmas 2021 Dunk was in production!

How did Bridge & Stitch help?

I was searching online and saw Bridge and Stitch. Founder Rachael filled me with confidence, no beating around the bush, and offered a personalised service. She was straightforward. She walked me through the process, held my hand. Rachael got me started with a brief for sturdy, strong and funky dungaree waders. There was nothing out there that matched what I wanted so we got on the same page with the vision. Rachael was good at designing the brand and logo. I thought about Dunkarees, but Dunk was the name she came up with! She was fantastic in every aspect.

I sent her a couple of pairs of waders with pointers on where we would differ. She measured and sized, and started a spreadsheet on size spec measurements. We went to two UK factories to confirm pricing and check quality; they did samples for us. We tested the samples on the kids and made various sizes to fit the garments. Small tweaks to strap positions and construction took place and prices were confirmed. We went for the best quality manufacturer – a bit pricier but made in the UK which was important to me. The quality had a better feel to it. Rachael helped with fabric sourcing in the UK. All the time I was in Lancashire, Bridge & Stitch did everything. I even had a baby during that time, you could say it was a busy year!

What stood out with Bridge & Stitch?

It felt so personal. I had approached 3 or 4 places and enquired with a few. Some sent welcome packs which were daunting and full of jargon. When I spoke to Rachael, she immediately contacted me for a proper face-to-face. It was not about the price; I was looking for handholding and that side was brilliant. It would not have got to launch without her. Other competitors were bigger, and less personal – what stood out was the one-to-one relationship from the off.

Problem-wise Bridge & Stitch oversaw everything, all I knew was how to draw ideas and I had a vision. We hit a big problem with the zebra print, they recommended we had it printed. There were challenges over material temperature melting points due to printing on pre-laminated waterproof fabrics, it was technical but Bridge & Stitch overcame it. Finding a UK manufacturer as a start-up was a challenge, so the end-to-end service with expertise from fabric to the factory that Bridge & Stitch offer was appealing and made the journey stress free.

What is next for you?

My aim for the future is to get more children outside with charities. We sell all online on our own website and going forwards we’re seeking collaborations with schools to focus on outdoor learning. Two local ones to begin with. We are not on Etsy but considering it. Other avenues are Friends of Joules who love our brand. The material is not eco but would love to work on that in the future. I would describe Bridge & Stitch as personal, fantastic, and helpful.