Kookville began as a simple idea born in covid lockdown. Like many people, we were spending a lot of time at home, and one of the things we found ourselves constantly dissatisfied with was the quality of the t-shirts we had. It seemed like no matter where we turned, the options were always the same – made from cheap, unsustainable materials, and after just a few washes, would shrink, lose their shape, or fade on the graphics. It was frustrating to spend money on items that didn’t live up to their promise.

I (James) am an electrician, with no background in graphic design, editing, photography, or anything remotely related to creating a clothing brand. But I had a strong desire to make something better, something I could stand behind.

So, I took the plunge and decided to make my own tees, hoodies, hats & outerwear, focused on quality, trying to do them the right way.

We started small, creating just a batch of tees for friends and family to test out. When they all bought and gave positive feedback, it was a no brainer to release another drop!

Since launching in 2022, Kookville has come on a decent amount for a sparky who is winging the whole deal.

The journey has been full of learning and experimentation, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how Kookville has been liked by so many people.

In that time, we’ve released five full seasons of designs, each one evolving from the last. We're working hard to fine-tune the process, improve the quality, and push the boundaries of what we can create.

We’ve also learned a lot about what our customers want—clothing that not only looks good but feels good to wear. Whether it’s the fabric choice, the fit, or the design, we’re always seeking ways to improve.

But beyond just making good clothing, our mission has always been about doing it in a way that’s responsible and sustainable. We’re committed to working with safer, more ethical factories that prioritize fair labor practices and environmentally friendly production methods. Sustainability is at the forefront of our brand ethos, and we’re always looking for better ways to reduce our impact on the planet. We understand that as a brand, we have a responsibility to make choices that contribute positively to the world, and we’re committed to making those choices.

Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting things on the horizon for Kookville. We have plans to expand our drops, dive deeper into sustainable practices, and continue to build a brand that people can trust and feel good about supporting.

We’re continuously inspired by the people who wear our clothing and the community that’s growing around Kookville and surfing as a whole.

As we continue to evolve, we remain focused on our core values: quality, sustainability, and community. We’re so grateful for every person who has supported us so far, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

What started as a small batch of tees has grown into so much more, and we’re just getting started.