Chch entrepreneurs launch onesie business

They were originally made as garments for babies, but now adults are jumping into them, prompting two Christchurch entrepreneurs to cash in on the onesie craze.

Matt Davies and Fraser Davidson launched onezies.co.nz in April after Davies returned from Britain with dreams of bringing onesie fashion to New Zealand.

“It started off as just a hobby, but now Fraser and I effectively do this as our fulltime job,” he said.

A onesie is one-piece jumpsuit normally worn to keep a person warm.

Davies’ parents have given up their spare room to make way for the merchandise.

The small startup began processing just a couple of orders a week and is now getting more than 50.

Half the orders go to Auckland, while the rest go elsewhere in the country, Davies said.

“We honestly think that they are the most comfortable piece of clothing you can own. The more people we can have as comfortable as us the better,” he said.

Although a lot of work was involved, the pair were enjoying every minute.

“It’s exciting working for yourself. We work hard and get all the reward for ourselves at the end of the day, so that’s pretty cool,” Davies said.

Although Davies has completed a commerce degree in economics and Davidson has a degree in economics and finance, the pair admit they knew little about how to start a business.

“I could tell you all about the interest rates at the central bank, but starting a small business was all fresh to Fraser and me,” Davies said.

“We literally Googled ‘how to become a limited liability company in New Zealand’.”

Davies and Davidson have set their sights on launching into the commercial merchandising market and have been talking to the brand management team in charge of All Blacks and Super 15 rugby to potentially become an official apparel supplier.

The one-pieces have proved to be popular attire for partygoers, especially university students.

Sam O’Neill, 21, recently bought a jumpsuit from the duo.

“I thought it was a funny idea, but also it is an amazing piece of clothing to laze around in,” he said.

O’Neill said it was a novelty having a full one-piece similar to what he wore as a baby.

Jonny Cooke, 22, said onesies were the ideal thing to wear to keep warm.

“The fact that they are so comfortable makes it feel as if you are still in your bed, even if you are out at the mall,” he said.

_Emily Spink for The Press