Behind the Craft

Chukka began organically: I brought back some fabric from Kenya, and we decided to turn it into shirts. The fabric was perfect, light, vibrant, and ideal for hot, humid climates, especially along the Kenyan coast. With a strong English expat community there, the style naturally evolved into what you see today: elegant button-up shirts with a bright, African twist. That’s how the long-sleeve design was born, smart and classy, yet breathable and comfortable in the heat.
I started wearing the shirts myself, and people immediately began noticing them. At first, it was just for fun; we made small batches and often gave them away as gifts. But when I went backpacking through South America, across hot jungles and Caribbean coastlines, I realized they were the perfect travel shirts. Again, people kept asking, “Where did you get that shirt?” and my answer was always, “Actually, I made it.”

That’s when it clicked, there was genuine demand. We tested a few markets, and the response was incredible. At one, our entire stock sold out in just two days (the market was supposed to last five). From there, I shifted focus to South Africa, where the shirts quickly gained a following, especially among dads and friends who liked the classic linen look but wanted something softer, lighter, and more fun. Linen can feel scratchy, but our shirts stay elegant while being breathable and comfortable.

The appeal of Chukka shirts is wide-ranging: from trend-savvy onlookers who love a fresh, contemporary, slightly funky vibe, to creative professionals seeking a statement piece that’s effortless yet distinctive. Customers say it again and again: when they wear one, people notice. That buzz, fueled by word of mouth, has carried the brand from a passion project into something much bigger.

Now, we’re taking the next step, building a stronger social media presence, launching a website, and growing Chukka beyond friends and family. Up to now, production has been in small batches, with stock carefully kept aside to prepare for this stage. Today, the goal is simple: to share Chukka’s vibrant, elegant, feel-good shirts with an appreciating audience beyond my shores.