Our story begins in Cape Town, South Africa, where Matt came across a distinctive pair of ‘flour bag pants’. These garments have their roots in hardship, when people would turn old flour sacks into clothing, as money for new clothes was scarce in what was then — and still remains — a deeply unequal country. From those beginnings grew a design so striking that it has stood the test of time, now reimagined in 100% soft African cotton rather than the rough sacks of the past.

Intrigued by both the craftsmanship and bold style, Matt saw the chance to share something truly unique with a wider audience in the UK. On his return home, he shared the idea with his friend Hugh, who became equally inspired. With strong encouragement from entrepreneur Felix Parker — Co-Founder of Fairfax & Favor — they realised this was an opportunity too special to ignore. Together, the journey to create Pilotage Clothing began. By Orginial Flourbag Co.