Farmer spots gap in the market for durable, stylish work shirts

When farmer Claire Power moved from Australia to Ireland nearly a decade ago to be with her partner, she was disappointed to find a lack of good clothing options for farmers in the UK – she says the basic t-shirt and jeans combo left her ‘looking like I’d just been through a lawnmower’.

Having grown up surrounded by strong women on a farm in the Outback, where the clothing made her feel comfortable and well-protected from the sun, she found a gap in the market in the UK.

She was inspired to set up her company Ballybar Ireland, a bespoke country lifestyle outfitter that sells durable, affordable and stylish work shirts for both men and women.

Prior to developing the range, she attended trade shows and met with manufacturers to determine what was important in a work shirt. The Ballybar Filly & Colt work shirts can last season after season, withstand the sun and keep farmers comfortable during a hard day’s work, she says.

According to Ballybar, there is no shirt quite like it in the entire Northern Hemisphere. It is designed to keep farmers cool and conditioned in the heat, as well as protected from the sun. With skin cancer an ever-growing danger to farmers, the shirts offer 50+ sun protection.

Double pockets with a button-down flap have also been added in to hold calving books, pocket knife and phone.

The company’s offering also includes cowhide leather belts, wool felt fedora hats, individually designed feather hat pins and brooches and Irish-made jewellery.

Ballybar’s name was inspired by the Ballybar Racecourse, which used to run over the farm’s backfield.

For more information, visit: https://ballybarireland.com