In Albert Coates Lane at QV Melbourne, Paire’s store offers a space to experience the brand’s approach to everyday essentials firsthand. We sat down with Nathan, co-founder and CEO of Paire, to find out more about the brand, its latest collection and its place within the QV precinct.

How would you describe Paire to someone who’s never come across the label before?

Paire is an apparel label built around fabric innovation and everyday essentials. The label develops its own materials with the aim of making everyday garments more comfortable, functional and sustainable. “We develop our own proprietary materials to make everyday garments more comfortable, functional and sustainable,” says Nathan. That material-first philosophy is at the heart of everything Paire creates, from the fabrics themselves through to the finished garments.

Paire has been around for six years now. How has the label evolved since you first started?

Paire was founded in 2020, now six years into the business, the label continues to evolve while staying true to the principles it was built around: innovative materials, thoughtful design, comfort and sustainability. Originally known for its socks, Paire has continued to expand beyond its beginnings, evolving into a broader everyday apparel brand without losing sight of its focus on comfort, functionality and fabric innovation.

What can customers expect from the next evolution of the label?

Paire is an apparel label built around fabric innovation and everyday essentials. The label develops its own materials with the aim of making everyday garments more comfortable, functional and sustainable. “We develop our own proprietary materials to make everyday garments more comfortable, functional and sustainable,” says Nathan. That material-first philosophy is at the heart of everything Paire creates, from the fabrics themselves through to the finished garments.

What pieces from the new collection are you most excited about?

From SS27 ‘Summer Uniform’ collection, Nathan is particularly excited about the new women's linen shirt and linen shorts. The shirt has been designed to be worn in multiple ways, while the shorts feature a hidden adjustable waist that allows the wearer to change the fit depending on the occasion. "I love that our customers can get multiple uses out of the same piece; that means it is more sustainable and provides more longevity to the piece," he says. It's a philosophy that reflects Paire's wider approach to creating versatile garments that can work harder within your wardrobe.

Tell us about the fabrications used in the new collection.

The new collection ‘Summer Uniform’ introduces several new fabrics, including a silk-cotton blend that brings a softer, more luxurious feel to a classic polo. Paire is also continuing to explore innovative material approaches with ReBrew™, a yarn made using recycled coffee grounds blended with organic cotton, and as Nathan explains, it “makes it super soft, breathable, and perfect for summer.”

What does sustainability mean to Paire?

For Paire, sustainability is not simply a marketing message. It is something that informs the entire business. "Sustainability for Paire is not a slogan, but a bottom line," says Nathan. From the materials and designs Paire chooses to produce, to the way it works with its team, craftspeople and suppliers, sustainability is considered at every stage.

How would you describe the Paire customer, and what are they looking for when they come in?

Paire customers are looking for comfort, quality and longevity. Rather than following fast-moving trends, they want pieces that feel good, perform well, and can remain part of their wardrobe for years to come. “They care deeply about their quality of life and their own comfort, more than fast trends and fads,” Nathan says. It’s this focus on quality materials and thoughtful design that keeps customers coming back to Paire. 

How does Paire’s approach to everyday dressing fit into QV?

With its mix of workers, shoppers, food and design, QV is a natural fit for a brand centered around everyday dressing. “Paire is built around everyday life. These are products designed to be worn, not just looked at,” says Nathan. The precinct also brings Paire into the company of other design-led brands, reflecting how customers might combine more distinctive seasonal pieces with the quality essentials they wear every day.

Are there other stores at QV you would recommend?

Nathan recommends Incu, where he often shops for other design-led pieces, as well as July, located next door to Paire. With Paire's focus on functional clothing and travel-ready essentials, he sees a natural connection between the two brands.

Discover Paire in Albert Coates Lane at QV Melbourne.