Silver Fleece Wins Best Use of Technology at the 2026 Ragtrader Australian Fashion Industry Awards
Heritage, meet cutting edge
Some recognition arrives at exactly the right moment.
At the Ragtrader Australian Fashion Industry Awards luncheon on Thursday 6 August 2026, Silver Fleece won Best Use of Technology for our Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT 3D seamless knitting technology.
In the year we celebrate 75 years of manufacturing in Australia, it is a reminder that heritage and innovation were never opposites. They are partners.
A vision built on belief
When Melanie and Dean Flintoft took on Silver Fleece, they saw an opportunity to prove that Australian manufacturing could be both heritage and cutting edge.
The vision has always been simple. Build a sovereign, technology-led manufacturing capability here in Australia, and prove that natural fibres and local production can compete on a global stage.
Not as a nostalgic alternative, but as the smarter, more sustainable choice.
This award feels like real validation of that belief.
What is WHOLEGARMENT knitting?
Traditional knitwear is made in pieces. Front, back and sleeves are knitted as separate panels, then cut, sewn or linked together by hand.
Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT technology knits a complete garment in one seamless process, straight off the machine. No panels to cut. No side seams to sew.
The result is knitwear that drapes more naturally, moves with the body and has no bulky seams, made with far less waste.
What the technology actually does
The recognition matters. What the technology makes possible matters more.
85% less material waste
Knitting to shape, rather than cutting panels from fabric, means yarn becomes garment, not offcut.
81% faster production
Production time per garment has fallen from 3 hours 30 minutes to just 40 minutes.
A platform to grow local production
WHOLEGARMENT gives us a scalable, digitally integrated platform to grow manufacturing capacity here in South Australia, rather than relying on offshore production.
This is how our industry stays competitive and sustainable.
In good company
Congratulations to our fellow finalists in the Technology category: APG & Co, Aur Oceà, Carla Zampatti, PVH Brands Australia and SHEIKE. It is inspiring to see so much innovation happening across our industry.
Thank you to Ragtrader for continuing to spotlight what is possible in Australian fashion, and to the sponsors and judges for the opportunity.
See the 2026 Ragtrader award winners.
To our team
None of this happens without the people on our mill floor.
Thank you for your skill, your patience through every stage of this rollout, and your belief in what we are building. This award belongs to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Silver Fleece win?
Silver Fleece won Best Use of Technology at the 2026 Ragtrader Australian Fashion Industry Awards, presented at the awards luncheon on 6 August 2026, recognising our use of Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT 3D seamless knitting technology.
What is 3D seamless knitting?
3D seamless knitting, also known as WHOLEGARMENT knitting, produces a complete knitted garment in one piece on a computerised flatbed knitting machine, without cutting and sewing separate panels.
How does seamless knitting reduce waste?
Because each garment is knitted to its final shape, there are no offcuts from cutting panels. At Silver Fleece, WHOLEGARMENT knitting has reduced our material waste by 85%.
Where is Silver Fleece knitwear made?
At our mill in Bowden, South Australia. We are a vertically integrated knitwear and textile mill, making custom knitwear, garments and knitted textiles for schools, clubs, corporates, government and fashion brands.
Here's to the next 75 years
Since 1951, Silver Fleece has evolved with the needs of Australian industry. Technology like WHOLEGARMENT is how we will keep making here for generations to come.
Natural fibres. Local hands. Smarter making.
Looking for an Australian knitwear manufacturer?
We make custom knitwear and knitted textiles from 150 units per style and colourway. Get in touch with our team.