A Brand Born from Coming Home
Pen Wiwar began with me (Dan Grant), returning home to North Wales after living and working around the world.
Being away from home gave me a real sense of hiraeth, a longing and yearning for home, and a deeper appreciation for everything he had missed: the Welsh language, the culture, the landscapes, the mountains, the wildlife, and that unmistakable feeling of belonging to Cymru.
Coming back to North Wales allowed me to fall in love with it all over again. The places that had always been there suddenly felt even more special, and that sense of pride became the starting point for Pen Wiwar.
The Moment That Sparked Pen Wiwar
One of the moments that stayed with me (Dan) was seeing a red squirrel in the wild in North Wales for the first time.
It was a simple moment, but one that created a real sense of awe. That feeling of stopping, noticing and appreciating the nature around us is a big part of what Pen Wiwar is trying to capture.
Our designs are not just about showing famous landscapes. They are about celebrating the feeling those places give you: the pride, the memories, the connection, and the love for the natural world around us.
Creating a Welsh Brand That Feels Different
From the beginning, our aim has been to create a Welsh brand that feels cool, distinctive and full of character.
We wanted Pen Wiwar to stand out, not as a generic souvenir brand, but as something people would genuinely want to wear. Quality materials, strong designs and a real connection to Wales have always been central to what we do.
When someone wears Pen Wiwar, we want them to feel like they are proudly repping a bit of Wales. Whether they are from here, have visited, or simply feel connected to the landscapes and culture of Cymru, our clothing is designed to help people carry that feeling with them.
Inspired by Wales, Shaped by Welsh Artists
Every Pen Wiwar design starts with a place, feeling or story.
We work with Welsh artists who bring their own style, interpretation and connection to the landscapes we feature. From Eryri to Pen Llŷn and beyond, each design is shaped by someone who understands the place behind the artwork.
This is what makes our collections feel personal. They are not quick illustrations printed onto clothing. They are creative interpretations of Wales, brought to life through local talent and printed here in North Wales.
Find out more about Our Artists.
Rooted in Nature and Sustainability
Our love for Wales also shapes the way we think about sustainability.
The landscapes that inspire our designs are places we want to help protect, so we try to make more considered choices wherever we can. That includes choosing garments made with organic cotton and recycled materials, printing locally in North Wales, using compostable mailers, and reducing unnecessary waste across the brand.
We know sustainability is an ongoing process, but it has been part of Pen Wiwar from day one and will continue to shape how we grow.
Find out more about Our Sustainability Work.
Printed in North Wales
All of our clothing and accessories are printed in Penygroes by Peris and Corr, an eco-friendly screen-printing studio based on the edge of Eryri National Park.
Working with a local printer allows us to stay closely involved in the process, test colours, review samples, support another small Welsh business, and make sure every design is finished with the care it deserves.
It also helps keep Pen Wiwar genuinely rooted in the place that inspires it.
What Pen Wiwar Stands For
Pen Wiwar is built around a simple idea: celebrating Wales in a way that feels creative, meaningful and true to where we come from.
We are proud of our language, culture, landscapes and community. We believe in supporting Welsh artists, working with local businesses, making more sustainable choices, and creating clothing that people feel proud to wear.
As the brand grows, our mission remains the same: to help people feel connected to Wales, inspired by nature, and part of a community that values the places, creativity and culture that make Cymru so special.
A Note from Dan
Hey, iawn?
Dan here, founder of Pen Wiwar.
I started this brand because I wanted to create something that captured the pride, joy and connection I feel for Wales, especially North Wales. After spending time away from home, coming back made me appreciate the language, culture, scenery and nature here more than ever.
Pen Wiwar is my way of celebrating that feeling and sharing it with others.
By choosing Pen Wiwar, you are not just buying clothing. You are supporting Welsh artists, local businesses, more considered production choices, and a brand that wants to celebrate and protect the places that inspire us.
Diolch yn fawr,
Dan and the Pen Wiwar Team