01 / The bundle
It started with a listing.
Hayes Apparel began when Kyle found a bundle on Facebook Marketplace: a sublimation printer, a mug press and a box of heat transfer vinyl. At the time he did not even know what HTV was.
Instead of giving up, he spent countless hours researching, watching tutorials and teaching himself the craft. That habit never left the business.
I had no idea what HTV was. So I learned.
Kyle Hayes
02 / The back room
HIW&Co, a name made of people.
The first Cricut machine turned research into product, making garments for friends from a friend's back room in Hoylake. Orders were rare; every spare moment went on learning and improving.
The business was called HIW&Co then, standing for Hayes, Ilabaca, Webster & Co: Kyle's surname, his girlfriend's, his sister's, and the close friends who were part of the journey at the beginning.
03 / Family run
Smaller name, tighter ship.
As friends moved on, the business became family run and the name shortened to HIW. It moved into Kyle's mum's house, then into his own home, where the space could not keep up with the work.
04 / The basement
A damp basement under Blend.
The turning point was an offer: a basement beneath Blend in Birkenhead. It suffered from severe damp and mould, but Kyle saw the potential and spent months renovating the space into a functioning workshop.
That room gave Hayes Apparel the space to invest in proper equipment, improve production and grow. It is where the studio runs today, at 3-7 Wilbraham Street, Birkenhead.
05 / The name
Backed by family, signed with his own name.
Kyle's nan and his dad invested in the business because they believed in his vision. Their support kept Hayes Apparel moving forward.
As his skills improved he redesigned the branding several times, until he realised the business should carry his own name. Hayes Apparel represents his standards, his reputation and his commitment to quality.
I wanted to stand behind every product we produce.
Kyle Hayes
06 / The standard
The Hayes Standard.
Hayes Apparel's own products are personally tested before they are released. The rule is simple and it is absolute: if Kyle would not proudly wear a product himself, it will not carry the Hayes Apparel name.
Hayes Apparel should never become a generic clothing brand. Every collection should have a purpose. Every customer should receive a tailored experience. The goal is not simply to sell clothing, but to build lasting relationships through quality, trust and exceptional service.
07 / What comes next
Four divisions, one ambition.
The ambition is to build Hayes Apparel into a nationally recognised company before expanding internationally: Hayes Workwear as the production and fulfilment backbone, Hayes Endurance for performance clothing, Hayes Signature for premium lifestyle pieces, and Build Your Brand helping customers create clothing brands of their own.
Long term that means retail stores, a central production facility, and a workplace people enjoy, because quality and culture come before profit.