Our Start

SINCE 1948

Founded in 1948, Paramount began with two sewing machines in the home of Solly Habib in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe). The first garment he made was an overall, which he named “Paramount.” Solly’s vision was clear from the start—he wasn’t interested in fashion trends; instead, he was committed to producing workwear that served hardworking men, especially those toiling under the African sun. By using rugged fabrics and triple-stitched seams, he created functional and comfortable garments that were built to last, priced affordably for the everyday worker.

Sweating the
Details Since 1948

A Legacy of Superior Workwear

Paramount continues Solly’s mission, crafting workwear that is a trusted partner for those who perform under the toughest conditions. Designed for durability, comfort, and safety, every garment is rigorously tested to meet stringent quality standards. Paramount’s commitment to excellence ensures that each product supports workers in industries ranging from agriculture to construction, mining, and beyond.

When Quality
is Paramount

Tailored Workwear Solutions

We offer customised workwear and PPE solutions across a range of industries, including mining, security, agriculture, corporate, schoolwear, and more. Our products are designed to meet the specific demands of each job, ensuring comfort, safety, and reliability in every situation.

Head-to-Toe
Protection

PPE Solutions

Paramount provides certified PPE solutions, offering head-to-toe protection that complies with globally recognised European standards. Whether you need high-visibility jackets or specialised safety gear, we deliver protection you can trust.

Respect the Planet

Committed to Ethical & Sustainable Practices

At Paramount, ethical and environmentally responsible production is a priority. We adhere to the highest industry standards through our affiliations and certifications, ensuring that our manufacturing processes are sustainable and fair. Our operations are:

Audited by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)
Registered under the United Nations Global Compact
Environment Africa Gold members
Certified Oeko-tex® Standard 100
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certified

Customised Solutions

Customised In-House Design Services

We offer comprehensive in-house design services, including reflective tape application, embroidery, and screen printing. These services allow us to provide custom branding solutions that meet the unique needs of your business.

Precision at Scale

Our Capacity

Our production capacity is among the largest in the region, supported by two modern factories: Paramount Garment Works in Harare and Archer Clothing in Bulawayo. Together, they cover 375,000 ft² of manufacturing space. With an installed capacity of 61 production lines capable of producing 4,250,000 garments annually, we are currently utilising 47 lines, producing 3,275,000 garments per year. Our skilled workforce of 2,700 employees is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Innovation Drives Quality

State-of-the-Art Technology & Facilities

At Paramount, we utilise advanced technology and top-tier facilities to ensure superior quality and efficiency in our production process:

Our Lectra CAD system with Diamino Expert software guarantees precise pattern making and material optimisation.

Quality control is maintained with in-house laundry facilities at both factories.

We offer in-house embroidery, screen printing, and reflective tape application for personalised branding.

Centralised cutting ensures accuracy, while our fabric laboratory rigorously tests materials for durability and safety.

Seamless in-house shipping ensures timely delivery, and our retail outlets in Harare and Bulawayo provide easy access to our products.

Our Footprint

Our Markets

Paramount proudly serves a wide range of markets both locally and internationally. In Zimbabwe, we are the leading workwear brand, and our Javlin Workwear brand has become a market leader in South Africa. Internationally, we manufacture workwear for Engelbert Strauss, Europe’s top workwear brand, based in Germany. Additionally, we provide workwear and PPE solutions for OEM and corporate clients, offering customised products that meet the unique needs of businesses. Our distribution network extends across southern and central Africa, ensuring our products reach industries throughout the region.

Our heritage

70 Years Later

For more than 70 years, Paramount has grown into Zimbabwe’s most successful
manufacturer and distributor of workwear. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and service has solidified our reputation as a trusted provider of workwear and PPE across multiple markets, both locally and globally.

Glove Standards

The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:

Footwear Symbols

Our safety footwear with CE marking meets the requirements of CE EN ISO 20345 standard, confirming that the product meets the requirements of European guidelines regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and has been subjected to testing carried out by a recognised European testing institute.

Steel Toe Cap

Steel toe caps for protection from falling objects and compressions are tested with 200 joule impact and 1500KN compression.

Shock Absorbent

Shock absorbent heels protect the body against stress.

Heat Resistant

Heat resistant soles withstand heat of up to 80°C.

Anti Static

Anti static soles are designed to discharge the body’s static electricity up to tolerances of 100kΩ – 1000MΩ.

Oil Resistant

Oil resistant outsoles are resistant to most oils and chemicals.

Slip Resistant

SRA slip resistant rating for slip resistance on ceramic tiles with 0.5% Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.

Technical Symbols

The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:

SABS Approved

Our range of SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approved garments are certified in accordance with SANS 434. Our 100% cotton J54 and D59 fabrics are certified to SANS 1387.

Acid Resistant

Our Acid Resistant garments offer certified protection against penetration, absorption and repellency to low volatility liquid chemicals in accordance with ISO EN 6530.

Flame Retardant

Our Flame Retardant garments offer protection where there is a risk of contact with heat and flame in accordance with ISO EN 116611 / 11612 / SANS 1423-1

Triple Needle Stitch

We use triple needle stitching on stress bearing seams of selected garments to enhance durability.

Waterproof

Our waterproof garments can withstand 3000 – 5000mm of water over a 24 hour period without leaking.

Cold Resistant

Our cold resistant garments offer protection in working environments as low as -20°C

HI-VIS

The reflective tapes on our high visibility garments are ISO EN 20471 (Class II) certified making the wearer visible in hazardous situations regardless of lighting conditions.

YKK

We use YKK zips on our premium range of Javlin garments. YKK is the world’s largest and most trusted zip manufacturer.

Breathable

Our breathable fabrics allows moisture vapour to be transmitted through the material. This way the wearer stays dry while working.

Water Resistant

These garments are designed to be water-resistant, featuring seam-sealed construction capable of withstanding water penetration of less than 1000mm over a 24-hour period.

Wind Proof

Our garments employ cutting-edge multi-layering technology to ensure they are completely impervious to wind, providing unparalleled protection against gusts and breezes.

Vented

Our garments feature strategically placed vents designed to optimize air circulation, promoting efficient cooling for the wearer.

OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product.

Graftex

This innovative fabric blends the unmatched strength of high tenacity ring-spun yarn with the resilience of virgin cotton and polyester, crafting a textile masterpiece that redefines durability.

Size Guide

Conti Jackets & Boilers

Chest Measurement Size 32/82 34/87 36/92 38/97 40/102 42/107 44/112 46/117 48/122 50/127 52/132 54/137 56/142 58/147 60/152 62/157
Inches 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62
cm 82 87 92 97 102 107 112 117 122 127 132 137 142 147 152 157

Trousers, Jeans and Shorts

Waist Measurement Size 28/72 30/77 32/82 34/87 36/92 38/97 40/102 42/107 44/112 46/117 48/122 50/127 52/132 54/137 56/142 58/147
Waist in inches 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58
Waist in cm 72 77 82 87 92 97 102 107 112 117 122 127 132 137 142 147

Jackets & Dustcoats

Chest MeasurementSizeSMLXL2XL3XL4XL5XL
Chest in inches32-3436-3840-4244-4648-5052-5456-5860-62
Chest in cm82-8792-97102-107112-117122-127132-137142-147152-157

Shirts, Golfers & T-Shirts

Chest MeasurementSizeSMLXL2XL3XL4XL5XL
Chest in inches32-3436-3840-4244-4648-5052-5456-5860-62
Chest in cm82-8792-97102-107112-117122-127132-137142-147152-157

Chef Jackets

S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL
Chest Measurement Size 32/82 34/87 36/92 38/97 40/102 42/107 44/112 46/117 48/122 50/127 52/132 54/137 56/142 58/147 60/152 62/157
Inches 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62
cm 82 87 92 97 102 107 112 117 122 127 132 137 142 147 152 157

Chef Pants

Waist Measurement Size S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL
Chest in inches 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46 48-50 52-54 56-58 60-62
Chest in cm 82-87 92-97 102-107 112-117 122-127 132-137 142-147 152-157

Rainwear

Chest Measurement Size S M L XL 2XL
Chest in inches 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46 48-50
Chest in cm 82-87 92-97 102-107 112-117 122-127

Shirts

 SizeSMLXL2XL
Bust MeasurementSize8/3210/3412/3614/3816/4018/4220/4422/4624/4826/50
Inches31-3233-3435-3637-3839-4041-4243-4445-4647-4849-50
cm78-8183-8688-9193-9698-101103-106108-111113-116118-121123-126

Javlin Shirts, Golfers and T-shirts

  SMLXL2XL3XL4XL5XL
Bust MeasurementInches32-3435-3738-4041-4344-4647-4950-5253-55
cm80-8688-9496-102104-110112-118119-125127-133135-141

Womens Chef Jackets

  SMLXL2XL3XL4XL5XL
Chest MeasurementSize32/8234/8736/9238/9740/10242/10744/11246/11748/12250/12752/13254/13756/14258/14760/15262/157
Inches32343638404244464850525456586062
cm82879297102107112117122127132137142147152157

Safety Boots, Shoes & Gumboots

UK345678910111213
EUR3234363840424446485052

Men's Measurements

CHEST:
With arms relaxed down at sides, measure around the
fullest part of chest, under the arms and straight across
back. Do not over inflate your chest.
WAIST:
Measure around your waistline, keeping the tape
comfortably loose.

Women's Measurements

CHEST:
Measure around the fullest part of the bust/chest.
WAIST:
The slimmest part of your waist.
HIP:
Stand with your feet together, measure around the
fullest part of the hips and rear (approximately 20cm
from the slimmest part of your waist “B”).

TECHNICAL SYMBOLS

The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:

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