No6. The Two Dudes

ISSUE: No6
The Two Dudes Dudes
Men's Grooming Entrepreneurs

We shine a light on some of Aotearoa's best and brightest.
They shine a light on their favourite 3 Wise Men Clothing.

Here at 3 Wise Men we make great gear for dudes that’s super easy to buy. No surprise then we love Two Dudes, NZ’s leading dude’s skin and body care company. They love making great things simple too.

No surprise then we love Two Dudes, NZ’s leading dude’s skin and body care company. They love making great things simple too.

First, a bit of history. After meeting at Law School in Canterbury, Tomas Tappin (Dude 1 - above right) and Michael McRae (Dude 2 – above left) joined the graduate programme at Heineken, and ended up working together in Singapore. There, Dude 1’s girlfriend got them using skincare for the first time. Intriguing.

“The story behind 3 Wise Men is so similar to ours. We both believe that when you look good, you feel good and do good.”

Returning home, they realised that while most kiwi dudes knew how to back a trailer, build a retaining wall and burn a steak, most still didn’t know their cleanser from their moisturiser. Or even used them. Probably because there was no product that was speaking to them. On top of this, research also indicated that many of these dudes were struggling to take care of themselves, mentally and physically. Lots of signs. And finally some action.

“Our favourites for the summer months are the 3 Wise Men Polos, $90 / included in the 2 for $120 bundle and Short Sleeve Shirts $130 / included in the 3 for $300 bundle. Top off with a Bucket Hat, $60 and a Beach Towel, $60 and you're ready for summer.

With deep breaths Two Dudes was founded in 2020. “We thought: let’s give it a crack, go hard and fast, and not take ourselves too seriously,” says Dude 1. “Our mission was to make quality, uncomplicated natural products for men - with 10% of profits going to men’s health charities. We are now a community of thousands of dudes looking after themselves and another dude simply by choosing to use Two Dudes products,” adds Dude 2.

Products like their Ball Butter moisturiser which brought awareness to testicular cancer, body wash that cheekily invites dudes to ‘make their lemons smell like lemons,’ and even men’s yoga events in barber shops with beersies afterwards, so dudes can get stuff off their chests.

“The story of 3 Wise Men is so similar to ours,” says Dude 1. “We both believe that when you look good, you feel good and do good. And doing good is about walking the talk. We admire 3 Wise Men’s support of the Cameron Wilson Trust, which for over 15 years has assisted New Zealand families dealing with a child diagnosed with cancer.” Backatcha dudes.

Recently going full time on the business was the next step to achieving their goal of launching a global brand from NZ. “Awesome and extremely terrifying at the same time,” laughs Dude 2, who’s now moved across the ditch to crack the large Aussie market.

From us dudes to you dudes, good luck. Although we reckon you’ll clean up. You can have that one.