Clothing in New England: From Sheep to Street Style
Fall Activities
This Sunday was the opening day of Autumn and I could not have been more eager to break out the flannel and sip some cider!
We went to Hogan Cider Mill in Burlington, CT. Shout out to this old run down driving range turned instagramable Mecca.
When I talk about custom clothing, most peoples minds go to Pinstripe suits and work. Some of my favorite personal pieces and ones clients have commissioned have been more casual. This flannel i’m wearing has snap front with pockets and designed in a western style back.
The T shirt is Flint and Tinder and jeans are Raleigh Denim both made in America as well. How you do one thing is how you do everything.
Ah, New England—if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. One minute you're basking in a warm autumn glow, and the next, you're bracing for a nor'easter that could blow your beanie right off your head. But while the weather may be unpredictable, one thing has always been certain: New England knows how to dress. And this mastery of layering didn’t happen overnight—it’s woven (pun intended) into the very fabric of our history. Let’s take a look at how New England’s rich textile past continues to influence our wardrobes today.
The Wooly Beginnings: Sheep, Looms, and Mill Girls
Long before fast fashion, New England had slow sheep. Yes, sheep—those woolly wonders were the OG influencers of New England style. Back in the day (think early 1600s), our Puritan ancestors were all about practicality, and wool was their fabric of choice. It was warm, durable, and didn’t require importing fancy silks from Europe. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweater that feels like it’s giving you a warm hug?
By the 1800s, New England had become the epicenter of the textile industry, and the mills were booming. Places like Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, were the Silicon Valleys of their time—except, instead of tech geniuses, they had mill girls cranking out fabric. These women worked long hours spinning cotton and wool into textiles, and their hard work helped establish New England as the birthplace of American manufacturing. They also unknowingly set the stage for flannel to become a regional icon. Thanks, mill girls, we owe you one (or several).
Flannel: The MVP of New England Fashion
You can’t talk about New England clothing without giving flannel its due respect. What was once the go-to for lumberjacks and grumpy grandpas has now become a wardrobe essential for everyone. Flannel is like the Swiss Army knife of fabrics—warm, comfortable, and perfectly suited for chopping wood or sipping a latte at your local coffee shop.
(Women’s Flannel with Snap Front)
The reason we love flannel so much is that it embodies New England’s rugged yet cozy spirit. And thanks to the region’s historic mills, some of the best flannel in the world still comes from these parts. Shout out to the woolen mills that keep us looking sharp (and toasty) every winter.
(In Picture Women’s Flannel)
Modern New England Fashion: The Past Meets the Present
While we New Englanders love our classic staples, that doesn’t mean we’re stuck in the past. Today’s New England style is a perfect blend of heritage and modern trends. Brands like LL Bean and Timberland (both hailing from the region) have taken traditional materials like leather and wool and given them a fresh, contemporary twist. Whether it’s a sleek pair of Bean Boots or a tailored wool coat, the region’s fashion is all about combining form and function.
And let’s not forget the rise of local, sustainable fashion brands. New England’s history as a textile hub has inspired a new generation of designers who are committed to ethical, eco-friendly fashion. The result? Clothes that not only look good but do good.
Conclusion: Dressing the Part in New England
So, whether you're bundling up for a snowy trek through the White Mountains or dressing in layers for a day in Boston, remember: New England style is about more than just looking good—it’s about surviving the elements with a little bit of flair. From the hardworking mill girls of the past to the trendsetting locals of today, our region has always known how to stay fashionable in the face of whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
And if all else fails, just throw on some flannel and call it a day.
Stay warm, New England!
