What do Sid Mashburn, J. Press, Wharf, The Andover Shop and O'Connell's all have in common? They get their shirts made by one of the last and most storied shirting factories in the United States of America, of course.
New England Shirt Company, based in Fall River, Massachusetts, runs the most impressive private label shirting operation in The States today. While their main function is supporting their retail partners, January 2011 will mark the true debut of their own in house brand, which will be sold under the "Made In New England" label. The line, showing January 14th-18th at the Warwick Hotel, is a well edited collection of sport shirts, dress shirts, vests, ties, and trousers. Having chatted with New England Shirt Company's proprietors, Wallace Palmer and Robert Kidder, I can vouch for the passion these guys put into not only their own line, but domestic manufacturing in general. Anyone who has ever felt a Sid Mashburn or J. Press shirt will surely agree. Here is Robert speaking on New England Shirt Company's overall approach and philosophy:
"Our factory has been in operation for over 75 year and for the past 15 years has been slanted towards making product for the 'better' market. When we re-started this past December ( operations were suspended last March) our goal was to provide special and distinctive product to a particular spectrum of customers. They range from the classic, traditional and up-dated men's stores to a new emerging market that we felt had a great appreciation for US made product and was looking for a younger and fresher approach to American classic. This factory and its heritage understands the great classic product of American traditional, but we think we also can take vintage and interpret it for today' customer. The product is not complicated. Rather it is classically simple. It is about beautiful fabrics, made in a New England factory for a market that wants to buy well- made, beautiful American product."
You can purchase a New England Shirt Co. shirt at any one of
these locations and be sure to keep you eyes open for the full reveal of the Made In New England collection - from the small looks available now it is surely going to impress a lot more people than just myself. I've got some shirts headed my way as we speak so I will be sure to do a hands on review once they arrive.
[Pictures courtesy of
FREE/MAN.]
-L.A.S
Posts
i want to buy all new england made products for my family this year - it's easy when there is so much good coming out of our area.
ReplyDeleteBummer that they don't have any shops in Illinois selling their stuff. Either way, those waistcoats look nice. Definitely a good alternative for the summer instead of wearing a jacket.
ReplyDeletePity there isn't an online option for those of us who live outside the USA.
ReplyDelete@ Bill Smith: There's nothing special about these shirts other than the fact they're made in the USA, so you might as well spend your money on some Canada-made stuff.
ReplyDeleteGood Point! Remember, these shirts are ASSEMBLED in the U.S.. Fabric rolls are IMPORTED from Europe, whose ultimate origins are Asia. The skilled craftsmen sales pitch is only partially correct - experienced employees coupled with some very high-tech equipement(CAD, CNC machine). Prices are way too high for the average working American($85.00-$185.00 per cotton button down shirt). Still, there[s a certain 'niche' in this country that fall victim to this upscale marketing strategy.
DeleteLAS - great post per usual! Really enjoyed learning more about the history and the fact that so many great retailers are sourcing their shirts in the US.
ReplyDeleteAmazing items..I've bee trying to get my hands on some shirts..any idea if some of those retailers ship to Europe?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Great article. Wonderful to see that jobs were saved for American workers. Wishing New England Shirt Co. much success!
ReplyDeleteThose shirts and vests look great. Will have to pick up a few as Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI think I would buy everything pictured if I could, awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have been wearing New England Shirt Company shirts for about 7 months now, and the quality can't and shouldn't be compared to shirts made Asia, Vietnam, Thailand or the like. There is no comparison. It is obvious that the company takes great pride in the work they do and the product they turn out. The thickness of the collars and cuffs is fantastic, the weave of the fabric is luxurious, the stitching is perfect. It makes me feel good that I can buy and wear shirts that are quality, but not made in factories with poor working conditions and low pay. Congratulations New England Shirt Company -- you deserve it! Sincerely, Kevin in Connecticut
ReplyDelete@thesilentist, what about haberdash? they sell the line
ReplyDelete