Articles by Tim Kohut

Technology

New England Style Layering Is Now Trending. Is Maine Having a Moment?

Fall layering has taken on a new twist, thanks to Maine-inspired outdoor looks.Some of our favorite outerwear brands have capitalized on the growing trend with their own Maine collections. I tested some autumn-inspired outdoor gear ideal for both workwear and casual style. Although I was born and raised in New York (and still live here), I’m a huge fan of all things New England (sports teams notwithstanding; let’s not go too far).My partner and I find ourselves up north rather frequently; yearly trips to Cape Cod, weekends in Boston, and of course, Vacationland itself: Maine. She got the inspiration a couple of years ago from TikTok, of all places, and apparently, Maine was—and still is—“having a moment.”I couldn’t help but agree: As much as I love going up there for the scenic views in Acadia National Park, the lobster rolls in Portland, and the quaint, beachy town of Ogunquit, I’ve noticed that it’s not just a spot to go on vacation anymore—it’s an entire aesthetic. TikTok (and my own crippling cold lobster roll addiction) isn’t the only one taking notice of Maine’s evident comeuppance. When I was on the lookout for a new waxed jacket, I found myself browsing Austin-based Huckberry’s site. While looking at its Waxed Trucker (aka the famous Last of Us jacket), I noticed one thing: It was filed under its “Maine Collection.” I love Huckberry gear, and I was admittedly surprised to see some of my all-time favorite styles dominating the section. Why would a Texas-based outfitter, and a super popular one, at that, have a whole section of its best-selling styles under the guise of Maine essentials? This just reinforced our initial suspicions—Maine is, in fact, having a moment!It was now my sole mission to put together a look that would make a real lobsterman cry with tears of joy and pride. On my journey, I found similar big-name brands using the moniker ‘Maine’ to their advantage—and understandably so. The Maine aesthetic is timeless, and I was fully committed to becoming a huskier, even harder-looking Richard Dreyfuss, à la Jaws. The result? A timeless Maine-inspired layered look, just as viable for catching lobsters as it is for the office.Maine Layering EssentialsA Flannel-Lined FitHuckberry’s Waxed Trucker seemed like an odd fit for a Maine-inspired roundup, but that notion was quickly dispelled. The flannel lining was a comfortable departure from the thicker and more rugged dry-finish cover cloth lining of my Filson waxed jacket. The Huckberry jacket also featured a solid layer of wax coating, which any New Englander knows is imperative. That goes double for the lobstermen out there. I also appreciated the jacket’s already-worn-in look, which didn’t require much breaking in. The trucker fits true to size, but it has a short lining, so you may want to size up, especially if you plan to layer. It was surprisingly warm on its own yet provided a crucial layering element that would ultimately tie the entire look together.Duck Boots: The True Maine Go-ToL.L.Bean’s Maine heritage is already pretty well known, but the brand certainly doesn’t shy away from name-dropping Vacationland at virtually every turn. Why wouldn’t they? Maine is in right now. The Bean Boot is an essential part of the entire Maine look. Much like a waxed jacket, it features just the right blend of form and function. Handcrafted in Maine (with love), the boot features a high-quality supple leather upper, triple-needle stitching, and a proper waterproof construction. The durability features are pretty well known, yet the comfortable fit truly took me aback. It didn’t feel like I was walking on a slab of rubber, as the look might indicate. Rather, I found the combination of the brand’s proprietary dual-density insole and intelligently designed foot form was surprisingly comfortable. L.L. Bean suggests going a full size down, and I was glad I read the fine print; I’m usually 11, and the 10s, even with thick wool socks, the boots were roomy. That said, the lacing on the 8-inch boots provided a supportive, stable fit. They certainly lived up to the hype (more to come there). Layering TopsMaine is essentially the layering capital of the world, and if you spend a weekend there, you’ll quickly understand why. The cool New England air is unrelenting, and the weather is finicky. Even in the summer, you want to err on the side of caution, and the more layers the better.Naturally, L.L.Bean and layering go hand in hand. I had to go with two staples: its traditional Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt and the Classic Ragg Wool Sweater.L.L.Bean makes my favorite flannel, hands down. I’ve worn several iterations—from the thicker 1912 midweight flannel to fleece-lined jackets to the brand’s flannel PJs—and have to say the classic Scotch Plaid might just be my favorite. It’s the softest one I’ve worn, and like most of L.L. Bean’s products, it withstands the test of time. The brand has been manufacturing them for nearly 90 years, and it’s safe to say they’ve mastered the craft. It’s made from 100% high-quality Portuguese cotton flannel, yarn-dyed to maintain its eye-popping patterns. I've had several that I’ve worn over the past several years, and each still looks brand new. The sweater is another key piece to the Maine layering look. I almost went with the classic Fisherman's Knit Sweater, but I opted for another Maine-inspired style that’s been similarly trending over the last couple of months: the rolled crewneck sweater. Made of 100% premium lambswool yarn, it features a simple rolled design that lets the flannel’s collar really shine. The sleeves were also the perfect length and similarly helped show off the flannel’s cuff. The rib-knit trim is subtle yet noticeable.A Versatile Everyday PantHuckberry’s in-house brand also makes a hard-wearing and functional 5-pocket pant. Also part of Huckberry’s Maine collection, the straight-leg pants offer a bit of stretch but are cut like a typical pair of jeans—only infinitely softer. Much like the Waxed Trucker, the pants feature a broken-in feel out of the box. The pants get their 365 moniker from their versatility; they can be worn throughout the year. Fit for workwear, casual styling, or a casual Sunday, the 365 pants fully encapsulate a breezy Maine aesthetic. New England-Coded Accessories You can’t forget to pull the look together with the requisite accessories. Huckberry also makes my go-to beanie, which is simple enough for everyday wear but manages to achieve a distinguished, minimalist look when I have to dress up and stay warm. It’s handcrafted in Japan and features the classic fisherman style to finish off the Maine look. If you want to look even more like a New Englander, the short roll beanie keeps a low profile and features a timeless, close-fitting look.And if you want to deviate from the classic rugged, outdoorsy vibe, you can always opt to swap your duck boots for Sperry’s. Sperry has its own Made in Maine collection, and the Gold Cup driver is handcrafted in Maine. It boasts a unique leather construction (no two shoes are said to be made the same), Sperry’s innovative one-eye design, and a truly customizable fit. It’s about time Maine received its flowers, and apparently, some of our favorite outdoor brands feel the same. These wearables are just an extension of the state they were inspired by, though: lasting, weatherproof comfort with a unique blue-collar twist. Now, you don’t have to go on vacation in Vacationland—you can live it, every day. Get the Full Maine Look