Clothing is at the heart of Nashville’s culture, with boots and cowboy hats being ubiquitous in the nightlife scene. Endless boutiques sell outfits specifically for nights out on Broadway or concerts at the Grand Ole Opry. However, this sort of country-music cosplay is not the only side of Nashville’s clothing industry. The city is also home to a small group of artisans who make very different types of clothing. 

Kelsey Hall of Studio Kelsey is one of those artisans. Her namesake brand focuses on high-quality, 100% Irish merino wool sweaters, vests and homeware items all knit on a vintage, non-automated machine right here in Nashville. The knits come in both solid colors and vibrant, playful designs. One sweater features a fruit bowl from her home, while another depicts a number line inspired by a blanket from her dad’s childhood bedroom. All of the garments come in a wide range of sizes and fits. 

Hall said her interest in textiles began while she was living in Ireland, where she apprenticed with a textile artist specializing in dyeing natural linens and wools. She later took hand knitting classes and eventually stumbled upon a great deal for a knitting machine through a marketplace ad. From there, Hall taught herself how to use the machine and began making sweaters before moving back to Nashville in 2023. 

For many reasons, these sweaters are unlike those in a typical boutique. Hall explained some of the key differences in an interview with The Hustler. 

“It’s really hard to find sweaters — or any clothes — that are 100% cotton or 100% wool that don’t have synthetics blended in,” Hall said.“Factories will find creative ways to lighten the weight of the

garments in order to bring prices down.”

For consumers, Hall’s emphasis on quality means that though the upfront cost is higher, the sweaters will ultimately stand the test of time.  

“When you buy higher-quality materials, they’ll last longer,” Hall said. “They’re garments that you can pass on for generations.”  

The clothing industry can be notoriously cutthroat, but Hall explained that these stereotypes don’t hold true in Nashville — where the community uplifts one another. 

“There’s a really cool fashion scene in Nashville. It’s quite small, but it’s strong, and people are so supportive of each other,” Hall said. 

So, next time you see a pink cowboy hat or a “NashVegas” T-shirt, remember that these novelties are not all the city has to offer. There are also brands like Studio Kelsey that offer playful, high-quality goods made right here in Nashville.