Alan Paine Country Clothing
 The Alan Paine line of knitwear quickly became a household name among British sports enthusiasts in the early 1920s. Alan’s father, William, a tailor in his own right, recognized the need for signature sportswear and, using the local wool provided, went on to forge a loyal clientele within the local university and sportsmen crowd. By establishing colours exclusive to each team and branding the design, William created the now standard “club colour trim” style of cable stitch sweater. This popular style was the established norm especially among early sports enthusiasts in the rowing, tennis, cricket and general university crowds.
But these sweaters did not go unnoticed by the British aristocracy. Prince Edward himself donned a club colour sweater as part of his own preferred attire thus bringing William’s design to the forefront of mainstream British dress. The popular style became a much sought after fashion, moving the local business from its intimate beginnings in Godlaming, Surrey to London and further parts of the country.
In the 1930s, and with the advent of more industrialised production availability, Alan Paine took over the family-owned business and moved it into the industrial age. After creatively branding the business using his own name, the “Alan Paine of Godlaming” line of clothing stepped to the forefront of European fashion. By the 1950s, and with a UK government sponsorship backing their intent, the Alan Paine line leapt onto the emerging fashion scene of the United States to the delight of many.
By 1970, as Paine eased into his early 60s, he was joined by both his sons who aimed their marketing strategies to focus strongly on the European market. With a well-heeled Scandinavian distributor at the helm, the Alan Paine line spanned the competitive fashion markets of France, Germany and Spain. The successful partnership between the Paine line and its distributor continues today.
An unfortunate downturn in the knitted fabrics market in the 80s and 90s proved difficult for the Alan Paine company. His sons sold the company and ownership eventually turned over to long-time Alan Paine employee, James Hinton.
With products including Paine’s still classic club colour trim sweater as well as an expanse of luxurious garments including coats, jackets and stylish casual sweaters in either classic or contemporary styles, the Paine line retains their initial goal of quality and variety to their loyal buying public. Retaining the same time-honored standards of excellence and quality in customer service and product design, the Alan Paine brand of clothing still stands as the pinnacle of exceptional taste in dress among the style conscience.
Including lines specifically for women, as well as a children’s line affectionately named, “Little Paines”, Alan Paine opens the fashion venue creating accessories and articles just for these markets. With socks, gloves and scarves made from a variety of luxurious fibres including pashmina cashmere, Geelong lamb’s wool and silk, Alan Paine accessories stand only as an equal to their line of fashionable attire.
A classic and timeless design along with a family’s sense of outstanding quality and expertise in business brought Alan Paine knitwear from turn of the century nobility favorite to preferred brand which still stands today.
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