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About Ellen Rubin

Ellen Rubin uses her experience as an owner of a custom clothing business, plus her law, history and library degrees to write heavily researched content about fashion and sustainability.

Background: Ellen Rubin started writing after spending her life learning, researching, and collecting. Among her jobs were working in men’s clothing stores (from discount to luxury). Deciding to focus on high quality, good value, and customer service, she became a co-owner in a custom clothing business
where she wrote about style, fit and fabrics for the company newsletter.

In addition to the joy of coordinating outfits and designing wardrobes, custom clothiers learn how to fit those that fall outside the norms of standard sizing. Naturally, when Ellen started working as a freelance writer, men’s fashion was one of the areas she focused on.

Alongside fashion, Ellen’s writing reflects her passion for sustainability. From style, daily living, building, and gardening to environmental issues, sustainability is often a common thread through the subjects she writes about. You can her work featured in publications like Unsustainable Magazine and ABC-CLIO reference books.

Expertise: Having worked in custom menswear, Ellen is an expert in contemporary men's fashion. She often dives deep into the history behind menswear staples we take for granted like fair isle sweaters, Bemberg and henley shirts, in order to better understand their relevance in modern society.

Ellen is a self-taught sewer and quilter; she even dyes and prints her own fabrics. Her textile work has been featured in galleries in Bozeman, where she lives, and the Chicago area.

Ellen has a degree in liberal arts, law and library science.

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Home / Ellen Rubin
History Buying Guide of Fair Isle Sweaters

Fair Isle Sweaters: A History & Buying Guide (2023)

Published on October 17, 2022 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Fair Isle sweaters for men and where to buy them. Read more arrow about Fair Isle Sweaters: A History & Buying Guide (2023)

Clothing and Style Fair Isle, knitwear, sweaters

PM-leather-jacket ft

Types of Leather: Grading & Tanning Explained

Published on April 6, 2022 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Do you want to understand terms like "genuine" and "top grain" and learn how leather is tanned? This is the guide you need! Read more arrow about Types of Leather: Grading & Tanning Explained

Clothing and Style leather, leather grades, leather tanning

What Is Jute

Jute: An Extremely Eco-Friendly Fabric

Published on February 23, 2022 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you curious about what jute is? We've got you covered. Read on to learn more about this awesome fabric. Read more arrow about Jute: An Extremely Eco-Friendly Fabric

Clothing and Style jute, sustainable fabrics

Everything About Henley Shirts for Men

The Unique History of Henley Shirts and Where To Buy Them Today

Published on February 16, 2022 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Looking for info on the history of Henley Shirts and where to buy them? Here’s everything you need to know. Read more arrow about The Unique History of Henley Shirts and Where To Buy Them Today

Clothing and Style henley shirts, henleys

What Is Bemberg

What Is Bemberg? And Why It’s The Best Lining Fabric

Published on February 9, 2022 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Want to learn more about Bemberg? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the remarkable fabric. Read more arrow about What Is Bemberg? And Why It’s The Best Lining Fabric

Clothing and Style bemberg

Alternatives to wool

The 6 Best Wool Alternatives: Warm & Luxurious Natural Fabrics

Published on December 13, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this article, we'll share everything you need to know about the best non-wool fabrics used for clothing. Read more arrow about The 6 Best Wool Alternatives: Warm & Luxurious Natural Fabrics

Clothing and Style cashmere, wool

Guide to Custom Shirts

Where to Buy Custom T-Shirts, Polos and Henleys

Published on November 25, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you looking for information on custom t-shirts and where to buy them? You've come to the right place! Read on to learn more. Read more arrow about Where to Buy Custom T-Shirts, Polos and Henleys

Clothing and Style Custom Clothing, henleys, polo, t-shirts

28 inseam jeans

The Denim Dictionary: A Guide to Weights, Looms, Washes & More

Published on November 18, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you curious about what the terms "raw" or "stonewashed" denim actually mean? Read on to learn the denim-related terms you should know. Read more arrow about The Denim Dictionary: A Guide to Weights, Looms, Washes & More

Clothing and Style denim, nep, selvedge denim, slub, stonewashed

best zippers - featured image

The Best Zipper Brands: Form & Function Combined

Published on November 8, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

This post is about the best zippers available and how they enhance clothing. Read on to learn about quality zipper brands. Read more arrow about The Best Zipper Brands: Form & Function Combined

Clothing and Style YKK, Zippers

Cold weather fabrics

The 14 Best Fabrics to Wear in Cold Weather

Published on October 13, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you looking for info on the best fabrics to wear in cold weather? This guide is exactly what you need. Read more arrow about The 14 Best Fabrics to Wear in Cold Weather

Clothing and Style cold weather, cold weather fabrics, winter

YKK zippers

Here’s Why YKK Zippers Are On Everything

Published on September 22, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Have you noticed YKK zippers on your clothes? Here's everything you need to know about the zipper company that dominates the industry. Read more arrow about Here’s Why YKK Zippers Are On Everything

Clothing and Style YKK, Zippers

Aran Sweaters featured

An In-Depth Guide to Aran Sweaters (a.k.a., Fisherman Sweaters)

Published on April 12, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

If you could only have one sweater in your wardrobe, the perfect choice would be an Aran, or fisherman’s sweater. Read more arrow about An In-Depth Guide to Aran Sweaters (a.k.a., Fisherman Sweaters)

Clothing and Style Aran sweaters, irish sweater, wool

Outerknown

Sustainable & Ethical Clothing Brands for Men (2023 Guide)

Published on February 24, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this article, we'll take a look at some sustainable and ethical clothing brands that men can buy from this year and beyond. Read more arrow about Sustainable & Ethical Clothing Brands for Men (2023 Guide)

Clothing and Style cotton, ethical clothing, hemp, sustainable fabrics

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II

10 Sustainable Sneaker Brands to Support in 2023

Published on January 18, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Shoes, Sneakers May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this article, we'll give an overview of some sneaker companies that have embraced sustainability. Read more arrow about 10 Sustainable Sneaker Brands to Support in 2023

Shoes, Sneakers sneakers, sustainability, sustainable shoes

Featured Vegan Shoes Brand

Here Are the Best Vegan Shoe Brands to Try in 2023

Published on January 13, 2021 by Ellen Rubin · Shoes May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you curious about what exactly vegan shoes are and where to buy them? Read on for the full scoop. Read more arrow about Here Are the Best Vegan Shoe Brands to Try in 2023

Shoes sneakers, sustainable shoes, vegan

Unisex clothing brands - featured

In-Depth Guide: Un-Gendered Fashion and Unisex Clothing Brands

Published on December 14, 2020 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Are you curious about what exactly unisex clothing is and where to buy it? This article has the answers you're looking for! Read more arrow about In-Depth Guide: Un-Gendered Fashion and Unisex Clothing Brands

Clothing and Style gender neutral, unisex, unisex clothing

what are moccasins - featured

What Are Moccasins? A Modern Day and Historical Guide

Published on October 12, 2020 by Ellen Rubin · Shoes May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

What exactly are moccasins? Is there a place for a pair in my wardrobe? Are they even fashionable? Read more arrow about What Are Moccasins? A Modern Day and Historical Guide

Shoes loafers, moccasin

Selvedge & Raw A New Appreciation of a Classic - featured

A Beginner’s Guide to Raw and Selvedge Denim

Published on August 10, 2020 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

What is selvedge denim? Is it different than raw denim? Here's everything you need to know. Read more arrow about A Beginner’s Guide to Raw and Selvedge Denim

Clothing and Style denim, Men's Jeans, selvedge denim

The Most Sustainable Clothing Fabrics (and What to Avoid)

Published on June 29, 2020 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

What are the most sustainable fabrics you can buy? Which fabrics should you avoid? Here's what you need to know... Read more arrow about The Most Sustainable Clothing Fabrics (and What to Avoid)

Clothing and Style cotton, hemp, linen, sustainable fabrics

Cool Clothing to Beat the Heat - featured

An In-Depth Guide to Breathable Summer Fabrics

Published on June 5, 2020 by Ellen Rubin · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

This guide to the best warm weather fabrics will help you look good and feel great all summer long. Read more arrow about An In-Depth Guide to Breathable Summer Fabrics

Clothing and Style breathable fabrics, summer, warm weather fabrics

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