Their motto says it all: “it’s always nice to look like you’re on vacation.” Whether you’re in vacationland for a brief respite or a whole lifetime, Maine is a great place to relax and to enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer. And Cape Madras clothing company, based in Cape Elizabeth, has just the clothes to do it in.

Jenna Sisselman came up with the idea for Cape Madras in 2003, when she was inspired flipping through old yearbooks and noticed that the popularity and availability of madras clothing had faded with time. Since her discovery, she has created a thriving business with products sales in roughly 600 stores totaling about $3 million in annual sales.

Made from 100% custom woven patch madras (yard-dyed cotton made in Madras, India), the sleek styles and classic cuts will fit in at any Maine event, whether it be a yacht party on Casco Bay or an afternoon on the golf course. For men, Bermuda shorts, pants, blazers, and shirts are available. Women have even more of a variety to choose from, including capris, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, shirts, and jackets. The permutations are endless, as all of the articles come in one of twenty-five color variations. Most of the patterns are non-uniform plaid, combining bright colors in varying-widths. The Amherst, for example, weaves pinks, blues, and yellows. The Manhattan, oranges, blues, and greens. Sea Sucker, a material that looks like patched sear-sucker fabric, is also available and comes in blue, pink, kaki, grey, or multi-colored.
On top of the bright and fun fabrics, the clothes are well made, durable, and comfortable. The fabric really breathes, making it perfect for summer in Maine even if you’re exerting yourself on that back nine.

Cape Madras plans to expand in the near future beyond just clothing. Soon you’ll be able to decorate your home with the preppy fabric, perfect for a stylish summer cottage or to brighten up a kitchen or living room.