The Late-Blooming Tailor with Duane MacLeod of Holdfast Bespoke(#164)

This episode of Garmology features host Nick in conversation with bespoke tailor Duane MacLeod, who lives and works on the coast of Maine. 

Duane shares his unconventional journey into sewing and tailoring, beginning with a childhood in a DIY, self-sufficient family and escalating into a lifelong fascination with making things. After years of building houses, reupholstering furniture, and sewing casually, he began making garments seriously when his daughter — then studying fashion — challenged him to make his own coat. 

Following early experiments with Japanese pattern books and the online sewing community (especially the influential blog Male Pattern Boldness), Duane slowly developed his skills and eventually became deeply interested in tailoring. 

This led him to the Tailoring Academy in Macclesfield, UK, where he completed an intensive 10.5‑month professional training program later in life, after retiring from a nursing career. He describes the pace, rigour, camaraderie, and transformative experience of studying tailoring full-time, learning precise techniques, working with high-end fabrics, and building garments from the inside out. 

Returning to Maine, Duane started Holdfast Bespoke, where he now makes custom jackets, waistcoats, trousers, and outerwear — often using fine woollens from mills like Moon, McGee, and Holland & Sherry. He discusses the challenges of sourcing fabric as a new artisan, the realities of working slowly and deliberately by hand, the joys of satisfied clients, and the emotional meaning people find in handmade garments. 

Duane also shares his current project: preparing six looks for an upcoming runway show with the Maine Crafts Association. Throughout the conversation, it touches on craftsmanship, creativity, timeless design, the tailoring industry, and the personal satisfaction of continuing to learn and make meaningful things. 

You can find Holdfast Bespoke at: www.holdfastbespoke.com. 

Duane's Instagram account is  @mainelymenswear, and the vest that didn't quite turn out right can be found on Duane's blog.

Garmology is by Nick Johannessen. There is no advertising or sponsorship, but you are welcome to support the podcast via my Patreon at patreon.com/garmology or you can  buymeacoffee.com/garmology

Nick Johannessen is also the editor of the WellDressedDad blog and WellDressedDad on Instagram. You can email Nick as Garmology (at) WellDressedDad.com.

Garmology theme music by Fabian Stordalen.