Baylor Apparel Design Major Wins National “Make It With Wool” Competition
Torrin Longenecker's couture-inspired suit showcases craftsmanship, creativity & passion for timeless tailoring
Baylor senior apparel design major Torrin Longenecker in his award-winning three-piece wool suit featuring a modern purple dogtooth check. (Robert Rogers/Baylor University)
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Baylor University senior Torrin Longenecker, hailing from Waco, Texas, is redefining classic menswear with a modern perspective after earning top honors in the national “Make It With Wool” competition, a prestigious program that promotes the use of American wool through innovative design.
Longenecker, an apparel design and product development major in Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, received national recognition for his meticulously crafted three-piece suit featuring a modern purple dogtooth check, paired with a vintage-inspired overcoat made from navy wool. His design blends contemporary style with historical influence, reflecting a growing movement toward what he describes as “neoclassical” tailoring.
“I think people have gotten pretty bored with the sort of one-size-fits-all suits that have been popular for years,” Longenecker said. “There’s a return to more classic tailoring – broader shoulders, more structure and designs that feel more intentional.”
Fit and function
A defining feature of Longenecker’s work is his use of couture tailoring techniques, including hand-stitched horsehair facing, a method that allows designers to sculpt garments with precision and structure. While often associated with high fashion, Longenecker emphasizes that couture is rooted in both artistry and function.
“Every stitch gives you time to think about how the garment will fit and function." - Torrin Longenecker
“Every stitch gives you time to think about how the garment will fit and function,” he said. “Clothing should be mostly functional, but that level of craftsmanship makes it more meaningful.”
The national “Make It With Wool” competition has been a staple for up-and-coming designers for 79 years, including college students majoring in fashion or apparel design. Universities and students from across the country compete each year through their creative uses of wool and specialty wool fibers.
“Torrin’s project stood out for its market appeal and strong craftsmanship,” said Jaynie Fader, M.S., senior lecturer in apparel design and merchandising at Baylor. “We are proud of what he has achieved and grateful for his dedication.”
Honing his craft
Longenecker’s interest in apparel design began at an early age when he started making hats at 13, working primarily with beaver and rabbit fur. Initially enrolling at Baylor as a business major, he transitioned to apparel design during his sophomore year.
“I had no idea how amazing the program would be,” he said. “Baylor has this perfect balance of structure and creativity. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and help you refine your work in a very personal way.”
Following graduation in May, Longenecker plans to continue honing his craft internationally. He has accepted a position with Locke & Co. Hatters in London, one of the oldest hatmakers in the world, where he will focus on traditional hatmaking and restoration. Having worked as a summer intern at Locke and Co. since he was 14 years old, Longenecker is eager to return.
“It’s an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I’ve worked with them before and I’m excited to continue learning – especially restoration work, which is something I’m really passionate about.”
While his immediate focus is on tailoring and menswear, Longenecker envisions a future that allows him to explore design more broadly.
“My dream is to be able to sit and design all day,” he said.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.
ABOUT ROBBINS COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Established in 2014, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to enhance health, quality of life and human flourishing for all individuals and communities through education, research and innovation. It includes six academic departments – Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health, Human Performance, and Recreation; Human Sciences and Design; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; and Public Health – along with the Division of Health Professions, which houses the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Robbins College offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees and six doctoral degrees, as well as nine graduate programs in partnership with the U.S. Army. Graduate programs in Robbins College are offered in a variety of modalities, including on campus, online and hybrid. For more information, visit the Robbins College website.