Why one city is obsessed with Easter clothes

It is believed Liverpool's links to the catholic community plays a big part in the city's obsession with Easter clothes

Liverpool is known for its love of football and music but the importance it places on Easter clothes is much less known with those further afield.

According to local retailers, people in the city will spend four months buying their Easter clothes - a tradition typically passed down from grandparents.

Nick Manning, who owns Melanie Louise, a children's clothing company with two shops based in Liverpool, said he has been taking orders since January.

"It's first come, best dressed," he said.

He added that Easter is a much busier time than Christmas in Liverpool.

"This is the weekend when it gets really busy," he said.

"People are running in for bows, socks, little cardigans with the weather getting a bit cooler.

"I have to tell our suppliers we need everything in way before Easter otherwise it's not worth sending."

Nick Manning, who owns Melanie Louise, a children's clothing company, with his mother Marion Manning

Why is the tradition so important in Liverpool?

It is believed Liverpool's links to the catholic community plays a big part in the city's obsession with Easter clothes as it is understood people would dress up for church.

Dr Terence Heng, from the department of sociology, social policy and criminology at the University of Liverpool pointed out, the act of buying new clothes does have roots in Catholicism.

He said: "It is not uncommon for religious practices to morph into cultural practices over time, that is, the act or ritual remains but the religious significance becomes less obvious to those who practice it.

"Given the history of Liverpool, I wouldn't be surprised if there are connections between this religious act and the 'tradition' of buying new cloths for Easter."

According to local retailers, people in Liverpool will spend four months buying their Easter clothes

Why are Easter clothes bigger in Liverpool than anywhere else?

Dr Jack Crangle, lecturer in contemporary British history at Queen's University Belfast, said the reason for the prominence of Easter dress in Liverpool compared to anywhere else is due to its Irish links.

He said: "This is almost certainly a legacy of Irish migration to Liverpool over the centuries.

"Buying new Easter Clothes, especially for children, is a very common tradition among Catholics in Ireland. In 1851, 22.3% of Liverpool's residents were Irish-born and that heritage continues to be felt."

He added Liverpool has a reputation for being England's most Catholic city. According to the Archdiocese of Liverpool, over one in four Liverpool residents identified as Catholic in 2023.

"Therefore, it would make sense that the Easter Clothes tradition persists in Liverpool but not in other parts of the country." He added.

Why do Easter clothes remain a big deal today?

Mr Manning has his own views on why Easter clothes are such a big deal in Liverpool.

"I think we just like a good party," he said.

"It's just Liverpool, we celebrate anything we can and we like to be best dressed whatever the occasion.

"Most people go out and buy all their outfits just to go round their Nan's."

The founder of Liverpool Fashion Week Amanda Moss agrees and said: "Easter signifies the start of the new season, spring is in full flow and it's a fresh start for many as they come out of winter hibernation.

"New clothes make people feel good. Going out in Liverpool is always an unofficial excuse for a fashion show."

"Style and presentation are a huge part of Scouse identity and is taken very seriously," she added.

'Young lads buying trainers for Easter'

In Liverpool, the tradition of buying Easter clothes has been passed down from generations and is now firmly in the minds of those much younger.

"We have a sports shop next door, and all day there's been young lads in and out getting their new trainers for Easter," Mr Manning said.

And it is a tradition they are happy to inherit, according Mr Manning.

"We've had the shops since 1990 but my mum took over the business from my auntie 40 years ago," he said.

"We've been in the industry so long, we're dressing the grand kids and great grandkids of the kids we used to dress."

He said demand dropped briefly during Covid, but this led to new trends, like athleisure, which have influenced Easter clothes.

"We used to sell more signature pieces at higher price points, like your typical Easter Sunday dresses," he said

"Now it's a bit more toned down, we sell more casual stuff, but still in that Easter pallet. Lemon is still our most popular colour."