About Howlin'
Howlin' is a brand based in Antwerp with a longstanding tradition of quality knitwear and local craftsmanship. Though producing knitwear in Scotland has been part of the family since 1981, our journey began in 2009 with the introduction of the label Howlin', a name inspired by Scottish slang for smelly. Our mission is to create timeless and carefully made garments and accessories, using the finest natural and local yarns available, blending classic heritage with a cosmic Howlin’ twist. Every garment, whether it is a scarf or a shaggy brushed jumper, is made with care and finished by hand in small quantities by skilled artisans in Scotland, Ireland, or Belgium. Our focus on small scale production ensures that each Howlin' garment reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and lasting design. Small is beautiful.
SCARF - Small Woolen Wonder Scarf - Violet Dream (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Shaggy Bear Women - Sunny Side (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Shaggy Bear Women - Astral Glow (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Shaggy Bear Women - Sphere (Made in Scotland) SHIRT - Big Lovely Shirt - Oxford (Made in Belgium)
Made in Scotland
Scotland has a long history of producing the best knitwear in the world and we are happy to be involved in it for over 40 years.
Made in Scotland
Scotland has a long history of producing the best knitwear in the world and we are happy to be involved in it for over 40 years.
Since the start of Howlin’, our aim has been to bring a fresh, slightly twisted approach to Scottish knitwear while respecting its rich heritage. We keep the best of traditional techniques and combine them with new technologies, patterns, colours, and ideas. In an ever-faster and more automated economy, we are eager to slow things down and focus on crafting well-made products. It’s a niche, but one we embrace. Just like a small record label releasing hand-stamped 7-inch records with personal liner notes — it’s the beauty in the details. Each Howlin’ garment is handled individually and with care throughout its entire production, from the first precise stitch to the final pressing and folding. All our yarns are carefully sourced according to strict quality and sustainability standards.Our beloved planet Earth holds a special place in our hearts, and we believe it’s the best planet out there (as far as we know). That’s why we strive to keep our impact on it as low as possible. Our natural yarns come from local mills, with some completing every stage of production under one roof. This includes grading, scouring, and dyeing the fleece, followed by colour blending, carding, spinning, twisting, and balling — resulting in a unique 100% pure Shetland yarn. A quality often imitated, but never duplicated.
Many Scottish knitwear styles made by Howlin’ feature a brushed finish, achieved through artisanal techniques with natural teasels. After knitting and washing each piece in fresh local water, they undergo an individualised process on a vintage brushing machine. This delicately lifts and pulls the fibres, creating a loose and relaxed shaggy effect. Our commitment to authenticity is reflected in the use of traditional teasels — a natural material no man-made brush can replicate. It is the careful execution of these delicate stages that results in the softest natural Shetland feel we have ever experienced.The real thing, made by and for lovers.
V-NECK - Future Memories - Blondie (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Shaggy Bear - Lava (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Shaggy Bear - Mystic Violet (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Captain Harry - Nuts (Made in Scotland) V-NECK - Future Memories - Greendream (Made in Scotland) CREW NECK - Birth of the Cool - Navy (Made in Scotland)
Made in Ireland
Our Irish made knitwear showcases exceptional craftsmanship and rich heritage.
Over the years, we have been working closely with a small Irish family-run company established decades ago. Together with these master craftspeople, we produce the highest quality knitwear with local Irish yarns. We have to admit, at first we got strange looks when we came up with our ideas, but that has changed over the years; now it’s simply that classic smile when they see a new Howlin’ design.We are very happy to contribute to this unique art and craft which is not only beautiful but also important culturally to remain alive. Producing in Ireland (and Scotland and Belgium) not only means you have a truly unique product in your hand, it also means that the people making your goods are well paid and looked after.
SHOP MADE IN IRELAND
Made in Ireland
Our Irish made knitwear showcases exceptional craftsmanship and rich heritage.
Over the years we have been working closely with a small Irish family run company established decades ago. Together with these master crafts people we produce the highest quality knitwear with local Irish yarns. We have to admit, at first we got strange looks when we came up with our ideas but that changed over the years, now it’s simply that classic smile when they see a new Howlin’ design. We are very happy to contribute to this unique art and craft which is not only beautiful but also important culturally to remain alive. Producing in Ireland (and Scotland, and Belgium) not only means you have a truly unique product in your hand, it also means that the people making your goods are well paid and looked after.
Accessories
Next to our knitwear, Howlin' is known for its extensive accessories line-up. Scarves, hats, and gloves are all made in Scotland with premium pure lambswool yarn. All accessories are unisex, and one size fits all. A standout is our classic King Jammy Hat, available in over twenty-five colors.
Pure Lambswool
For over fifteen years we have been using the same superfine lambswool quality yarn. Our lambswool comes from the first shearing of the Merino breed of sheep, which are known to produce the softest and finest wool. This natural wool is considered the most reusable and recyclable apparel fibre on the planet. Above all, it can breathe, is elastic, gives natural odour control, warms us when we are cold, and cools us when we overheat.Because of our special washing, it has the softest touch ever. Often, people mistake it for cashmere, as it’s that soft. In our Scottish assortment we have a wide range of: • Hats• Gloves• Scarves
Made in Belgium
Our small pouch bags, handmade in our Howlin' atelier in Belgium, are crafted from premium high-quality fabrics. Additionally, we also specialise in socks. Years ago, we partnered up with one of Belgium's last sock manufacturing companies to create the beloved Cosmonaut Socks.Knitted on the oldest vintage machines in the factory and using an ultra-soft bulky yarn, these are not your average socks but possibly your two new best friends during the colder seasons.Made in Belgium, with a smile.
Shop Bags
Shop Socks
VEST - Lost my Sleeves - Charcoal (Made in Scotland) SCARF - Mini Checkerboard Scarf - Green Delight (Made in Scotland) SCAVES - College Fun Scarf (Made in Scotland) SCARVES - Cosmic Checkerboard (Made in Scotland) SCARF - Cosmic Surfin' Scarf - Sunny Up (Made in Scotland) GLOVES - Lost My Fingers Ribbed Gloves (Made in Scotland)
Made in Belgium
Next to our Scottish and Irish knitwear we are happy to create products in our home country Belgium.
Made in Belgium
Next to our Scottish and Irish knitwear we are happy to create products in our home country Belgium.
Next to our Scottish and Irish knitwear, we are proud to create products in our home country, Belgium. Together with several small factories in Belgium, each carefully chosen for its own speciality, we have developed a diverse range of products, including lightweight knitwear, jersey, shirts, jackets, trousers, and accessories. Every item is made in limited numbers, crafted by skilled hands in a slow, deliberate process where no detail is rushed or overlooked. Our goal is to create durable, functional, and original products that far outlive seasonal trends. Our jersey production is especially close to home. We don’t import pre-knitted fabrics. Instead, every fabric is knitted in Belgium, ensuring a product that is 100% local and authentic. Producing part of our collections in Belgium isn’t just about location. It’s also about culture. We are proud to be part of a long-standing textile tradition. Supporting this industry is not only about garments, but about preserving something rare and valuable which is beautiful and culturally important to keep alive.
AB SOUND AND NEW BEAT For all our 'Made in Belgium' pieces, we are heavily inspired by New Beat, particularly its predecessor, the AB Sound. This is reflected in the “Acid Belgian” logo on all our care labels.For those who are not familiar, New Beat is an electronic music genre that flourished in Western Europe during the late eighties and originated in Belgium. There are many different, ‘mythical’ stories on how new beat was born, but we like the story of a talented DJ called Fat Ronny who was simply too wasted and played 45 rpm records at 33 rpm and pitched them +8 on his turntable. The result was a new robotic sound which was very bass driven. While disco was the big thing, he played a hypnotic mix of slowed down tracks by artists like Severed Heads, PiL, Carlos Peron, The Human League and Boytronic. Together with a group of like-minded DJs, they soon created a real cult vibe with tracks like Max Berlin’s “Elle et Moi”. Soon after New Beat was born, due to the great success, there were tons of bad commercial tracks out there but nevertheless, if you dig a little bit deeper, there’s some amazing music to be found from this lost era.
Howlin' campaign booklet
We are excited to share our latest Howlin’ campaign booklet: Fragments of Light. Inside, you'll find an exclusive editorial shoot showcasing the key pieces from this season. The booklet also offers insights into the production of our collections, taking you through our process, from carefully selecting materials to the detailed craftsmanship behind each item, reflecting the heart of our brand. Additionally, we’ve included the stories behind our Howlin’ accessories collection, diving into the ideas and techniques that make these pieces truly special. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 68 pagesOffset printed in BelgiumLimited edition @howlinknitwear
Get Booklet
Thank you
A special thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last 16 years. It’s been an epic journey, and we’re truly grateful to all of you for being part of it, no matter when or where you joined in. Here we are now, still in our little Howlin’ universe, not too far from where we first started, continuing to create unique, high-quality niche products for all the lovers out there. We’re thankful to have you with us on this amazing journey. www.howlinknitwear.com@howlinknitwear
Shop Collection