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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.

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Made in Scotland


Since the start of Howlin’ our goal was to bring a fresh somewhat twisted approach to Scottish knitwear while respecting its rich heritage. Keeping the best of the old techniques and mix it with new technology, patterns, colors and ideas.

In an ever faster and more automated economy we are happy to slow things down and have our focus on well made products. It’s a niche, we know, but we like niche products, a lot. Just like a small record label doing hand stamped 7 inches with personal liner notes. It’s the beauty in the details.

Each Howlin’ garment is handled individually and tenderly, throughout its entire production, from the first precise stitch to the delicate pressing and folding. All our yarns are carefully sourced according to their quality and sustainability standards.

Our beloved planet earth has a special place in our heart and we think it’s the best planet out there (as far as we know) so we want to have the lowest impact on it as possible.

Our natural yarns come from local mills, some even complete all the stages of yarn production under one roof. This includes grading, scouring and dyeing fleece before colour blending, carding, spinning, twisting and balling to produce this unique 100% pure Shetland yarn. A quality which is often imitated but never duplicated.

Many knitwear styles of Howlin’ have a “brushed finish”, achieved by artisanal technique with natural teasels. After knitting and washing each piece with local fresh water, they undergo an individualized process using a vintage brushing machine. This machine delicately lifts and pulls the fibers, creating a loose and relaxed shaggy brush effect.

Our commitment to authenticity is reflected in the use of traditional teasels, a natural product, for this process. No man-made brush can replicate the unique brushing effects achieved with traditional teasels. It is the careful execution of each of these delicate stages that results in the softest natural Shetland feel we have ever experienced.

The real thing, made by and for lovers.


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.

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