From centuries-old Scottish mills to contemporary labels reworking classic silhouettes, these are the coveted British knitwear brands that ship to the states.
Maybe it’s the nation’s temperamental climes that have helped breed such skilled artisans, but the British Isles (Scotland and Ireland in particular) make some of the world’s best knitwear.
While you’ll definitely find evidence of such amidst the collections of luxury houses – Dior and Burberry, in particular – there are some independent knitwear brands that shouldn’t be glossed over. These brands often have a direct involvement with the mills that make their products, and in some cases, familial ties, making the end result all the more special. Here, we explore some of the best that are worth your dime, ranging from centuries-old institutions to modern pioneers.
& Daughter
Founder Buffy Reid’s connection to knitwear is generational, starting with her grandmother, an avid knitter who passed on her woolly passion to Reid’s father. He built a career selling Donegal tweeds and Scottish cashmere to retailers like Browns, and in 2013, he worked with Reid to set up her own brand. Today, they work with five yarns and five makers from the same mills Reid’s father worked with, creating pieces that balance timelessness with style – think: pops of color and more modern silhouettes. The label has even caught the eyes of A-listers Cillian Murphy and Paul Mescal, who regularly endorse it.
John Smedley
This English brand proudly holds the title of having the world’s oldest manufacturing factory, established in 1784 at Lea Mills, Derbyshire. While it initially spun cotton and produced muslin, it came to be known for long johns after adding knitting machines in 1825. Today, the brand has expanded to craft a full wardrobe of pieces in luxury merino wool and cashmere, but their knits are the best place to start. Their traditional silhouettes make them a great port of call for classic design.
Drake’s
Traipse through London’s most stylish neighborhoods, and it’s likely that the men will be wearing at least one garment from Drake’s. It’s a favorite amongst many for its contemporary silhouettes and high-end quality, and a quick peruse of the label’s social media shows a community of the city’s ‘it’ crowd endorsing its pieces. So if you’re looking for something more fashion-forward, head to their knitwear section. The Shetland line is made by knitters in the Scottish Borders, and come in fun prints and colors.
Johnstons of Elgin
With over 225 years of history, this family-run business is profoundly and proudly Scottish, yet their mission to get the nation’s knitted finery across the globe started back in 1799. Alexander Johnson (the first of eight generations at the helm) invested in international shipping to destinations such as Canada and Jamaica to ensure their woolly goods reached more corners of the world. Of course, that’s still the case today, so you can nab yourself an Argyle knit (a firm favorite in their collection) from its homeland.
N.Peal
Founded in 1938 by Nat Peal, who was hailed the «British King of Cashmere», the label N.Peal is known for its excellent cashmere collection which it crafted from sustainably sourced, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. One of the label’s most popular edits are its James Bond sweaters, which were created for the movies Skyfall and Spectre, either inspired by or worn by 007 himself.
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