Howlin’ Knitwear

Using the Scottish word for smelly, the name Howlin’ sets the tone for this slightly subversive brand and its interesting method of production, using the resources of Scotland, Ireland and its homeland, Belgium. With each, a respect is given to their individual heritage, whilst bringing in innovative ideas to mix up with old techniques. In Scotland, for example, they use the original Shetland yarn with a local spinner to make their on-trend knitwear which stands out for its unique use of pattern, colour and style. In Ireland, Howlin’ keep art and craft alive at a small Irish family run company established centuries ago, creating high quality knitwear with local Irish yarns.

To further break from the norm, founder and brothers Jan and Patrick Olyslager are almost nerdy-obsessed with the world of music, in particular a certain type of electronic dance music that came about in western Europe in the 80s. Very niche and partial to an in-joke, you’ll find the jumpers and collections’ names to be musically inspired, which reflects the hybrid crossover of music and fashion and the unique nature of Howlin’s cultural immersion.

A brand this quirky yet with such cohesion, it makes sense that it was created by two brothers, Jan and Patrick Olyslager, who hail from Antwerp. Even more interesting is that they inherited the knitwear brand from their parents, who in the 80s were inspired by Scottish craft on a trip to the country and began to produce and market classic Scottish jumpers in styles like cable knits and fair isles.

In 2008, the brothers took over the company, renamed it and stamped their own unique mark on it. Staying true to the principles of durability and functionality, with a strong focus on local yarns, the duo added a layer of European flair and pizzaz, creating collections of brightly hued and patterned knitwear that appealed to a whole new generation. Today, Howlin’ extends to socks, beanies, trousers, shirts, beach bags – you can even buy a careful curated selection of vinyl from the brothers’ eclectic collection.