Howlin' Knitwear

Hipster brand Howlin’, based in Antwerp, creates uber-cool knitwear using 100% wool yarn sourced from Scotland and Ireland.

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.