Note: At our request, Howlin‘ agreed to send us the 2 sweaters that you will discover in this article.

Text : Marcos Eliades
Photos : Thomas M.

Who has never smelt untreated virgin wool-made sweater ? If you've never had the opportunity to do so, do it as soon as possible. It is as if you are sniffing a whole flock of sheep: a characteristic smell. For some, unpleasant, for others not. I fall into the second category. This perfume transports me to distant Scottish lands, an almost reassuring odor. So when the two Belgian brothers Jan & Patrick Olyslager founded their sweater brand in 2008, they thumbed their nose at conventions by naming their brand Howlin', understand 'who smells bad' in Scottish slang. A real tour de force! 

Here are two sweaters from their beautiful collection with characteristic patterns. 

Let’s have a closer look. 

A story of locality

Howlin' is a Belgian brand specialized in knitwear for 40 years. It is both creative and respectful of know-how. This is finally what we like at Howlin', the association between modernity and tradition. That's why their Shetland wool sweaters are still knitted in Scotland and Ireland. The reason is simple: these two countries are the historical cradle of this type of knitwear. They have recognized know-how in this field. Why go elsewhere? 

T-shirts and sweatshirts are made in Belgium. Whenever possible the jersey is even knitted directly in the region. The tone is set: Howlin' likes to stay local and responsible. In a globalized World where everything goes so fast, the brand bets on slowness to promote quality. 

In terms of distribution, the brand is very well represented in the world. A hundred sellers! 

Two characteristic sweaters

The first sweater is a Shetland made of 100% Scottish wool. The piece is entirely knitted and finished by hand in Scotland. And like all the high-end counterparts knitted in Scotland, the sweater is seamless. In other words, there are no seams, all parts are connected together knit to knit. 

The sweater has a slightly oversized fit, ideal for wearing a shirt underneath or a thick t-shirt. It is also brushed, which gives it this wonderful shaggy look. 

The pattern is characteristic of the Shetland Islands. The story goes that it allowed sailors to be seen from afar by their companions, when they returned from a long stay at sea. Howlin' revives this heritage and offers a sweater completely adapted to the city or bucolic life. A sweater to do everything, in short. 

The biscuit color mixed with a white and brown spiked motif render the sweater both casual and striking. It wears perfectly with raw jeans. The advantage of a toned-down color piece is that it allows a wider and more extensive color combination. Do not hesitate for example to wear beautifully colored socks on your feet!
The sweater here is a size M for a desired oversize effect. 

The second sweater is characteristic of an Irish cable-knit. These cable-knit sweaters have been flooding the clothing market for a few years now, to our great pleasure. No two cable-knit sweaters are alike: historically the patterns were chosen by the sailors’ wives and allowed them to have a family souvenir with them on their travels. Each design allowed for distinguishing sailors among them. 

The sweater is of a beautiful ecru color. As we said before, ecru is fantastic for Winter. It blends easily with everything and really makes it possible to illuminate an outfit by giving it style. 

The fit is generous. I should have probably opted for an S instead of an M, the thickness of the wool accentuating the oversize side - which is finally not at all unpleasant to the eye as well as to the wearer. The knit is thick and heavy, unlike the first sweater which has a spongy and light texture. 

It  has the same characteristics as its counterpart: knitted in 100% Scottish wool. The smell we were talking about in preamble is very subtly present, no doubt: this sweater is authentic. 

Authentic sweaters

These sweaters will you warm, thanks to them, you will spend a cozy Winter with style. What a beautiful brand and especially what beautiful designs! We greatly encourage you to visit the brand's eshop which offers pieces with characteristic Scottish and Irish patterns. Howlin' is a brand with flair, an authentic flair.