Scotland’s unique textile legacy, which combines traditional workmanship with modern design, has long been praised. The Scottish fashion and textiles business is flourishing, from the distinctive Highland tartans to modern fashion labels. The top ten fashion and textile enterprises that are causing a stir both domestically and abroad will be examined in this blog article, highlighting their distinctive contributions to the rich fabric of Scotland’s fashion landscape.
Our list of the top 10 companies covers a wide range of fashions and specialties, from eco-friendly textiles and high-end knitwear to innovative streetwear. Each brand emphasizes Scotland’s longstanding standing as a center of creativity and craftsmanship by focusing on quality and innovation. Join us as we explore the notable figures influencing the future of fashion in this vibrant region, regardless of your level of interest in fashion or the textile sector in Scotland.
Here are 10 Scottish companies famed for generating a number of the sector’s best and most iconic fabrics.
- Johnstons of Elgin
- Low & Bonar
- Seahawk Apparel
- Wenaas Workwear UK
- Turquoise Mountain
- Kinloch Anderson
- Hunter Boots Ltd
- Wellcoda
- Walker Slater
- Totty Rocks
A closer examination of the top 10 fashion and textiles Industries In Scotland
Johnstons of Elgin
Company Detail
| Founded | 1797 |
| Founder | Alexander Johnston |
| Headquarters | Elgin, United Kingdom |
| Website | johnstonsofelgin.com |
The company offers a wide range of products, including Cashmere Knitwear: This includes sweaters, cardigans, scarves and other accessories made from premium cashmere. Fine Woolens: Johnstons of Elgin produces fine woolen clothing and accessories such as tartan scarves, blankets and throws. Outerwear: The company also manufactures outerwear, including coats and jackets, often incorporating their signature cashmere and wool fabrics. Home Furnishings: They produce luxury home furnishings, including cushions, blankets and rugs.
Low & Bonar
Company Detail
| Founded | 1903 |
| CFO | Ian Ashton |
| Headquarters | London |
| Website | freudenberg-pm.com |
Low & Bonar is a global specialty performance materials company with a history dating back to 1903. The company specializes in providing advanced and high-performance materials across various industries.
Seahawk Apparel
Company Detail
| Founded | 2000 |
| Acquirer | Scott Direct |
| Headquarters | Glenrothes |
| Website | Seahawk |
Seahawk Apparel is a Scottish company specializing in the design and production of performance sportswear and casual clothing. While it may not be as widely recognized as some major international sportswear brands, Seahawk Apparel has been making a name for itself in the sportswear industry, particularly in the field of rugby apparel
Wenaas Workwear UK
Company Detail
| Founded | 1931 |
| Founder | Lars Wenaas |
| Headquarters | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Website | https://www.wenaas.com/en-gb/ |
Wenaas Workwear UK specializes in supplying workwear and personal protective equipment to various industries. This can include items such as coveralls, safety jackets, gloves, helmets, safety footwear and other gear designed to protect workers in different environments.
Turquoise Mountain
Company Detail
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | King Charles III |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, UK |
| Website | https://www.turquoisemountain.org/ |
Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit organization and a social enterprise that focuses on preserving traditional arts and crafts, fostering cultural heritage and supporting economic development in communities around the world. While it is not specific to Scotland, it is known for its work in various countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia, among others.
The organization provides education and training programs to local artisans, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to create high-quality traditional crafts.
Kinloch Anderson
Company Detail
| Founded | 1912 |
| Founder | William Kinloch Anderson |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh |
| Website | kinlochanderson.com |
Kinloch Anderson was founded in 1868 and has a long history of providing traditional Scottish clothing, including kilts and tartan accessories. The company is a family-owned business and has been passed down through generations.
Kinloch Anderson is particularly renowned for its expertise in Highland dress, including kilts, jackets, sporrans and other traditional Scottish attire. They offer a wide range of tartans, including clan tartans, regional tartans and contemporary designs.
Hunder Boots Ltd
Company Detail
| Founded | 1856 |
| Founder | Henry Lee Norris |
| Headquarters | Queensferry, Scotland |
| Website | hunterboots.com |
Hunter Boots Ltd, commonly known as Hunter, is a British brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality rubber Wellington boots, as well as other waterproof and weatherproof footwear and outerwear. While Hunter is not exclusive to Scotland, it has historical connections to Scotland and is known for its iconic Wellington boots.
Hunter was founded in Scotland in 1856 by Henry Lee Norris as the North British Rubber Company. Initially, the company produced a wide range of rubber products, including tires and industrial items, before gaining recognition for its waterproof boots.
Wellcoda
Company Detail
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Mr Tomas Gutauskas |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Website | wellcoda.co.uk |
Wellcoda is an apparel and fashion brand that specializes in creating unique and often unconventional designs for clothing, accessories and home decor items. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Wellcoda was known for its creative and edgy designs that catered to a wide range of tastes and interests.
Wellcoda is recognized for its distinctive and often eclectic designs, which can include graphic prints, slogans and artwork covering a wide array of themes and topics. These designs can be humorous, thought-provoking, or visually striking.
Walker Slater
Company Detail
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Paul Walker and David Slater |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Website | www.walkerslater.com |
Walker Slater is a Scottish fashion brand known for its distinctive take on traditional Scottish tweed clothing.
Walker Slater specializes in tweed clothing, particularly tailored suits, jackets and accessories. They are known for their expertise in working with tweed, a traditional Scottish fabric.
The brand embraces its Scottish heritage and incorporates traditional Scottish textiles, including tweed, into its designs. Their clothing often reflects a fusion of classic Scottish style and contemporary fashion.
Totty Rocks
Company Detail
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Holly Mitchell and Lynsey Blackburn |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, UK |
| website | tottyrocks.co.uk |
Totty Rocks is a contemporary Scottish fashion brand known for its unique designs and sustainable practices.
The brand is recognized for its distinctive and artistic designs. Totty Rocks often incorporates bold patterns, innovative cuts and creative elements into its clothing collections.
The brand offers a range of clothing and accessories for women, including dresses, tops, skirts and outerwear. Their collections often feature a mix of classic and avant-garde styles.
As we come to the end of our research into Scotland’s leading fashion and textile businesses, it is evident that this thriving sector is not just steeped in history but also well-positioned for the future. Many of these companies are supporting local handicraft, emphasizing ethical production processes, and adopting sustainable practices. This dedication to sustainability not only appeals to customers but also serves as a potent model for the international fashion industry.
Scotland’s fashion and textile industry is incredibly exciting due to its wide range of ability and inventiveness. These businesses provide something distinctive that captures Scotland’s distinct culture and heritage, whether you are wanting to buy in classic artifacts or learn about the newest trends. In honor of the creativity and fervor that characterize Scottish fashion today, we invite you to peruse their designs and provide your support to the regional sector.
