Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin is a Scottish textile company founded in 1797 that makes cashmere and fine wool clothing, accessories and home textiles. It weaves in Elgin and knits in Hawick, making what it sells.
| Founded | 1797 |
|---|---|
| Mills | Elgin (weaving), Hawick (knitwear) |
| Specialism | Cashmere and fine wool |
| Reach | Sold in 65 countries |
| Website | johnstonsofelgin.com |
What is Johnstons of Elgin?
Johnstons of Elgin is a Scottish luxury textile maker that has worked with natural fibres since 1797. It operates its own Elgin Weaving Mill and a knitwear mill in Hawick, established in 1980, and makes the products it sells.
History
- 1813: first exports of woollen cloth, to Nova Scotia
- 1851: first Scottish company to weave cashmere
- 1915: cloth supplied for French First World War uniforms
- 1978, 1994, 2002: Queen's Awards for Export
- 2015: helped establish the Sustainable Fibre Alliance
- 2018: London Fashion Week debut
- 2021: Queen's Award for Enterprise for sustainability
Products and positioning
The range spans cashmere and wool knitwear, outerwear and ready-to-wear for women and men, along with scarves, hats, gloves and socks, and home textiles such as blankets and throws. The emphasis is on natural fibres and in-house manufacturing in Scotland.
Distribution
Johnstons of Elgin runs its own stores in London's Burlington Arcade, Edinburgh, Elgin, St Andrews and Hawick, and its products are sold in 65 countries through stockists and online.
Why it matters
Johnstons of Elgin combines vertical integration, from weaving and knitting to its own stores, with sustainability work in its fibre supply chain, a model that gives it direct control over quality and sourcing.
Frequently asked questions
When was Johnstons of Elgin founded?
Johnstons of Elgin has worked with natural fibres since 1797.
Where is Johnstons of Elgin cashmere made?
Johnstons of Elgin weaves at its mill in Elgin and knits at its mill in Hawick, both in Scotland.