Howlin'
Howlin’: Knitwear That Marries Nostalgia with Wit
Founded in 2009 in Antwerp but rooted in a family legacy dating to 1981, Howlin’ was launched by brothers Jan and Patrick Olyslager as a refreshingly irreverent take on Scottish knit tradition. The name, Scottish slang for “smelly”, signals a wry sense of humor, while the craftsmanship remains honest: timeless knit designs produced in Scotland, Ireland, and Belgium by skilled artisans who respect tradition and pattern.
Knitwear That Makes You Feel Good, Not Just Look Good
Our clients gravitate toward pieces that tell a story and Howlin' delivers:
- Yarn spun from Shetland and Irish mills, finished with vintage teasel brushing for one-of-a-kind texture and feel.
- A bold-but-cosy personality: relaxed fits, vibrant patterns, and deliberately playful titles like Birth of the Cool or Shaggy Bear.
- Small-batch production, thoughtful design, and artisanal detailing, all but disappearing in the mass-fashion era.
Howlin' knits nestle into your life with color, texture, and a quiet wink.
Cozy Characters for a Modern Wardrobe
🔹Shaggy Bear Cardigans & Sweaters
Brushed Shetland wools finished with teasel, textural depth you can feel.
🔹Birth of the Cool Crewnecks
Playground color palettes applied to timeless knitwear construction.
🔹Boxy Swing Jackets & Cosmonaut Socks
Knitwear that defies convention and delivers warmth, texture, and personality.
🔹Seasonal Must-Haves
Vibrant tartans, brushed wool vests, and limited-edition designs that rotate with seasons and stories.
These knits are climatehearted declarations of comfort.
Made with Care in Scotland, Ireland & Belgium
🔹Multi-regional craft:
Knit in Scotland and Ireland; often assembled or finished in Belgium — always human, never automated.
🔹Traditional techniques:
Handmade brushing with natural teasels yields irregular, soft patinas — nothing machine-made can mimic.
🔹Organic aesthetics:
Yarn, pattern, and fit are purposeful and playful — sweaters intended to invite touch, conversation, and longevity.
Each Howlin' knit is an artifact — not manufactured, but curated.
Featured Styles & Claymore Client Favorites
🔹Shaggy Bear Cardigan (Chunky Stripes or Neutral Shawl Collar)
A standout layer for tailored or casual looks alike.
🔹Birth of the Cool Sweater (Galaxy or Forest Hues)
Statement-knit meets comfortable everyday wear.
🔹Boxy Swing Jacket (Crocheted Silhouette)
Rugged point-of-view meets urban charm.
🔹Cosmonaut Socks & King Jammy HatsKnit accessories with an edge — soft, resilient, endlessly referenced.
These picks are conversation starters, not background pieces.
Layer Up in Personality
Claymore Shop is proud to offer one of the Midwest’s best selections of Howlin' knitwear—touch the brushed wool, test the bold colors, feel the dimension.
Visit Us:
Claymore Shop
908 S. Adams Rd, Birmingham, MI
(248) 642-7755
Store Hours & Directions
Claymore Shop is an independent retailer. Product imagery and brand references are presented for editorial and informational purposes only. Visual concepts are inspired by the spirit of the Howlin' brand. Imagery is artistic and not affiliated with or representative of specific Howlin' products. See our Legal Disclaimer & Disclosures for details.