WILLIAM LOCKIE - FAMOUSLY GREEN
‘Lockies’, as they are fondly known, are renowned for producing the softest, finest and most luxurious knitwear in the world. The secret is in the use of the highest quality raw materials coupled with the precision of their manufacturing process – producing knitwear like no other.
William Lockie have been creating premium knitwear since 1874, combining the very latest in knitting technology with traditional craftsmanship for a superior product that is hard to beat. The company use all-natural fibres and there are no chemicals or harmful substances in their dyes. They wind sweaters back into yarn to reknit them if they are unused and no chemicals are used in the washing process, just soft Scottish water from the local rivers which is recycled and reused.
William Lockie is steeped in history and tradition, with core values of having a vast product knowledge, flexible service, highest quality standards and a commitment to the community at the very heart of what they do. The company have remained true to these high standards and have resisted against any temptation to compromise on their quality products, still embracing the truly unique manufacturing processes that have been successful for hundreds of years.
Located in Hawick on the banks of the river Teviot, Lockies are proud to remain a family owned and run business with skilled workers from the same local families who’ve been employed for generations.
Only natural fibres
The company specialise in creating the finest handcrafted garments using natural fibres of Cashmere, Camelhair, Merino, Geelong & Lambswool. They source 100% pure fibres for their knitwear and only the best makes the cut. Their cashmere, lambswool, super geelong and camelhair are all spun and dyed from wool in the UK by Scottish Spinner Todd & Duncan in Kinross and English spinner Hinchcliffe & Sons in Yorkshire.
Natural versus synthetic fibres
Natural fibres which are produced by animals can be spun into yarn. Characteristics of natural fibres are that they serve a purpose in nature, are produced by a living organism and grow spontaneously. Synthetic fibres are derived from fossil-fuelled/petroleum-based oils.
Nature’s performance fibre - Merino
Merino wool is the world’s finest and softest wool in the world. Its natural benefits are so great that no other fibre can match it. This natural fibre comes from Australian sheep, and it is an active fibre that reacts to changes in body temperature. So, it helps you stay warm when the weather is cold, and cool when the weather is hot. Merino fibres can also absorb a large quantity of moisture making it a very comfortable and breathable garment to wear. It is also hypoallergenic, odour resistant, naturally wicking, quick drying, and wrinkle resistant.
Camelhair
Coming from the specially bred “Two Humped Bactrian Camel,” which lives and roams in the Gobi Desert, Lockies camelhair is 100% natural and undyed which is why it is available in only one colour. No chemicals are used in the fibre processing. These fibres are extremely soft, warm and breathable.