Johnstons of Elgin

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Johnstons of Elgin

9 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 21, 2025

  Aran Woollen Mills Scarf

  Merino scarves are fine, but cashmere or cashmere and silk are better. My scarves are from Johnstons of Elgin and Begg.  It’s personal preference but I find larger, thinner scarves are more practical than thicker, shorter scarves. 

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• #2Dec 21, 2025

  Cashmere and merino from J.Crew and Banana Republic cause irritation. Should I try higher-end brands or look for alternatives?

  Get 90-100% cashmere socks from Johnstons of Elgin or another high quality solid reputation mill - it feels so amazing on the feet after a long day! Wool socks can still be quite itchy despite thick skin because the finest fibers probably would not be used as sock material.

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• #3Dec 20, 2025

  If you started your wardrobe over from scratch, what would you buy? (US)

  Cashmere sadly needs to be quite expensive to be quality. Good scottish or italian cashmere is actually BIFL if you take care of it and feels very durable, but a sweater of that quality usually runs you atleast $400 new. William Lockie and Johnstons of Elgin are examples of scottish cashmere that could be considered ”affordable” for the quality you get and for italian cashmere you have Malo in that ballpark, but it’s always best if you can thrift. I have a William Lockie sweater in great condition that I bought for $80 and it holds up incredibly well.

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• #4Dec 1, 2025

  Gift Ideas for My Boyfriend Who Has Everything?

  You could get him a very nice high-end blanket! Either from Indigofera or Johnstons of Elgin. I’m similar to your boyfriend and what my girlfriend usually gets me for birthdays/Christmas is stuff I want but wouldn’t really consider high priority such as accessories. For example, last year she got me a very expensive cashmere beanie for Christmas. I wore the crap out of that and will continue to do so for years. But I wouldn’t necessarily go for that myself. I’d rather get new jeans, a jacket etc. You could get him a nice wool/merino wool/cashmere blanket, high-end gloves, a belt, a hat/beanie, a cashmere scarf, several well-made socks etc. He probably has some of these things but could do with another colour. Or you could get a combination of items. If he has everything then go for an experience like others said. Lastly, what I do with my gf is I give her a sort of wishlist within her budget of 3-5 items. Any of those would make me happy. It keeps the element of surprise but is still within a list of items I’d buy.

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• #5Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  Great to know! I’ve seen their ads but haven’t tried them yet. I also want to buy a sweater from Johnstons of Elgin, but that’s one I have to save for. I have some socks and knitwear from them and am in love.

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• #6Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  Johnstons of Elgin is best combination of quality and cost I have come across 

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• #7Nov 2, 2025

  Cashmere Wrap Recommendations

  I have a Johnstons of Elgin cashmere scarf that’s 9 years old that I love. It’s nice and big, soft and has a great pattern. William Lockie, Begg and Colhays are other solid options. Don’t buy Quince or the other DTC Instagram garbage brands. If it’s under $300-400, it’s probably not very good cashmere.  If that’s your budget, a vintage cashmere scarf from the brands I mentioned or Pringle will be far better. Or find something at Ralph Lauren on sale. 

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• #8Jun 12, 2025

  Are there any good brands made or produced in the West?

  Brands from Europe, Private White VC - All made in Manchester, UK. Johnstons of Elgin - Scotland (mostly cashmere). Sunspel made in England, Portugal and Turkey, Mr Marvis made in Portugal Black Horse Lane Ateliers, Gloverall, APC, there are loads of great brands made in Europe, Just need to look a little beyond the mass market mainstream, take a look on End Clothing etc. The brands you mentioned are outdoor clothing brands which actively support having them made in places like Vietnam, these are not your usual unethical sweatshops (Fjallraven is generally bombproof and good quality) they are technical functional garments and are different to high quality clothing brands which are more about natural materials, style and cut, evening wear etc. Obviously expect to pay a bit more for handmade items, however they should last longer (if looked after and washed correctly) plus there's nothing like wearing a natural fabric with a fit and cut that looks effortless.

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• #9Jan 7, 2025

  Anyone have experience with Aran wool sweaters?

  They make good stuffs, but they've also been trying to creep upmarket based on the price increases and from what I've heard from some retailers who carry them. Makes sense, considering the limited output capacity of their relatively small workshop. Check out other knitwear makers, especially the Scottish ones, they're generally very solid, and occasionally discounted too at retailers. There are only a few Scottish knitwear manufacturers operating today so if you find a made in Scotland sweater at a good price, it's likely a good deal regardless of brand. William Lockie is a good one, occasionally discounted under different labels they make for (Drake's, The Armoury), Colhay's is also good value but never discounted, Private White VC regularly discounts their knitwear (made by Johnstons of Elgin) at the end of the seasons.

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