In the far northeast of Scotland, where the North Sea meets the rugged coast, Harley of Scotland has been knitting sweaters since 1929. Founded by Peter Harley Buchan in the fishing town of Peterhead, the brand grew out of a regional craft—hand-knitted garments built to endure cold, wet conditions. What began as a small family workshop became one of Scotland’s most respected knitwear mills, known for its uncompromising approach to quality, natural fibers, and quiet innovation.

Nearly a century later Line of Trade has partnered with the founder's family who still produce every sweater on Harley's original site. Their reputation rests on an uncommon balance: traditional technique, forward-thinking engineering, and an enduring respect for the wool that started it all.

Heritage, Evolved

Harley of Scotland’s heritage lies in its commitment to making things the right way. The factory’s signature method—whole-garment knitting—creates sweaters without side seams, reducing waste while improving comfort and durability. Each piece is knit in one continuous motion, giving it a smooth, natural drape that moves with the wearer. Their preferred material, 100% Shetland wool, is sourced from nearby mills in Aberdeenshire. It’s known for its resilience, breathability, and natural insulation—qualities that have made it a Scottish staple for generations. A final brushed finish softens the surface, lending the knit its signature hand-feel: robust yet refined. This combination of place, process, and purpose is what drew Line of Trade to collaborate with Harley for Fall/Winter 2025. We wanted to create a sweater that embodied the best of both worlds: Scottish craft and modern American utility.

The Collaboration

For this limited run, we worked directly with Harley’s team to develop a custom Shetland Crew—made entirely in Scotland, designed exclusively for Line of Trade. We started with Harley’s time-tested silhouette and adapted the details to fit our aesthetic. The result is a piece built on classic structure but refined for daily wear: raglan sleeves for natural movement, ribbed trims for shape retention, and a balanced fit that layers cleanly under outerwear. Each sweater is knit from pure Shetland wool in a curated color palette drawn from the season’s landscapes.

This is the kind of garment that earns its place over time. It’s not about trends or logos. It’s about material integrity, thoughtful design, and the trust that comes from generations of doing one thing exceptionally well.

Quality Matters

For Line of Trade, collaborations like this are never about novelty. They’re about shared principles: respect for craft, honest materials, and a belief that quality speaks for itself. Working with Harley of Scotland meant connecting with a maker whose process has remained purposefully small, sustainably managed, and deeply tied to place. The result is a sweater that carries that heritage forward—made the same way it’s been made for decades, yet designed to live comfortably in the modern wardrobe.

The Line of Trade × Harley of Scotland Shetland Crew is a study in enduring craftsmanship: local wool, seamless construction, and timeless design. Every stitch carries a piece of Scottish knitwear history—refined through nearly a century of practice, made relevant through considered design. For those who value craft and longevity, it’s a piece worth knowing, wearing, and keeping.

Shop the rest of Line of Trade's Fall Winter 2025 Collection.

A Century of Craft