If you want the best cashmere for your money in 2026, William Lockie is the top brand. You get thicker cashmere and a soft, rich feel. The cashmere is real and feels like true Scottish cashmere. Many people say their cashmere sweaters last many years. They wear them often and the sweaters still last. You can enjoy knitwear that mixes tradition and comfort. The talk about william lockie vs johnstons of elgin is important if you love fancy fabrics. It also matters if you want real Scottish knitwear that is a smart buy.
Key Takeaways
William Lockie makes thick and soft cashmere. It lasts for many years. This is good for people who want clothes that last a long time.
Johnstons of Elgin sells nice cashmere for less money. This is great for people who want to save money but still get real Scottish knitwear.
Both brands care about how they make their clothes. They use old ways to make sure you get real Scottish cashmere every time you buy.
Think about how much you pay each time you wear a sweater. If you buy William Lockie, you might save money later because it is strong.
Taking care of your cashmere is important. Wash it by hand and dry it flat. This keeps your cashmere nice and helps it last longer.
Quick Comparison: William Lockie vs Johnstons of Elgin
Quality and Value Overview
You might wonder which brand has the best cashmere. Let’s check the facts together. Both william lockie and johnstons of elgin care about quality. They use good cashmere and respect tradition. Sweaters from both brands feel soft. You get real Scottish knitwear that feels special.
Here’s a simple table to show the main differences:
Feature | Johnstons of Elgin | William Lockie |
|---|---|---|
Fiber Quality | Uses only the finest fibers for softness and warmth. | High-quality materials including cashmere and lambswool. |
Craftsmanship | Meticulous traditional methods ensure durability. | Precision manufacturing with a focus on luxury. |
Shape Retention | Sweaters keep their shape and resist pilling. | Customizable fit with a focus on classic style. |
Heritage | Represents Scottish heritage through craftsmanship. | Established in 1874, emphasizing tradition and community. |
Both brands use nice cashmere. Johnstons of Elgin picks the softest fibers. William Lockie uses great cashmere and sometimes adds lambswool for warmth. You can feel the difference when you touch their sweaters. William Lockie is better if you want thicker sweaters. Many people say their cashmere feels fancy and lasts longer.
Both brands care about tradition. Johnstons of Elgin shows Scottish heritage in every sweater. William Lockie has made Scottish knitwear since 1874. You get a sense of history with each sweater.
If you want value, think about how long your sweater lasts. William Lockie sweaters often keep their shape and softness for years. You can wear them many times and still enjoy the cashmere. Johnstons of Elgin sweaters are strong too, but some people say William Lockie’s cashmere lasts longer.
Price and Durability
Let’s talk about price and how long sweaters last. Both brands offer fair prices for luxury knitwear. Johnstons of Elgin usually costs less. You can buy their cashmere sweaters for a lower price. This is good if you want nice cashmere and don’t want to spend a lot.
William Lockie costs a bit more, but you get thicker cashmere and a classic fit. Many buyers think the extra money is worth it. You get a heavier sweater that lasts longer. If you want to spend money on high-quality cashmere, William Lockie gives you better value over time.
Think about durability too. Both brands use strong fibers and careful work. Johnstons of Elgin sweaters keep their shape and don’t pill easily. William Lockie focuses on luxury and a fit that stays nice after many washes. You can trust both brands, but William Lockie often wins for lasting quality.
Tip: If you want a thick, soft sweater that lasts for years, William Lockie is the better choice. If you want a good price and real Scottish cashmere, Johnstons of Elgin is a smart pick.
When you compare william lockie vs johnstons of elgin, you see two brands that care about quality, price, and tradition. You get great sweaters from both, but William Lockie stands out for people who want the best value and the richest cashmere.
Cashmere Quality Breakdown
Fiber Sourcing & Grading
When you look at the cashmere industry, you see that both William Lockie and Johnstons of Elgin care about where their cashmere fiber comes from. They want the best for their sweaters. Most of the cashmere fiber used by these brands comes from Inner Mongolia. After the goats are combed, the fiber travels to China for auction. Spinners buy the best fibers at these auctions and send them to Scotland for cashmere production.
The cashmere itself usually comes from Inner Mongolia, where it’s then sent to China for auctioning, usually in Canton. The spinners then buy their fibers at those auction houses.
You might wonder how the grading works. Both brands use trusted sources, but they have their own ways of picking the best cashmere. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
Feature | Johnstons of Elgin | William Lockie |
|---|---|---|
Materials | Uses pure cashmere from trusted sources | Uses pure Scottish cashmere from trusted sources |
Craftsmanship | Skilled workers in Scotland, combines old and new | Skilled workers in Hawick, uses time-tested methods |
Heritage | Over 200 years of history | Over 140 years of history |
Price Range | $200 to $500 | $180 to $350 |
Style | Classic styles with strong materials | Classic styles that never go out of fashion |
You get a sense of tradition with both brands. William Lockie stands out if you want thicker sweaters and a classic style that never fades. Johnstons of Elgin also offers strong materials and a long history in the cashmere industry.
Spinning & Weaving
The way a brand spins and weaves cashmere fiber changes the final texture and quality of your sweater. William Lockie uses time-tested methods in Hawick. Their team spins the cashmere fiber slowly and carefully. This keeps the fibers strong and helps the sweater last longer. You feel the difference when you touch a William Lockie sweater. The texture feels rich and solid.
Johnstons of Elgin also uses skilled workers and a mix of old and new techniques. Their cashmere production process focuses on making sweaters that feel soft and smooth. They want you to enjoy a gentle touch every time you wear their knitwear.
If you care about the cashmere industry, you will notice that both brands keep their production in Scotland. This helps them control the quality and keep the tradition alive. You get real Scottish cashmere that feels special and lasts for years.
Softness & Longevity
You want your cashmere to feel soft, but you also want it to last. Some brands make their sweaters super soft by milling the cashmere a lot. This makes the texture fluffy, but it can also weaken the yarn. When the yarn gets weak, your sweater pills and loses its shape.
Modern cashmere is often heavily milled in order to achieve a fluffy, cloud softness, but this also weakens the yarn, which is what leads to pilling. This Lockie, in contrast, is made from pure cashmere, but feels more like regular wool, much like the old stock cashmeres I once handled at Cable Car Clothiers. That is, it’s soft, but not silky, fluffy, cloud soft like the stuff you might find in an Italian luxury house.
William Lockie takes a different path. Their sweaters feel soft, but not too fluffy. The texture is more like old-school cashmere. You get a sweater that feels rich and sturdy. Over time, the cashmere gets even better. It keeps its shape and stays soft, even after many wears and washes.
Johnstons of Elgin sweaters feel smooth and gentle right away. They use a process that gives you instant comfort. Their sweaters also last, but many people say William Lockie’s cashmere holds up better in the long run.
If you want a sweater that improves with age, William Lockie is the way to go. You get a piece of Scottish cashmere that feels like a true investment. The quality stands out, and the cashmere production methods make sure your sweater stays beautiful for years.
Value for Money: Scottish Cashmere
Price Points
When you shop for cashmere, you want to know what you get for your money. William Lockie sits at a higher price, but you get thick, rich cashmere sweaters that feel special. Johnstons of Elgin offers a lower price for their knitwear. You can find their cashmere at a good cost, especially if you look for sales. Both brands give you real Scottish cashmere, but the price difference stands out. If you want to spend less, Johnstons of Elgin is a smart choice. If you want the best quality and do not mind paying more, William Lockie is worth it.
Cost-per-Wear
You might wonder how much value you get from each sweater. Cost-per-wear helps you see the real value. Here is what users say:
Johnstons of Elgin has reasonable prices and great quality. Many people feel happy with the cost-per-wear.
Shoppers like Johnstons’ prices, especially during sales.
Some say Johnstons’ cashmere sweaters are worth the full price. Classic pieces can last for decades.
William Lockie sweaters cost more at first, but they last a long time. You can wear them for years. The cashmere gets softer and better with age. You pay more, but you get a sweater that stays in your closet for a long time. Both brands offer good value, but you need to think about how often you will wear your knitwear.
Warranty & Aftercare
Taking care of your cashmere is important. Both brands want you to enjoy your knitwear for many years. William Lockie and Johnstons of Elgin offer advice on washing and storing your sweaters. They suggest gentle hand washing and drying flat. Some stores give you a warranty for defects. You can ask about repairs if your cashmere has a problem. Good aftercare helps your Scottish knitwear last longer. When you follow the care tips, you protect your investment and enjoy the quality and durability of true cashmere.
Brand Reputation & Customer Experience
Heritage & Craftsmanship
When you look at Scottish knitwear, you see a long story behind every piece. William Lockie and Johnstons of Elgin both have deep roots in Scotland. You can feel the history in their sweaters. William Lockie started making cashmere in 1874. Their factory sits in Hawick, a town famous for knitwear. You get a sense of tradition with every stitch.
Johnstons of Elgin began even earlier, in 1797. Their mill stands by the River Lossie. They have made fabric for over 200 years. You might notice their focus on old methods. Skilled workers use time-tested tools. They care about every detail. Both companies want you to enjoy real Scottish cashmere. They use careful steps to keep the quality high.
Tip: If you love stories and tradition, you will enjoy learning about these brands. Their history adds something special to each sweater.
Customer Reviews
You probably want to know what other people think before you buy. Many shoppers talk about the feel and look of the sweaters. They say William Lockie sweaters feel thick and warm. Some people wear them for years. They notice the cashmere gets softer over time. You might like that your sweater keeps its shape and color.
Johnstons of Elgin also gets good reviews. People like the smooth texture. They say the sweaters look sharp and feel gentle on the skin. Some buyers mention that Johnstons offers a good price for real Scottish cashmere. You can find reviews that talk about the quality and comfort.
Here is a quick look at what customers say:
William Lockie: Lasts for years, feels rich, keeps shape.
Johnstons of Elgin: Soft, stylish, good value.
You can trust both brands to deliver quality. Your choice depends on what you want most—thickness, softness, or price.
Best Choice for Buyers
For Luxury Seekers
You want the best. You love the feel of real cashmere. William Lockie gives you that true luxury. Their knitwear feels thick and rich. When you wear their cashmere sweaters, you notice the difference right away. The fit feels classic. The texture feels special. You get a sweater that stands out in your closet. If you want to treat yourself, William Lockie is the top pick. You will enjoy every moment you wear their knitwear.
Tip: Choose William Lockie if you want a sweater that feels like a true luxury item.
For Value Shoppers
You want great knitwear, but you also care about price. Johnstons of Elgin gives you real Scottish cashmere at a lower cost. Their knitwear feels soft and smooth. You can find good deals, especially during sales. Many shoppers say Johnstons of Elgin offers the best price for cashmere sweaters. You get style and comfort without spending too much. If you want to save money and still enjoy quality, Johnstons of Elgin is a smart choice.
Johnstons of Elgin’s winter shawls saw a 31% sales jump in Northern Europe during the holidays.
Many buyers look for these deals to get more value from their knitwear.
For Long-Term Investment
You want knitwear that lasts. You want to wear your cashmere sweaters for years. William Lockie stands out for durability. Their cashmere gets softer with time. The sweaters keep their shape and color. You can trust these pieces to stay in style. If you want to invest in knitwear that holds up, William Lockie is the best choice. You will enjoy your sweater for many seasons.
Note: Both brands offer strong knitwear, but William Lockie wins for long-term value.
You want the best cashmere for your money in 2026. William Lockie stands out for the best cashmere value. Their sweaters feel thick and last for years. If you want luxury, pick William Lockie. If you want a good deal, Johnstons of Elgin gives you real Scottish cashmere at a lower price. Some buyers also look at brands like Quince and Everlane for affordable options. Think about what matters most to you—quality, price, or long-term wear. You can find the best cashmere when you balance value and comfort.
FAQ
How do I wash my cashmere sweater?
You should hand wash your cashmere in cold water. Use a gentle soap. Lay it flat to dry. Never hang it up. This keeps your sweater soft and helps it last longer.
Does William Lockie cashmere pill?
You might see some pilling at first. This is normal for real cashmere. Use a cashmere comb to remove pills. Over time, your sweater will pill less and feel even softer.
Is Johnstons of Elgin cashmere itchy?
No, Johnstons of Elgin cashmere feels smooth and gentle on your skin. Most people say it is not itchy. If you have very sensitive skin, try wearing a thin shirt under your sweater.
Which brand is warmer for winter?
William Lockie sweaters feel thicker and warmer. You will notice the extra warmth on cold days. Johnstons of Elgin sweaters are cozy too, but Lockie’s heavier knit gives you more heat.
