Brands · 6 min
The 6 best Celtic heritage clothing brands in 2026
The Aran sweater, Hebridean tweed, tartan, Breton embroidery: the brands carrying Celtic clothing heritage, from Ireland to Brittany.
From Ireland to Brittany, the Celtic arc gave the world the Aran sweater, tweed and tartan. Here are the brands that live from it today. Folkovar is on the list, since we are the ones writing it.
Brands mentioned
1. Inis Meáin, Aran Islands knitwear
Founded in 1976 on the island of Inis Meáin, in the Aran Islands, by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile, the house started with 6 knitting machines and the island's young people, whose mothers hand-knitted for visitors. Its knitwear is now sold from New York to Tokyo.
2. Harris Tweed, the tweed of the Hebrides
More than a brand, a cloth protected by law: the Harris Tweed Act of 1993 requires it to be handwoven by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes, from virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. The Harris Tweed Authority's Orb, registered in 1909, guarantees it on the label.
3. Johnstons of Elgin, Scottish tweed and cashmere
Since 1797, on the banks of the Lossie, Johnstons of Elgin has woven cashmere and tweed. It is the only weaving mill in Scotland still doing everything on site, from carding to finished cloth, and the house made Scottish estate tweeds famous.
4. Le Minor, embroidered and knitted Brittany
Founded in 1936 in Pont-l'Abbé by Marie-Anne Le Minor to save Breton embroidery, the house now develops and makes all its pieces in its workshop in Guidel, Brittany, Breton tops first.
5. Armor Lux, the knitwear of Quimper
Founded in 1938 in Quimper by Walter Hubacher as Bonneterie d'Armor, the brand made its name with its Breton tops and its cotton and wool knitwear.
6. Folkovar, Aran cables and tartan on a balaclava
Folkovar has carried 2 Celtic patterns onto balaclavas: Morrigan, with Aran cables, and Caledon, with the Highland tartan knitted rather than woven. In 100% Portuguese cotton, knitted in the Ave valley, machine-washable, at €59 in pre-order.
How to choose?
- For an exceptional Aran sweater: Inis Meáin.
- For a tweed jacket or accessory: look for the Harris Tweed Orb, or Johnstons of Elgin tweed.
- For a Breton top: Le Minor or Armor Lux.
- For a Celtic pattern on a balaclava: Folkovar Morrigan or Caledon.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Irish and Scottish clothing brands?
Inis Meáin for Aran Islands knitwear, Harris Tweed for Hebridean tweed, Johnstons of Elgin for Scottish tweed and cashmere, and Folkovar for Aran-cable and tartan balaclavas.
How do you recognise genuine Harris Tweed?
By the Harris Tweed Authority's Orb on the label. The 1993 Act requires handweaving in the Outer Hebrides, with wool dyed and spun there.
Where can I buy a real Aran sweater?
Inis Meáin has knitted on the island of the same name, in the Aran Islands, since 1976.
Is there a balaclava with tartan or Aran cables?
Yes: Folkovar Caledon carries the Highland tartan, Folkovar Morrigan the Aran cables. 100% cotton, €59 in pre-order.
Which Breton brands still make in Brittany?
Le Minor makes all its pieces in its workshop in Guidel, Brittany. Armor Lux was born in Quimper in 1938.