Howies

Im probably a little bit old for Howies these days. I wear shoes more than I do trainers, my jeans aren't as baggy as they once were, and you're more likely to find me on the sofa watching Question Time than mountain biking down a ravine, or 'pulling a gnarly kickflip' (you see, even just typing that made me feel like my dad).

But, Howies do sell some nice stuff. Their regular 'T-Shirt of the Week' is always worth a look, and they have some pretty nice (not too baggy) jeans.

Next time I'm planning to go white water rafting with by bro's in South America somewhre I'll be sure to stop off here first.

Sad that Howies has become part of the Timberland/Smartwool empire. I hate it when a great independent company has to sell out. Their merino stuff isn’t made in New Zealand anymore, and no idea where their other stuff is made. The original owners can’t have much control any more and the gear certainly isnt as good as it was. Most of the big companies get their stuff made in China so if Howies stuff is made there too its bye-bye to ethically made and environmentally-friendly! I only know of three independents now -all selling on-line only, Embers, Chocolate Fish and D&C, and of these only Choclate Fish guarantees ALL their gear is New Zealand-made. I buy from them now instead.

Superb ethical company from the welsh valleys that has grown to have cult status in the UK. They produce clothes that are fairtrade, organic cotton, and using merino wool to make clothes that are sexy and stylish as well as produced ethically.

They’re catalogues are great and well thought out and collectable in they’re own right. One of the only companies I will pay good money to get clothes from.

Great little store on Carnaby St!

I LOVE this place!! The best t-shirts in the world. Well maybe not he world, but they are pretty damn good. If you sign up to their newsletter they send you a t-shirt of the week, which are always really funny. I just bought a Boom & Bust one, let’s hope I don’t run into any bankers. The wonderful thing about Howies is that not only are the clothes fantastic - always well made, soft, great colours etc - but this shop is totally full of clothes with a conscience. Everything is organic cotton, so it not only looks good and feels nice, but you know it’s ethical and doing some good too. Amazing jeans, cool jumpers, quite outdoorsy wear but fashionable too. Can’t rate this place high enough.

I adore Howies and have been a fan of the goods since they started.

This is their only retail unit. The ethical company makes everything in Wales and even when shooting modelling sessions abroad, they chose to send the clothes and not a plane load of people (carbon footprint).

Their clothes are very good quality and as reviewed before are available for all ages and sexes. The styles make them ideal as every day wear but the hard wearing street wear and skate wear is great for the extreme sports enthusiast.

Everything we have purchased from Howies has lasted far longer than from traditional high street stores.

The store in Carnaby Street is compact but it’s a great place to browse, to try on the clothes (which you obviously cannot do via mail order) as well as picking up a catalogue or checking out the weekly t shirt design.

In amongst all the big brand names and global companies it is refreshing to see this small brand fighting amongst the big boys in Carnaby Street.

If you like your fashion eco and don’t like to sacrifice style in lieu of conscience, get your holier-than-thou ass down to Howies.

Howies is like the American skater brand that grew up, started thinking and realised it wanted to wear colour, and jeans nearer to its waistline. A great store that’s perfect for stocking up on t-shirts, buying super jumpers as Christmas presents or ideal just for a fun look around: there’s usually something cute to look at or something inspiring to read.

The brand also make womenswear and babywear - aww.