A heritage of warmth in Orkney
There’s a reason generations of islanders have trusted wool to keep out the chill. On a windswept Orkney evening, wrapping up in a cosy wool jumper isn’t just about staying warm - it’s about carrying forward a heritage of comfort and care.
Hume Sweet Hume’s story itself began on the Orkney Isles in 1997, when sisters Lizza and Jenna Hume started handcrafting knitwear inspired by their remote island home. Nearly three decades on, our family-run business (now joined by the next generation of Humes) continues to champion the timeless tradition of wool, proving that natural warmth and sustainability never go out of style.
Our brand’s authentic, artisanal, family-oriented ethos is woven into every piece, reflecting values of craftsmanship, community, and respect for nature. When you wear a Hume Sweet Hume garment, you’re not just wearing a product - you’re wrapping yourself in a piece of Orkney’s history and heart.
Natural warmth and breathability of wool
Step outside on a frosty morning and you’ll immediately feel why wool stands out as the ultimate cold-weather fabric. Wool’s natural fibers create millions of tiny air pockets that trap heat, acting as an insulating barrier against the cold.
This means a well-knitted woollen jumper can keep you exceptionally warm even when temperatures plummet. In fact, studies have confirmed that certain wool, like traditional Icelandic wool, is warmer than both cotton and polyester - a testament to wool’s superior insulation. 
Importantly, wool doesn’t just keep you warm; it keeps you comfortably warm. The fibers actively absorb and release moisture vapour, a process that generates heat as moisture is absorbed, yet also allows wool to “breathe” so you never overheat. Unlike stuffy synthetics, wool regulates your body temperature, wicking away sweat and preventing that clammy feeling during activity.
Even if you get caught in a drizzle or build up a bit of sweat, wool can still insulate when damp - a lifesaver in cold, wet climates. This means you stay warm but not sweaty, snug but not stifled. It’s no wonder that from Orkney fishermen of old to modern outdoor adventurers, wool has been the trusted companion for braving the cold.
Why wool is so sustainable
Wool isn’t just a performer in cold weather - it’s also a winner when it comes to sustainability. As a natural animal fiber, wool is renewable, biodegradable, and part of nature’s cycle. Each year, sheep grow a new fleece, meaning wool is a renewable resource (a single sheep’s annual fleece can yield enough wool for a jumper). 
When a wool product does reach the end of its long life, it will biodegrade and return to the earth rather than lingering for centuries in a landfill.
In soil or water, wool fibers (made of keratin, like human hair) are broken down by microbes, leaving no permanent pollution.
Handcrafted sustainability at Hume Sweet Hume
For Hume Sweet Hume, sustainability isn’t a buzzword - it’s at the heart of how our knitwear is made. Every wool garment from HSH carries a story of ethical craftsmanship from start to finish. It begins in the yarn: we use natural, luxury yarns sourced from UK-based woollen spinners, selecting only the finest quality fibers. (We even ensure special fibers like angora are sourced through responsible schemes that guarantee animal welfare, so you can stay warm with peace of mind.) Instead of mass-producing in anonymous factories, we take a cottage industry approach.
From our workshop on Westray (one of Orkney’s northern isles), yarn cones are distributed to a small team of outworkers across Orkney - skilled knitters on Westray and the Orkney mainland who work from their homes. 
Each piece is lovingly knitted by hand on domestic knitting machines, passing through the hands of two or three local artisans who each contribute their expertise to different stages of the process. One person might carefully knit the panels, another might join (link) the seams, and another adds finishing touches by hand. The knitwear then returns to the Westray workshop to be finished, checked, washed, and prepared for its new home.
This collaborative, community-based production means that every jumper or poncho is not only made to high standards, but made with respect - supporting local livelihoods and keeping traditional skills alive.
Crucially, Hume Sweet Hume’s production model is intentionally small-batch and made-to-order. Fast fashion churns out mountains of excess stock that often end up as waste; HSH does the opposite. Most online orders are knitted up after you order, or as part of a very limited batch, ensuring there’s minimal overproduction.
This thoughtful approach keeps wastage to an absolute minimum and makes each item feel even more special - it’s crafted just for you. It’s a slower, more sustainable way of fashion that aligns with the slow rhythms of Orkney life.
Hume Sweet Hume also designs with longevity in mind.
Wool, by its nature, is incredibly durable - its elastic fibers can bend tens of thousands of times without breaking– so a well-cared-for wool garment can literally last a lifetime. HSH’s quality craftsmanship enhances that durability, producing pieces that can be worn for years and even passed down, not quickly discarded. In a world of throwaway clothing, they like to create knitwear that is meant to be kept, treasured, and worn on countless winter days. This is sustainability through longevity and quality.
Explore Hume Sweet Hume’s knitwear collection
Wool has kept humans warm for centuries, and today it’s at the heart of a more sustainable, conscious way of dressing for cold climates. If you’re looking to stay cosy this winter without compromising your values, Hume Sweet Hume’s knitwear offers the perfect solution.
Every item is a celebration of what authentic, sustainable fashion can be: warm, beautiful, built to last, and made with respect for both people and planet.
Now that you know why wool is the best sustainable fabric for keeping warm, we invite you to experience it for yourself. Explore our Hume Sweet Hume knitwear collection - from heritage-inspired ponchos and jumpers to all the woolly accessories you need to brave the cold. By choosing natural wool and artisanal craftsmanship, you’re not just purchasing a garment; you’re joining a community that believes in quality, sustainability, and the simple joy of a well-made woollen hug on a chilly day.
Embrace the warmth of wool and become a part of the Hume Sweet Hume story.
