Northweft Knitting Mills was founded with a singular purpose: to knit garments rugged enough for the Pacific Northwest's loggers, dockers, and motorcyclists, yet refined enough for collegiate varsity athletes and everyday life.
While the broader textile industry transitioned to overseas synthetics and disposable fast-fashion, Northweft chose to remain rooted in Portland, Oregon. We preserved our vintage flatbed knitting machines, maintaining an unbroken tradition of heavy-gauge virgin wool craftsmanship.
The core of every Northweft sweater is our signature 4-end knit. By simultaneously feeding four strands of 100% virgin worsted wool yarn into our vintage knitting beds, we achieve exceptional density and architectural structure. It shields against cold drafts, repels rain, and retains its shape year after year.
From 24 oz. Melton wool varsity jackets with top-grain steerhide leather sleeves to heavy 5.6 oz. cotton jersey tees, every piece carrying our label is cut and sewn in Portland by craftspeople earning fair wages in safe workshop conditions.
We do not design for seasons; we design for lifetimes. Every garment we manufacture is backed by our Lifetime Seam Repair Guarantee.