About
Scott-Nichol
https://www.pantherella.com/eu/scott-nichol
Scott-Nichol’s
ancestors have been associated with wool production for over six hundred years.
This depth of heritage and textile expertise are the foundation of every
Scott-Nichol sock.
The company was originally founded in the
1930s by John Scott-Nichol and established in Factory Street, Shepshed, on the
edge of the Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, England.
In 2006 the brand was acquired by the Hall
family who have been involved with the manufacture of socks in Leicestershire
since ‘Honest John’ Hall started making hosiery in 1882.
Since 2006 all Scott-Nichol socks have been
made in our family owned factory on Hallaton Street in Leicester, England, the
home of the iconic Pantherella Fine English Sock brand.
Scott-Nichol Socks
Scott-Nichol
source outstanding natural fibres to create unique and distinctive hosiery.
Each carefully hand finished collection of socks are renowned for their
unrivalled comfort and durability in more ‘active’ situations, making them the
perfect companion for country retreats and outdoor escapades.
Scott-Nichol Wool socks are knitted from a
blend of warm virgin wool taken from a sheep’s first shearing, with a touch of
nylon for added fit and longevity.
Scott-Nichol Soft Cotton socks are knitted
from a blend of super-soft ringspun cotton, with a touch of nylon for added
durability and a snug fit.
The history of UK sock manufacturer Pantherella
Kate Hills|
https://makeitbritish.co.uk/british-designer-interviews/uk-sock-manufacturer-pantherella/
We chat to
Justin Hall, chief executive of UK sock manufacturer Pantherella about their
long history, their Leicester factory and their exciting future
Pantherella
are a world renowned brand manufacturing fine English socks and hosiery from
their Leicester factory. Their original philosophy of ‘Provenance, Design &
Quality’ still rings true today. Although their brand has grown hugely, they
have insisted on keeping their production in Leicester, making them one of the
last UK sock manufacturers. We asked Chief Executive, Justin Hall to talk us
through the company’s extensive history and plans for the future.
Pantherella
started off as Midland Hosiery Mills in 1937 before becoming Pantherella in
1945. What is the meaning behind the name Pantherella?
We have
some original packaging for our men’s socks which is branded ‘Panther’ but (
for some reason, lost in the mists of time we’re afraid!) the company adopted
the name, ‘Pantherella’ when it was registered in 1945.
Pantherella
workers have always had specialist knowledge, skills and uncompromising
attention to detail.
The brand
moved from women’s hosiery in 1937 to men’s socks in 1945. You ceased
production of women’s socks in 1952 but started making them again in 2005. Can
you tell us a bit about the changes at the time that lead to these decisions?
The initial
success of the men’s brand, in both UK stores, such as Harrods and Selfridges,
and also internationally, dwarfed the women’s range and a decision was taken to
stop production. In 2005 we started again due to demand from our stockists (and
their customers) for a women’s version of our classic men’s ‘Waddington’
cashmere sock. Our ‘Tabitha’ cashmere socks remain one of our most popular
styles.
Pantherella
has remained in their Leicester factory since 1937 despite huge expansion of
the brand. How has this been achievable?
Pantherella
has always been based in Hallaton Street, Leicester, however in the very early
1960s we moved from a small site, to a much larger site opposite. In the
subsequent 50+ years we have gradually expanded and added to this site,
resulting in a very characterful building which is still adapting to our changing
needs to this day.
Has
Pantherella ever been tempted/pressured to move their manufacturing away from
the UK?
No. British
labour isn’t cheap, but the historical knowledge of this local Leicester trade
is priceless. We don’t think that foreign factories would be able to match the
Pantherella workers specialist knowledge, skills and uncompromising attention
to detail, or cater for short, bespoke runs that make our ranges unique and
appealing to our customers.
We recently
visited the Tower Mill, where Fine English Cottons will be bringing cotton
spinning back to the UK. Would
Pantherella consider producing a range in the future that is made from 100% UK
spun cotton as well as being manufactured here in the UK?
A majority
of Pantherella socks are knitted from very fine, high quality Egyptian
extra-long staple mercerised and gassed cotton which we source from an Italian
mill with an extensive colour palette. If we could match this level of quality
and choice from a UK supplier then we would love to make a completely English
sock.
What is
next for Pantherella?
Online we
can offer the widest collection of luxury socks made from the finest quality
yarns in the world. Our website, www.pantherella.com is going from strength to
strength in the UK with increasing month on month sales. We recently launched
our US ecommerce site so we will be looking to grow our online customer base in
the US and in time, have more country-specific ecommerce sites.
To find out
more about Pantherella click here or to treat yourself to one of their products
visit them at www.pantherella.com
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