Some collaborations feel inevitable—like they were always meant to happen. The partnership between Christys' Hats and Johnstons of Elgin is one of those rare alignments: two heritage brands, each at the top of their craft, coming together to create something genuinely special.
While this particular collection is no longer available, its story—and what it represents—still matters. And more importantly, it directly informs what Christys’ is doing today.
A Collaboration Rooted in Centuries of Expertise
Between them, Christys’ and Johnstons of Elgin share more than 475 years of craftsmanship. That’s not just a number—it’s generations of refinement, experimentation, and a deep commitment to doing things properly.
- Christys’ Hats has been shaping headwear since 1773
- Johnstons of Elgin, founded in 1797, is globally respected for luxury fibres, especially cashmere
This collaboration wasn’t about marketing—it was about combining two genuine specialists.
Why Cashmere Changed the Game
At the heart of the collection was one defining material: cashmere, woven in Johnstons’ own Scottish mills.
That level of control is rare—and it showed in the final product:
- A noticeably softer hand feel
- Natural warmth without bulk
- Long-term durability when cared for properly
These weren’t just caps you wore—they were caps you kept.
Made in England, the Right Way
Once woven in Scotland, the fabric travelled to Christys’ factory in Oxfordshire, where each cap was cut and constructed.
This is where heritage becomes tangible.
Traditional hat-making techniques—refined over decades—were used to shape and finish every piece. It’s a process that values precision, but still relies on human skill at every stage.
Scottish textile expertise met English craftsmanship.
What Made This Collection Stand Out
Even now, it’s worth understanding why this collaboration resonated:
Authenticity
Both brands stayed firmly in their lane—and did what they do best.
Material Integrity
Luxury fibres, properly sourced and woven, make all the difference.
Timeless Design
These were never trend-led pieces. They were built to last.
True British Provenance
From fibre to finished cap, everything happened here in the UK.
From Then to Now: The Evolution of Christys’
Although the Christys’ x Johnstons of Elgin collection is no longer in stock, it set a clear benchmark—one that continues to shape what Christys’ stands for today.
If anything, it sharpened the focus:
- Keep production close to home
- Prioritise quality materials
- Invest in craftsmanship over shortcuts
That thinking has directly led to the launch of the Made in England collection.
Introducing the Made in England Collection
If you liked the ethos behind the Johnstons collaboration, this is where things get interesting.
The new Made in England range builds on the same principles:
- Crafted in Christys’ Oxfordshire factory
- Designed with longevity in mind
- Rooted in traditional British hat-making
It may not use the exact same cashmere fabrics, but the philosophy hasn’t changed—in many ways, it’s become even more focused.
This collection isn’t about a one-off collaboration.
It’s about doubling down on what Christys’ does best.
Why This Is Worth Your Attention
If you’re someone who appreciated the original collaboration, here’s the honest takeaway:
You’re not losing that standard—you’re seeing it evolve.
The Made in England collection offers:
- The same commitment to craftsmanship
- Greater consistency across styles
- A long-term direction rather than a limited run
In short, it’s less about a moment—and more about a mission.
Final Thought
The collaboration between Christys' Hats and Johnstons of Elgin showed what’s possible when two heritage brands work without compromise.
But the real story doesn’t end there.
It continues in the Made in England collection—where those same values are no longer limited to a collaboration, but built into every piece.
If you’re looking for something that carries that level of thought, care, and craftsmanship, that’s where you’ll want to look next.
