Who started it?
Founded in 1815 by Robert Pringle, Pringle of Scotland originally manufactured hosiery and underwear.
In the early 1900s, the company began distributing throughout Europe and Japan. It also introduced the concept of knitwear to be worn as outerwear, and developed the intarsia design, which is the brand's signature Argyle pattern. The style was worn by royalty and the aristocracy, including the Duke of Windsor in the 1920s.
In the 40s, Pringle created the twinset, which started to appear at high society parties teamed with a single string of pearls. Pink cashmere for men followed and was favoured by celebrities such as Noel Coward.
In 1948, the company was awarded its first royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth, and again in 1956 by Queen Elizabeth II.
By the 1950s, Pringle had become a favourite among Hollywood celebrities, including Jean Simmons, Deborah Kerr, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Margot Fonteyn, who were dubbed the 'sweater girls'.