The company was founded as The Hawick Hosiery Company in 1874. A mill was opened on Duke Street, Hawick. As of 2022, the company still produces knitwear in the same location. It was originally a wholesale manufacturer, mainly supplying department stores like Harrods, Jenners, and Harvey Nichols. The Hawico brand was established in the early years of the company as a trade name for consumers.[1][2][3]
In 1991, the mill was bought by Jim Thomson and David Sanderson, who started The Hawick Cashmere Company.[2][3] In 1995, it received the British Apparel Export Award.[3]
The first dedicated store was opened in 1995 in Harrogate, England. Since then, other stores have been opened in Stow-on-the-Wold, Villars, Edinburgh, Geneva, Baden-Baden, St Moritz, Beaver Creek, Tokyo, London, Zurich, Milan, and Sylt. Garments are sold under the name Hawico in Europe, and as Hawick Cashmere in Japan and the United States.[3]