Our story
Niao is a Northern Irish label rooted in natural fibres, slow craft, and thoughtful design. We’re passionate about people, nature, artistry; and finding cosiness and joy in the little things. Every piece is made with care, from the yarns we source to the makers we trust — crafting knitwear that is made to be handed down for generations.
Our knitwear begins with the finest natural fibres; all selected for their softness, strength, and sustainability. We work closely with skilled artisans, whose expertise and attention to detail ensure that every piece is crafted to last. By championing slow production, we honour the tradition of knitwear while shaping a more thoughtful future.
Niao was born from a woollen cardigan passed down to our founder by her grandfather. A piece that carries both comfort and memory; and the presence of those we love. Here at Niao, we see knitwear as more than clothing; it’s comfort, artistry, and memory woven together. Each edition celebrates a new chapter and moment in time, designed to bring cosy happiness today and to be cherished tomorrow. Our promise is simple: to create pieces that feel as good to wear as they do to pass down.
Listen to more about our founding story here.
Our why
We are passionate about people, nature, artistry and getting lost finding the little joys in life.
"At Niao, we believe true luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about time. Time to source the finest natural fibres. Time for skilled makers to perfect every stitch. Time to create pieces designed not for seasons, but for lifetimes. To us, luxury is care, patience, and artistry you can feel in every edition."
Niaobh Beatty - founder of Niao
Inspiration
Each piece begins with a moment of inspiration; an old family photograph, beauty in the garden, or a handed down piece of clothing. A feeling of joy or nostalgia we want to recreate.
These moments become our creative compass, guiding each season’s mood, colour palette, and purpose. We believe great design starts with curiosity and connection; to memory, the natural world, and to the little joys that often go unnoticed.
This slow, intuitive approach allows us to build pieces that feel personal and special ... knitwear you’ll want to live in for years, not just a season.
Design
We approach design as both an art and a craft. Each silhouette is imagined with intention, then refined through tactile exploration; sketching by hand, sampling yarns, and shaping pieces with precision.
Our founder collaborates directly with skilled local knitters to bring every detail to life, from stitch texture to fit and drape. By keeping design and development in-house, we cut out inflated markups and focus on what really matters: producing timeless, versatile garments that feel elevated yet effortless.
Our knitwear isn’t trend-led; it’s rooted in quality, designed to be worn, loved, and passed on.
sustainable and ethical
Production
To us, luxury means knowing exactly where and how something is made. That’s why every piece is crafted in limited runs at family-run workshops in the UK and Northern Ireland, where heritage techniques meet contemporary craftsmanship.
We use only natural, traceable fibres; materials chosen for their softness, longevity, and lower environmental impact.
Our partners are artisans who share our commitment to sustainability, ethics, and excellence. With slow production and attention to detail at every stage, we create garments that stand the test of time.
Championing community and paying it forward
Our brand is about more than beautiful things, it’s about creating a community and giving back to the causes we all care about most. We are tightly aligned to charities close to our hearts, and we embed our social and environmental impact into everything we do.