How To Wear: The Fair Isle Sweater

The Origin of the Fair Isle Sweater

The Fair Isle patterned knitwear developed in the early 19th century in Scottish fishermen's caps and jumpers. This pattern uses bands of geometric designs and was invented on and named after Fair Isle, a tiny island in the north of Scotland, that forms part of the Shetland islands.

Fair Isle sweaters were originally made from undyed wool, so they came in various shades of brown and grey. Nowadays they’re mostly recognized for their very colorful patterning.

The highly-patterned knitwear became known world wide after the Prince of Wales wore a jumper while playing golf at St. Andrews in 1922.

How to Wear the Fair Isle Sweater

Fair Isle is a traditional pattern so in order to pull it off you want to spice it up a little, wear it in a different way.

If the sweater feels overwhelming, play it safe and pair it with solid items in neutral colors.

If you're feeling bold, you can dare to pair fair isle with a clashing print on bottom or accessories.

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