Fairisle Jumpers:
Knitwear with a rich history
The traditional Fairisle knitwear that’s made with love
& loved by the Royals
The classic Fairisle pattern is a fashion statement that will stand the test of time - and no, it’s not just preserved for the festive period.
Whether you are heading out for a long walk on a winter’s day or reading the newspaper by the fire, we have the perfect style for you. Take a look at our exclusive collection below for inspiration…
Chestnut Fairisle Jumper
. This autumnal-toned Chestnut Shetland Fairisle Crew Neck Sweater features neutral earthy browns which make it perfectly stylish for every season.
This jumper is also available in a matching Chestnut Shetland Fairisle Cardigan and can be bought separately or worn together to beat the coldest of days. Knitted from pure natural wool, the jumper has a drop shoulder style with crew neck that would pair smartly with our pure cotton polo neck and corduroy trousers, or worn simply with a cotton and wool blend shirt for the ultimate warmth and comfort.
Navy Fairisle Jumper
Our popular Navy Shetland Fairisle Crew Neck Sweater has a navy base with accents of burgundy and teal running through to compliment the pattern. Made from 100% natural wool, it has a ribbed cuff and collar with a crew neck and drop shoulder for a traditional outdoor look. The deep eye-catching colours in this jumper are designed to partner with an array of garments in our collection and make a great staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe for those chilly days.
Natural Fairisle Jumper
The Green Shetland Fairisle Crew Neck Sweater takes on a traditional look that never goes out of style. The relaxed fit, rib detail and drop shoulders make this men’s sweater the perfect choice for long autumnal evenings and cold winter days. The classic colour combination of earthy tones, neutral shades and accents of cream allow this particular jumper to suit any occasion and complement many other garments from our menswear collection.
Grey Fairisle Jumper
Blue Fairisle Jumper
Made from pure natural wool, this classic Blue Shetland Fairisle Crew Neck Sweater brings a splash of traditional blue colour to your wardrobe. Entwined with navy and grey tones in the classic Fairisle pattern, this drop shoulder jumper has a relaxed fit that you'll find yourself turning to again and again throughout the year. These look great teamed with navy needlecord trousers!
Burgundy Mix Fairisle Jumper
The traditional Burgundy Mix Shetland Fairisle Crew Neck Sweater has a classic design with a mix of burgundy, green and cream woven through its pattern. It benefits from a thick, ribbed collar as well as ribbed cuffs and hems for added style. Perfect for layering and coordinating with many other garments, this cosy knitted men’s jumper can be worn over shirts to provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially during chilly winter weather.
It would be difficult to find a more traditional staple for any man’s wardrobe. Not only do Fairisle jumpers for men stand the test of time in terms of style, but with the right care, it can last for many years to come. It pairs well with a multitude of trousers from cotton chinos to corduroys, but also with country shirts or comfortable polos alike.
FAQs
What is a Fairisle pattern?
A knitwear pattern created and woven traditionally on the Fair Isle in Shetland. It has a distinctive geometric pattern of multiple coloured wools, usually knitted in a traditional colour palette of natural tones.
What is Fairisle knitwear?
Fairisle fabric is wool that’s woven into geometric shapes in multiple colours, using a traditional knitting technique to embed multiple colours in its distinctive pattern.
The iconic pattern originates from an island in Shetland called Fair Isle and is predominantly seen on knitwear for both men and women, such as jumpers, sweaters and cardigans.
When should you wear a Fairisle sweater?
Due to its timeless pattern, you can wear a Fairisle sweater at any time of year but, as a woollen garment, it would make the ideal sweater for the colder seasons.Where is Fairisle knitwear from?
The knitwear originate from a small island in Shetland called Fair Isle, situated to the north of Scotland in the UK. Why not have a look at the beautiful Fair Isle in Shetland?Did the Royals make the Fairisle Jumpers popular?
The Fairisle design have long been a favourite of the Royal Family.
The Fairisle pattern significantly grew in popularity in the 1920s when the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) had the 'The Prince of Wales Fair Isle V-neck jumper' knitted and gifted to him by James A Smith, a Shetland hosiery dealer. He was an avid wearer of the Fairisle pattern, particularly on the golf course, and his love for this iconic pattern is said to have started the fashion for Fair Isle knitwear.
Many other Royals have since been spotted wearing Fairisle knitwear. For example, Princess Diana was known to wear multicoloured Fairisle knitwear, and Princess Charlotte wore a yellow Fairisle cardigan in her second birthday photos.
The current Princess of Wales, formerly Duchess of Cambridge, also sported a traditional Fairisle knitted jumper when reading a children’s story on a CBeebies Bedtime Stories television programme. More recently, she was captured in a video shared by Kensington Palace decorating a Christmas tree in a festive Fairisle turtleneck sweater.
What is the history of Fairlisle jumpers?
The traditional Fair Isle knitting pattern consists of two colours that are used in each row, usually with four colours used throughout the whole garment.
The design goes back to the early 1800s as a pattern for fishermen’s caps and sweaters, using the natural colours of the Shetland sheep. These yarns were dyed to make deep colours to create complex and beautiful knitting patterns that are recognisable today as the Fairisle pattern.
The distinctive motifs of this Shetland knitwear became a fashion trend, often associated with sporting pursuits such as golf. Before long, the jumper made its way to the mainland and has continued to grow in popularity since.
Are Fairisle sweaters only for Christmas?
Although the iconic Fairisle pattern makes a strong appearance around the Christmas holidays, the jumper is in style all year round.
Men's Fairisle sweaters can be worn anytime but as they are woven from natural wool, they are a particularly excellent garment to keep warm in cooler seasons.
