Fair Isle sweaters to keep the cold at bay

By Sarah Finnan
20th Jan 2023

@princeandprincessofwales

Fair Isle sweaters to keep the cold at bay

Keep cosy and carry on.

Hey guys, in case you didn’t know, it’s freezing outside… Baltic in fact.

In my mind, winter ends as soon as the last of the Christmas wrapping is swept up. Sadly, such is not the case and temperatures have only dropped here in recent days – if the frost (snow, in parts!) didn’t tip you off, then your colleague’s rosy cheeks or the fact that you can actually see your breath probably did.

As a perennially cold person, layers are – and always have been – my best friend. I’ve learned the importance of planning for every eventuality (particularly where the Irish weather is concerned) and I think it’s fair to say, I’ve perfected the art of dressing like an onion. For those of you who have to leave the house today (sigh), I advise doing the same.

I’m afraid it’s not sexy, but the formula is as follows; on top – vest, long-sleeved top, jumper (usually an Aran knit or a Fair Isle sweater), coat, scarf, hat, gloves. On bottom – thermal leggings, knee-high ski socks, trousers, shoes. As I said, it’s not sexy, but it’s effective.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to add a Fair Isle sweater to your wardrobe, then consider this it. A style of jumper characterised by a very specific knitwear pattern, Fair Isle sweaters are so-named after an island in Shetland where the design began in the early 19th century as a pattern for fishermen’s caps and sweaters.

Relying on a restricted palette of around four or five colours (at least in its most traditional form), it’s become synonymous with après-ski dressing… making it the perfect choice when it’s cold out.

Below are some of our current favourites.