The Fair Isle Sweater
- Fall
- Outerwear
Brief History
Founded and used around the Shetland Isles in the mid 19th century, this knitting technique originated from the small island just north of Scotland, known as Fair Isle. Originally used for bartering essential goods, it became more than just a piece of outerwear. The Fair Isle Knit is produced with a range of about five colors, with only two colors used per row, which are then worked in the round and limit the length of a run of any particular color. Fair Isle patterned clothing became widely worn when the Prince of Wales, later to become Edward VIII was seen wearing Fair Isle sweater vests publicly in the early 1920s. Others refer to the term “Fair Isle” as any colorwork knitting in which stitching are knit alternately in many colors, with the unused colors knitted across the back of the garment. 
A young Michael Jackson stylishly sporting a Fair Isle sweater.
• Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater – Tommy Hilfiger*
• Tortoise Shell Horn Rim Glasses – Vintage
• Racer-Stripe Scarf – J. Crew
• Pinpoint Oxford Shirt – L.L. Bean Signature
• Wool Check Trouser – Vintage, Thrift
• Leather Wingtip Brogue Shoe – Florsheim, Vintage, Thrift
• Small Grip Bag – Dr. Martens
Video: One Scarf, Three Ways (in 30 seconds)One can feel awkward wearing a scarf uncomfortably and for some like myself it even can seem like expert origami. For those wanting to learn, as I was myself, here is a breakdown of a few stylish ways to tie a scarf. But regardless of how it’s tied, a scarf will serve it’s purpose and look great in both solids, stripes or even Fair Isle.
Details
Quite interesting are the kinds of memories a Fair Isle sweater can resurface. A gift from holiday’s past, or a generational hand-me-down. Each has their own story as to how one ended up in their closet. This crewneck sweater is a great piece of outerwear for the Fall season. I appreciate the sweater for the subtle Fair Isle knitting design. The subtlety is great in my humble opinion, since these types of sweaters can easily be overdone (see the sweater isle at any local thrift shop). Being tightly knit from authentic Shetland wool, I find it suitable for layering. The elbow patches are a touch of classic. But even with a sweater, a time may come when the neck needs more protection that what a shirt collar can bring. In this case I took to a wool striped scarf. Scarves make for a great addition to any Fall ensemble, while maintaining an aspect of layering and warmth.
Frame of Mind
Visiting a thrift shop is not only beneficial when looking for clothing, but one can even find other vintage accessories from music, to furnishing and dry goods. In my case, a pair of tortoise shell frames. Horn-rimmed frames remind me of those worn by classic stylish men, the likes of Jazz musician Miles Davis, to actors James Dean and Gregory Peck. And for pennies on the dollar, there was no issue purchasing. The canvas tote was courtesy of the good people at Dr. Martens. Well known for some great pieces of footwear, this bag is exceptional. It takes the interesting design of a vintage bowling bag and the leather handles are quite sturdy. Pinpoint oxford shirts are just about the standard all year around, and this particular color was a switch from my usual choices. It’s nice to own a few shirts of vibrant color.
8 Notes
Tom
November 15, 2011Another great post, UJ. You might want to think about putting a light grey box with 20% opacity behind those white links on the third image. It’ll help with readability.
Unyime
November 16, 2011Always appreciate your feedback. On a more technical note, I’ve fixed the issue. Thanks!
sasha
November 16, 2011i’ve never posted a comment since you moved over to this new blog, but today… i just felt compelled to tell you how wonderful i think you are!
my husband adores you and your style. in the most masculine way possible.
we appreciate good design. we can tell the amount of time you put in to each posts you do.
we definitely notice and appreciate the smallest details.
keep up the great work, UJ!
Unyime
November 16, 2011I can very well say this is one of the best comments I have received. I am glad you and your husband are onboard for the journey, give him my regards. I also had a look at your photography work Sasha and may I say your attention to detail is top notch! Hope to hear more from the both of you.
jenn
November 16, 2011i love the colors in this post. i wish i could have seen the oxford shirt without the sweater, but its okay because the sweater is beautiful! totally didn’t know about fair isle knitting btw, and i realized i have a sweater like that in my closet! oh, nice tortoise shell glasses also.
awesome post as always. keep it up
Robert
November 16, 2011Fantastic article! I remember these sweaters growing up but mine were never this cool!
mercedes
November 21, 2011great post!!! love it!
“Right on Target!” Look Spiffy in under $150 : Expressions Realia
December 16, 2011[...] puffer jacket was a fortunate clearance find. I especially like the contrasting corduroy collar. A Fair Isle patterened beanie is unique to the Winter/holiday [...]