Sweaters are a staple for fall and winter, but there's a specific pattern that pays homage to the holiday season: Fair Isle. This technique is a "style of knitting, using different colors to create a pattern," says senior product designer at Orvis, Lea Kaufamn.
While the knitting pattern is mostly associated with the holidays and Christmas season, it's a technique originated in Fair Isle, a remote island north of Scotland. The classic pattern has been worn by royals, celebrities and fishermen. But what makes the geometric motif so unique is its intricate multi-colored design.
Fair Isle is also an ode to Nordic culture and hygge lifestyle, which makes the sweater more appealing during the cold-weather season. However, we shouldn't mistake this pattern for festive wear only. Fair isle sweaters can be worn year-round to add pizzazz to your casual pieces.
There are different styles and patterns which make a pattern, specifically, Fair Isle. Experts break down what a Fair Isle sweater is, how to style it and their favorite retailers to shop.
Editor-approved sweater$undefined$49.00
What is a Fair Isle sweater?
According to style expert Nicole Cassidy, Fair Isle represents a style that “incorporates a knitting technique that originated in Scotland and is used to create patterns with multiple colors."
She says, "Usually, these patterns are geometric and are placed all over the garment, on the neckline or hem. And they are not exclusively to one silhouette or yarn."
You can find Fair Isle sweaters made from cashmere, mohair, wool, cotton and more. You can also locate them in mass retailers and haute couture houses, explains Cassidy.
“The intricacies of the pattern or content or the gauge of the knitting will impact the price of the garment,” she shares.
Expert-approved Fair Isle sweaters
Cozy elements: J.Crew Fair Isle Johnny-Collar Sweater in Bouclé Yarn
- Very cozy feel
- Runs large
Size: XXS-3X | Colors: 2 | Material: 61% acrylic, 15% wool, 13% polyamide, 10% alpaca and 1% elastane
Style expert Nicole Cassidy recommends J.Crew for their traditional technique on Fair Isle pattern making. This one has a plush feel and a collar detail that drapes down.
Turtleneck design: Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Cotton Turtleneck Sweater
- Feels cozy
- Warm material
- High price point
Size: XXS-XXL | Color: 2 | Material: Cotton
This is another brand Cassidy recommends for their original approach to Fair Isle and how well they execute the technique. The sweater showcases a traditional design and thick turtleneck that will warm you up during colder days.
Fair Isle sweaters, recommended by editors
Classic touch: Old Navy SoSoft Fair Isle Sweater
- Very comfortable
- Heavier knit
- A bit loose
Size: XS-4X | Color: 2 | Material: 53% cotton, 24% recycled polyester and 20% nylon
Associate editor Kamari Stewart has been eyeing this sweater for days, and it's currently in her shopping cart. "Old Navy has never failed me for everything from T-shirts and pajamas to trousers and sweaters like this one. I think the red makes the fair isle print pop and it looks just festive enough to wear to both Christmas parties and the office," she says.
Modest classic: Simple Retro Amayah Sweet Bow Classic Crew Neck Fair Isle Sweater
- Great fit
- Feels warm
- Delicate wash
Size: S-L | Color: 1 | Material: 47% acrylic, 30% polyester and 23% nylon
Recently, I [Espinal] received this sweater from Simple Retro and love how well it fits on my body. It doesn't look boxy and has a thickness that feels cozy yet not heavy. The bow details add a chic vibe to the sweater, plus it has a great length, especially since I have a long torso.
Printed arms: Garnet Hill Recycled-Cashmere Cabled Fair Isle Turtleneck
- Feels soft
- Lightweight fabric
- Higher price point
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 100% GRS recycled cashmere
This cashmere sweater is on my shopping list, and I can't wait to wear it. I own a dress from Garnet Hill and it's an item that has endured constant washes and wear. This particular sweater features a Fair Isle pattern placed on the arms, which lends more possibilities to mix and match with different bottoms.
More Fair Isle sweaters to shop
Holiday fix: Free Assembly Women's Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater
- Great fit
- Multiple colors
- A bit itchy
Size: XS-XXXL | Colors: 3 | Material: 84% polyester, 15% nylon and 1% lurex
Whether you're heading to a holiday party or dinner date, this sweater is cozy, practical and budget friendly. It pairs well with skirt and black denim, and you can easily style it with more neutral hues.
Merry threads: Universal Thread Crewneck Pullover Sweater
- Hits below waist
- Feels comfortable
- Boxy fit
Size: XS-4X | Colors: 3 | Material: 79% recycled polyester, 19% acrylic and 1% spandex
The pastel shades on this sweater create a more demure vibe to this Fair Isle design. It comes in multiple sizes and features a midweight composition that feels thick and cozy. It's a classic crew neck that pairs well with your favorite jeans.
Winter ready: Amazon Essentials Soft-Touch Crewneck Fair Isle Pattern Sweater
- Not overly thick
- Medium weight
- Can run big
Size: XS-XXL | Color: 13 | Material: 56% cotton, 23% polyester, 18% acrylic and 3% elastane
Most shoppers who bought this sweater identify it as "flattering," "tailored" and "comfortable." It comes in 13 different colors and has a lightweight feel that makes it easy to roll up the sleeves.
All in the shape: Loft Mixed Fair Isle Sweater
- Petite sizes available
- True to size
- Boxy fit
Size: XXS-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: 55% cotton, 22% polyester, 19% acrylic and 4% spandex
Loft offers a more fun approach to the Fair Isle pattern with its miniature heart-shaped motifs and multi-colored combinations. This sweater is offered in a regular and petite size, and it feels very soft, according to shoppers.
Elegant glow: Ann Taylor Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater
- Classic design
- Ideal for petite women
- Loose fit
Size: XXS-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: 54% acrylic, 30% polyester and 16% nylon
Get into the holiday spirit with this luxurious design featuring black, white and caramel shades. The bright red is a great choice for more festive occasions and pairs well with a black silk skirt.
Floral designs: Lands' End Cozy Lofty Fair Isle Yoke Mock Neck Sweater
- Feels warm and soft
- Looks luxurious
- Can run big
Size: XS-XL | Color: 1 | Material: 55% cotton, 25% nylon, 17% acrylic and 3% wool
The floral details and mini heart decorations render a feminine take on this Fair Isle pattern. It's cozy, has great length and a decent neckline that covers part of your neck.
Comfort elevated: Orvis Fair Isle Crew Sweater
- Feels very soft
- Delicate to wash
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Merino, recycled nylon, alpaca
The subdued color mix on this Fair Isle pattern offers a softer vibe. This one pairs well with khaki pants, beige denim or black pants. I [Espinal] own a cardigan from Orvis and it's one of the softest garments I have.
What are the different types of Fair Isle sweaters?
Patterns can vary from simple geometric shapes to complicated figures. But what differentiates one Fair Isle sweater from the other is the gauge of the yarn, or "how finely or thick a yarn is knitted," says Cassidy.
Other things to consider are the placement, content and silhouette of the garment.
- Placement of the pattern. “There is an all-over pattern or the pattern is just placed at the neckline, sleeves or hem," says Cassidy.
- Silhouette of the garment. “Fair isle pattern can be found in a cardigan, a turtleneck, a pullover, etcetera,” shares Cassidy.
- Content of the fabric. Cassidy also says, “You can find fair isle patterns on cashmere, wool, cotton, mohair and other synthetic fabrics.”
“With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can use millions of different combinations to create a Fair Isle sweater, all unique and beautiful in their own way,” adds Kaufam.
Frequently asked questions
Kaufamn says you can style Fair Isle sweaters with a pair of jeans and leather boots. "During the day I love to style over a cotton T-shirt or button down back to relaxed denim or even a denim midi skirt, and the second way I like to style them is with a longer silhouette over leggings with a knee-high boot," shares Cassidy.
"Since Fair Isle sweaters are more casual by nature, when styling Fair Isle at night, I like to look for styles that incorporate metallic yarns or some type of beading or embellishment over the design. You can dress these up by pairing them back to leather bottoms and silk maxi skirts," says Cassidy.
How we chose
Shop TODAY asked stylists for their best Fair Isle sweater recommendations based on availability and price. We also spoke fashionable editors who own Fair Isle sweaters. Finally, we selected other Fair Isle sweaters from brands that are loved by our audience.
Meet the experts
- Nicole Cassidy is a New York-based brand consultant and stylist, formerly the vice president of merchandising for Veronica Beard, Tory Burch and Kate Spade.
- Lea Kaufman is the senior product designer for women at Orvis, a Vermont-based brand offering fishing and adventure-inspired clothing.
