The Fair Isle Sweater Is Never Not In Style—Shop 36 of the Best
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Some clothes provide utility, others fantasy, while others evoke an entire mood. A Fair Isle sweater is a mood. It’s the physical embodiment of cozy weekends in farm houses and chalets; the clothing equivalent of hot cocoa—perfectly familiar and never too sweet.
Fair Isle knits came to fame under an earlier Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) in the 1920s, and have remained a favorite of the historically sporty British royal family ever since. The late Princess Diana was seen in a perfectly 1980s version in bold neon pink and green, which she paired with neutral corduroy trousers, and later in a classic Christmas-worthy reindeer Fair Isle knit, proving that this style can’t be put in a box.
Named for an island in Shetland, in northern Scotland, Fair Isle refers to a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns using multiple colors at once. London-based designer Molly Goddard has made Fair Isle a brand hallmark, offering a new spin each season, with a particularly cool cropped sweater set moment for fall 2023.
Catherine Holstein of Khaite didn’t send any Fair Isles down the catwalk, but her fall collection features multiple versions of the printed knit, from a more traditional turtleneck sweater to a moody minimal hoodie. And, of course, Ralph Lauren always comes through with some Fair Isle knits fit for a Saturday in your countryside of choice—knee high galoshes optional. Layered with heat tech to be worn solo, or paired with barn jackets or oversized blazers, a Fair Isle sweater is a 2023 wardrobe essential that's meant to be yours.
Shop 36 of the best ones below, from crewnecks to vests and cardis that could be worn to Balmoral and beyond.
Vogue’s Favorite Fair Isle Knits:
- The Everyday Cardigan: J.Crew Fair Isle cardigan sweater, $148
- The Chunky Turtleneck: Tory Burch merino Fair Isle sweater, $348
- The Oversized Fit: Gap 24/7 split-hem Fair Isle sweater, $90
- The Crewneck: Naadam luxe merino Fair Isle crew-neck sweater, $225
- The Après Ski Essential: Ralph Lauren Fair Isle wool blend sweater, $398
- The Versatile Vest: Molly Goddard Jen Fair Isle intarsia wool vest, $525
- The Cozy Hoodie: Khaite Dobbi Fair Isle cashmere hoodie, $3,400
- The Responsibly-Made Knit: COS Fair Isle wool and cashmere jumper, $225