Why every woman over 60 needs a Fairisle cardigan
Country Collection answers your most commonly asked questions.
With so many new fashion trends emerging every season, it can be hard to decide what to wear but one classic style that's always in style is the Fairisle cardigan. This timeless piece is steeped in history and is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any look while remaining warm and cosy. These iconic knitted garments are both comfortable and surprisingly easy to wear all year round, and are especially great for mature women who don't want to compromise on style.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the various features of a Fairisle cardigan, the styling options available to you, and provide answers to the most common questions about Fairisle cardigans so that you can make an informed decision on your next purchase when searching for the next staple for your wardrobe.
1. What is a Fairisle cardigan?
A Fairisle cardigan is a type of knitted sweater that features a distinctive geometric pattern that’s created using multiple colours and a traditional knitting technique originating from Scotland. Made of pure wool, they are known for their warmth and durability and feature a unique look due to the specific colour combinations and repeating patterns. These knitted cardigans are a popular choice for cold weather but can be worn all throughout the year.
2. History of the Fairisle knitwear
Fair Isle knitwear is a type of traditional knitting that originates from the Fair Isle, a small island in Shetland in northern Scotland. The exact history of Fair Isle knitting is not well documented, but it is believed to have been practised since the early 1800s when the design was first used for fishermen’s caps and sweaters.
Fairisle jumpers became popular among sailors and fishermen who wore the warm, sturdy garments to protect them from the cold, wet weather of the North Sea.
Traditionally, Shetland sheep wool was hand-spun and naturally dyed, incorporating two to four colours throughout the pattern with symbols and motifs often inspired by seashells and waves for example. The distinctive style of Fair Isle knitting is characterised by the use of two or more colours in each row, resulting in its distinctive designs.
The popularity of Fairisle jumpers spread rapidly in the early 20th century when they were adopted by the British military for their warmth and durability.
Today, Fairisle knitwear is still highly valued for its iconic design and is commonly used in all types of clothing and accessories such as cardigans, jumpers, hats and scarves.
3. Are Fairisle cardigans in style?
Fairisle cardigans are timeless classics that never go out of style. Both celebrities and royalty have been spotted wearing the distinctive knitwear through the years and even more recently.
The pattern is just as popular now as it was when it first debuted, making it a timeless wardrobe staple. The versatility of the cardigan allows it to be dressed up or down, making it a great piece to have in your wardrobe year-round
4. When should you wear a Fairisle cardigan?
Fairisle cardigans are typically worn during the colder months, as the wool material provides warmth and comfort in cold weather. However, with the right styling, they can be worn all year round.
The woollen
material keeps you warm in the cold and provides a cosy, comfortable
experience, so it makes sense that they are typically worn during the
colder winter months. However, Fairisle cardigans are versatile and can
be styled to suit any season.
5. How to style a Fairisle cardigan
Fairisle cardigans are traditionally considered winter wear, however, they can be worn throughout the year when combined with the right garments and appropriate outfits…
In the spring and summer months, a
lightweight Fairisle cardigan can be paired with a floral dress or loose
longline skirt for a casual and comfortable look. For the autumn
season, layering a Fairisle cardigan over a long-sleeved blouse or
turtleneck jumper with a classic pair of straight-leg trousers can
provide additional warmth without feeling too bulky. These knitted
garments can also be layered with blazers, jackets and coats to help you
stay warm in the winter months.
Traditional Fairisle designs consist of just a few different colours, which makes it slightly easier to find complementary garments to pair with. The classic neutral, earthy colours can be more versatile and easily incorporated into a variety of looks, while the lighter, brighter colours and bolder patterns found on some Fairisle cardigans may be best matched with plain white or ecru underlayers and solid-coloured trousers or skirts to make your outfit pop.
6. What are the best Fairisle cardigans to wear?
Country Collection has a wonderful selection of Fairisle cardigans for women in luxurious lambswool, especially washed for extra softness. These exclusive designs come in a range of styles, from the delicate V-neck to the classic crew neck cut, along with tonal buttons and attractive placket and cuffs.
We love a sleek V-neck cardigan that has a button-down front with the traditional Fairisle pattern featured in as horizontal stripes across the whole garment. Neutral shades such as cream, russet, chocolate and tawny are good colour choices for finding a cardigan that goes with everything.
You could also choose a Fairisle cardigan with a classic crew neck instead. If you are feeling adventurous, consider opting for an easy-to-wear cardigan that's bright and bold to really make a statement - a vibrant colour will stand out and catch the eye for all the right reasons, adding a real splash of colour
to any outfit.
7. Are Fairisle cardigans only for Christmas?
While they are often associated with the winter season and may be more popular during the colder months, Fairisle cardigans are not just for Christmas. These popular garments can be worn any time of the year, depending on the weather and your personal style.
The eye-catching patterns used in Fair Isle knitwear make them suitable for all sorts of occasions. So, while they may have a festive feel about them sometimes, they can definitely be worn beyond the holiday season.
8. Where to buy Fairisle cardigans
Country Collection is the perfect place to shop for a lambswool Fairisle cardigan. They offer a wide range of sizes from XS to XL to ensure you find the perfect fit. As an added bonus, every purchase comes with free returns and a no time limit product guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.
