Fair Isle Sweaters Are Always In Style & These Are Our Favorites

Best Fair Isle Sweaters

There’s something about a Fair Isle sweater that just screams fall and winter! When we think about Fair Isle sweaters we think about cold weather, cozy weekends, and all the fall/winter activities. For those of you who don’t know, Fair Isle is a knitting technique that creates patterns using various colors at once…resulting in a classic, chic, and cool look. It’s named after an island in northern Scotland. Fair Isle sweaters really took off after the Prince of Wales was seen wearing them in the 1920s. You might remember the late Princess Diana wearing a Fair Isle sweater in the 80s too. So, it’s safe to say that this isn’t a trend or something that’s going away anytime soon! Below we’re sharing 18 Fair Isle sweaters we’re loving for fall/winter.

Find even more sweaters (all under $200) here.

What are Fair Isle Sweaters?

These days, the term “Fair Isle” is used to describe multicolored patterned knitwear. But there’s actually a lot more to the name, including an interesting origin story and connections to royalty. So, let’s start from the beginning, because the history is one of the reasons I adore these sweaters.

The Fair Isle Sweater originated on Fair Isle, the small fishing island off the coast of Scotland. The Fair Isle knitting technique was first used to make extra-warm and easily-visible hats for fisherman in the late 18th century and sweaters beginning in the and early 19th century. When Royal Family Member, Edward VIII (followed by other Royalty), was seen wearing one, the Fair Isle Sweater quickly became a fashion icon.

You can still get a true Fair Isle sweater, made by one of the few producers on the remote island, but only if you’re willing to wait three years for it. Or, you can do what I and many other people have done, and settle for a version of the iconic sweater made elsewhere.

Are Fair Isle Sweaters in Style?

I’ll tell you right away that, yes, Fair Isle Sweaters are in style. But because this is 2024, you don’t have to just take my word for it. A quick Google search will garner dozens of results, each saying basically the same thing–Fair Isle Sweaters, although especially trendy today, have been “in style” for over a century.

Cute Fair Isle Sweaters For Cold Weather

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Velvet Fair Isle Sweater

Erin picked up this gorgeous Fair Isle sweater by Velvet for the fall and loves the more muted colors. Just trust us, the pistachio green, taupe, and gray color combo is even more gorgeous in person. It’s 74% alpaca wool so it will keep you warm but it’s a mid-weight knit so it’s not overly bulky or heavy. It runs true to size but is designed for a roomier fit. This is one of those sweaters you can throw on with jeans and be out the door in minutes. Our YouTube co-producer bought it in two colors and you can see how she styled them here.

Pink Fair Isle Sweater*

How fun is this hot pink Fair Isle sweater by Saylor?! It’s very bright and has an even more oversized fit so you can wear it with jeans, leggings, or pants. Erin ended up returning this sweater because she didn’t feel the pink was the right pink for her. BUT, that doesn’t mean it isn’t the right pink for one of you so we wanted to share it just in case it speaks to you and you love it!

*The Kienna Sweater from Saylor has since sold out everywhere. For a something similar, check out this one from St. John’s Bay or this one from Loft.

More Fair Isle Sweaters

We organized all of our favorite Fair Isle sweaters into categories by color, so you can choose between brown Fair Isle sweaters, white/neutral Fair Isle sweaters, gray/black/white Fair Isle sweaters, and colorful Fair Isle sweaters. Keep scrolling to find more information on why we love these so much…

Brown Fair Isle Sweaters

From the 100% cashmere Diamond Fair Isle Sweater from J.Crew in rich rust, cream, and chocolate hues, to the Veronica Beard Anne Fairisle Pullover, made from an Italian alpaca and merino wool blend, these Fair Isle sweaters are giving you a whole new reason to love the color brown. If you’re still not sold, the  Alp N Rock Leighton Fair Isle Mock-Neck Sweater is a lighter brown option that borders on neutral.

White/Neutral Fair Isle Sweaters

Speaking of neutral sweaters, these three options feature the iconic Fair Isle Pattern in colors that make them suitable for any cold weather outfit. How much do you love the neutral motif of this Pilcro Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater? Looking for something a little lighter? Get the Frame Fair Isle Sweater in Cream Multi, or opt for the white print Banana Republic Factory Fuzzy Mock-Neck Sweater.

Gray/Black/White Fair Isle Sweaters

There are even black Fair Isle Sweaters available, like the Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Cotton Turtleneck Sweater and the Loft Fair Isle Everyday Sweater. Alternatively, this Ann Taylor Fair Isle Sweater is stunning in white.

Colorful Fair Isle Sweaters

Add some color to your winter outfit with one of these fabulous Fair Isle Sweaters. The Aqua Fair Isle Crewneck Cashmere Sweater immediately caught my eye, with gorgeous shades of blue, while the Tuckernuck Red Boucle Emmett Fair Isle Turtleneck and Vineyard Vines Nordic Crewneck Sweater is beautiful red practically scream holiday season.

Let us know which of these is your favorite in the comments below!

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