Few knitwear styles carry the same heritage and charm as Fair Isle. Instantly recognisable for its colourful, geometric patterns, this traditional Scottish technique has travelled far from its island origins to become a lasting icon of fashion. Once a practical craft born from necessity, Fair Isle gained international acclaim thanks to royal endorsement, post-war popularity, and its enduring ability to adapt to modern style. Today, it remains as relevant as ever, celebrated for its warmth, craftsmanship, and timeless character.

The History Of Fair Isle Knitwear: Origins On A Tiny Scottish Island

Fair Isle knitting originated on the remote Fair Isle, a tiny island situated between Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland, where the tradition has been passed down through generations. The technique involves stranded colourwork, typically hand knitted 'in the round' using double pointed needles and a knitting belt, resulting in intricate multicolour geometric patterns.

The technique likely emerged in the 18th or early 19th century, developed initially by fishermen's wives knitting patterned hats for warmth and to make their husbands identifiable at sea. The modern Fair Isle sweater, complete with horizontal motif bands in alternating colours, appeared during or just after World War I.

While the term 'stranded colourwork' is generic, 'Fair Isle' refers specifically to this distinctive Shetland technique, notable for its limited use of two colours per row, and a restrained palette of about five shades.

Royal Endorsement & Fashion Breakthrough

Fair Isle rose to international fame in the 1920s, largely thanks to a royal stamp of approval. The Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) was photographed wearing Fair Isle knitwear on several occasions, most famously during golf matches and casual public outings. At a time when the royal family's style choices were closely observed and widely imitated, his embrace of the patterned knitwear transformed it from a regional craft into a fashionable statement piece. 

The bold yet refined geometric motifs and rich colour contrasts appealed to the British upper classes, who quickly adopted the trend. This surge in popularity elevated Fair Isle knitting from a practical, island based tradition to a sought after fashion export, inspiring designers and fuelling demand well beyond Scotland's northern isles.

Post-war Popularity

Fair Isle jumpers experienced a strong resurgence in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming a staple in both men's and women's wardrobes. In the aftermath of the Second World War, rationing and fabric shortages encouraged the revival of traditional hand knitting, since wool was more accessible than factory produced clothing. Fair Isle designs were especially practical in this context, their use of small quantities of contrasting colours made them economical, while the intricate, repeating motifs added vibrancy and individuality to otherwise modest garments.

The style appealed across social groups, from practical home knitters creating jumpers for their families to fashion conscious consumers who embraced the look as part of a broader return to cheerful, expressive clothing after years of wartime austerity. Popular magazines and pattern books of the era often featured Fair Isle designs, ensuring the technique spread far beyond its Scottish origins. By the mid 20th century, the Fair Isle jumper for women and men alike had become firmly established. Not only as a symbol of thrift and ingenuity but also as a fashionable and enduring part of post-war style.

Modern Revival

Today, Fair Isle knitwear remains a staple in heritage fashion and luxury design. Both high end fashion houses and traditional Shetland knitters continue to reinterpret the style. The technique has also spread beyond Scotland, with knitters worldwide adopting 'Fair Isle' to mean stranded colourwork, though true Fair Isle purists reserve the term for pieces made on the island itself.

Our Suppliers

Eribé
Founded in 1986 by Rosemary Eribé in Melrose, Scottish Borders, Eribé started as a one-woman operation with a vision for creative freedom and exceptional knitwear. Since then, it has grown into a globally recognized designer knitwear house with a dedicated team. Eribé’s craftsmanship blends traditional methods with modern tools.

Harley Of Scotland
Established in 1929 by Peter Harley Buchan in Peterhead, originally to supply Fair Isle sweaters to local fishermen, Harley of Scotland has remained in the family for three generations. Inspired by fisherwomen knitting Fair Isle patterns, Peter transitioned to knitting, building a factory on the old herring yard, launching a legacy in quality knitwear.

How To Style Fair Isle Knitwear

Our first styled outfit is a smart, tailored offering, full of charming autumnal colours. Just because the weather is grey doesn't mean your outfit has to be too! Our brand new Victory suit in Lovett is a deep teal blue colour that draws out the pops of tonal blue in our knitted Fair Isle vest in Cameo. We’ve added a 1940s style cream blouse and our Yesteryear frame bag in Russet, that ties perfectly with the browns and tans in our Fair Isle.

This 1940s inspired outfit combines warmth, style, and practicality. Our new Edward corduroy trousers in Chestnut Brown (available from mid-October) bring a rich seasonal tone, while the knitted Fair Isle tank top in Moorland adds colour and pattern. An off-white spearpoint shirt keeps the look sharp, and the Norfolk belted tweed jacket in the new Sandringham colourway provides warmth and structure. Full of country charm, this outfit is both functional and stylish, perfect for the midcentury gentleman!

Our second ladies' outfit is bursting with vibrant reds and feminine detail. You may have purchased a vintage style tea dress (or several!) over the summer, here we show you that it can be re-purposed for the colder months with clever layering. Adding a Fair Isle wool cardigan in a complementary colour to the dress adds warmth, while still remaining authentic to midcentury style. Our Fair Isle cardigan in Carmen is well coordinated with the Garden Party tea dress in Poppy Fields. Adding a final neutral layer with our brand new Sunday Best coat in Hickory Fleck ties the outfit together seamlessly, with the colours of the dress and Fair Isle yolk of the cardigan.

Our second men's outfit is a smart-casual ensemble featuring our vintage lovers staple Harry fishtail trousers in Slate Grey teamed with our yellow Lindley stripe spearpoint shirt. We've added vintage character and dashes of colour, to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit, with our Fair Isle knitted waistcoat in Basalt that complements both the yellow and grey in the look. Completed with a fine check newsboy cap, you'll stay warm and look effortlessly dapper this autumn!

Our last ladies' outfit is for those who still want to emulate vintage style while off-duty. Our Misbehavin' 1950s style jeans provide the perfect canvas for a casual look. Based on original workers jeans, they create the perfect high waisted, wide legged silhouette of the midcentury woman. Throw on a plain blouse and a warm layer with our Merino wool Fair Isle cardigan in Piccalilli Yellow for a burst of colour, and finish with a wool beret in a complementary colour, and you’re good to go. Laid back without a hoodie or a pair of leggings in sight!

Our final men's outfit is effortless vintage at its best. This leisurely get-up is both warm and comfortable, while remaining period accurate. We've put together our Brad worker jeans and an easy breezy ivory leisure shirt for a minimal effort / maximum vintage silhouette. Throw over a snug layer with our warm, vintage style Fair Isle jumper in Pebble Grey, grab your leather satchel and you're ready for a chilled autumnal stroll!

A Timeless Craft With Enduring Style

From its humble beginnings on a remote Scottish island to its place on fashion runways and in everyday wardrobes, Fair Isle knits have proven to be far more than a passing trend. Their enduring appeal lies in the perfect balance of tradition and creativity, geometric patterns and bold colours that feel both timeless and adaptable. Whether worn by royalty, revived in post-war households, or reimagined by contemporary designers, the Fair Isle knit continues to embody a story of craft, resilience, and style that bridges past and present.