Fairsle from Fair Isle

One of the most popular items on our website, for both men and women, is the Fairisle Tank top.

Fair Isle is a traditional knitting technique used to create multiple coloured rows of pattern.

It is named after Fair Isle, which is a tiny island in the north of Scotland, that forms part of the Shetland islands.

Royal Approval

Fair Isle knitting gained a considerable popularity when the trendsetting Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, wore a Fairisle V neck jumper in 1921. It remained popular, especially for men, through the 1930s, 1940s, and 50s, with the V neck tank top becoming a staple. There was another wave of popularity along with the folk designs of the 1980s along with the advent of home knitting machines. We have also seen Fair Isle style knitwear on the high street again in the last five years.

Traditional Fair Isle patterns have a limited palette of five or so colours. Between each section of pattern the threads are carried accross the back this is called stranding.  It makes the garment thicker and warmer than other types of knitting.  We have had some lovely traditional styles for women too. namely, jumpers and cardigans. Another classic look for Fairisle are the round yoke styles. These are created using a special round knitting device. Looks a bit tricky to me!

In the 1980s home knitting machines became popular and Fairisle started to be produced on them. I can remember some nightmare scenarios when I used them on my fashion design course in the eighties. Usually due to impatience, whizzing the carriage across like a maniac only to see my vision of a Missoni like master piece unravel in front of my eyes as it come unhooked in the middle. 

Revival Fairisle Tank Tops

Over the years we have had some beautiful colour combinations.

We struggle to keep up the demand for these stunning garments, in particular mens vintage Fairisle tank tops. So much so that in the last couple of years we have produced our own design, inspired by forties knitting patterns We have just introduced a second colour combination of grey, blue and yellow.

Most of our customers buy our vintage style tank tops for 1940s nostalgia events.  They look authentic worn with other items from our 1940s selection for men.

I have always loved Fairisle. I think it suits children, men and women alike. My favourite look with Fair Isle is a fitted knitted sweater with a 1950s pleated skirt or short kilt. One of my winter uniforms.

Finally, I just couldn't resist sharing this picture of these two Shetland ponies keepin' warm in their own Fair Isle sweaters.