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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 a version of the printed knit, from a more traditional jumper to a high-neck cardigan with gold button detailing. 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 2024 wardrobe essential that’s meant to be yours.
Shop 35 of the best ones below, from crewnecks to vests and cardis that could be worn to Balmoral and beyond.
A playful take on a classic—Loewe partnered with Kyoto-based ceramic studio, Suna Fujita, on a mohair-blend knit embroidered with piggybacking lemurs that feels highly collectible.
A classic crewneck by queen of cool casual wear, Nili Lotan, this is a piece that will remain in rotation throughout the years. Wear it under a tweedy blazer.
This slouchy mid-weight cardi is by cashmere guru Lisa Yang. We love a classic navy and white combo layered over a white turtleneck for a buttoned-up prep vibe.
Dôen’s back with another perfect knit. The Clarke cardi only looks like it was inherited from a particularly chic auntie. Raglan sleeves, faux horn buttons, and ribbed neck and collar are just some of its super special details.
Sea’s Ayla cardigan is modern and traditional all at once with puffed sleeves and ruffled trims on an inspired interpretation of the pattern. Try it with baggy ivory corduroys.
King of directional prep Thom Browne offers his take on the Fair Isle in a charming gray and red crew neck cardigan. Try it with a pleated mini and loafers to go all in on the vibe.
A plush black and white Fair Isle knit with gold buttons and ribbing at the collar and wrist gives luxe appeal but still feels like just the thing to wear to autumnal activities— from apple orchards to equestrian competitions.
The Great’s aptly named ice rink sweater is a charming throwback to childhood days spent lacing up your skates, but is still somehow perfectly modern with just the right denim.
Few do upstate chic quite like Ralph Lauren. This wool-blend sweater is so cozy it can double as a fall jacket with a little layering, and will work just as well on a hike as a it will with jeans for a fireside dinner.
A relaxed shape in a soft blend of cashmere, silk, and mohair in The Row’s signature cool, unexpected design adds up to one of the coolest Fair Isle sweaters we’ve seen. Fireside chats have never looked better.
Loro Piana’s sumptuous cashmere, alpaca, and wool-blend turtleneck brings sweater season to a whole other level. We love this one with fitted trousers and equestrian boots.
Velvet’s heavy-weight knit leverages eye-catching shades of yellow, black, and tan to lighten up the wintry vibe. Pair it with stirrup leggings for weekend jaunts.
Veronica Beard’s alpaca-blend cardigan is as soft as it is wearable. A French blue feels very of-the-moment while still maintaining forever sweater status. Make it workwear-ready with a button down and wool pencil skirt.
Kule is reimagining the classics one piece at a time, and this Fair Isle fits the bill in a minimal color palette that will look just as good après ski as it does for lunch in the city. Just add a cute beanie and over-the-knee boots.
Wool is Woolrich’s game (since 1830, in fact), so it’s no surprise its Fair Isle knit is a revelation in blue, white, and black. We love its simplicity and slightly more fitted appeal.
Suzie Kondi’s slightly cropped cashmere light blue and oatmeal crewneck is what Saturday brunch dreams are made of. Wear it with wide-leg denim and lug sole boots.
Tory Burch’s knitwear never disappoints and this crewneck cardigan in easy black and white is no exception. Layer it over a slip dress for a cozy-chic evening look.
Ulla Johnson’s Liza cardigan melds animal patterns, fauna prints, and geometric sensibilities into one fitted cardigan that’s bound to become a closet staple. Try it with leather trousers for a dose of the unexpected.
L.L. Bean was founded in 1912 in Maine and this brown and tan knit embodies all of that traditional New England energy in the best way possible. Pair it with an ivory silk maxi skirt for an elegant take on sweater weather.
