Fair Isle Style jumper

[RandomGeocache]

I am looking for a Fair Isle style jumper for this winter. I have a few requirements - must have a high percentage of wool rather than being 100% polyester, decent quality, budget £60 to £90 ish which rules out the brands like Eribe and Brora.

I found a nice one on Seasalt (in pic) which is 80% merino and 20% nylon but I'm not keen on the colours, it reminds me too much of my old school uniform. Any other options which clever people may be able to suggest?

Have you looked on Vinted? I’d definitely start there as you may find a good quality wool one for the same price or less than a man made mix.

I started ploughing through Vinted last night but there is so much and sellers often describe things as wool when they aren't.

https://www.houseofbruar.com/l-lwl-icelandic-crew-tt21604aranblue/?locale=gpb&glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&src=webshp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20967068108&gbraid=0AAAAAC8kpAqqK220vCuHsOL93GX_KcDLP&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij59rj59fyrAl01WxwdMYl8qdDGZCaXv9e8s7ZoLMF4Jq70GPqZT0imMaAlkMEALw_wcB

I;ve also just come across one on Hobbs which is in the sale and quite nice...Hmm.

I also think it's pretty sneaky (looking at you, John Lewis) to describe something as "wool blend" when it's actually 87% polyester and 10% wool.

You can filter for material as well (just in case you haven’t seen!) which helps although some people will tick ‘wool’ when it’s not or is a wool blend. I have more luck filtering by brand - like Eribe or Brora.

Would you consider cotton as a cheaper it still natural/breathable alternative? Easier to look after than wool and not as itchy.

This one is 60% cotton, 10% wool and 40% nylon…

https://www.joules.com/style/su603898/f26046?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_EN_PMax_Womens_All_X_X_Test&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23012105942&gbraid=0AAAAADwbMgN6O8BIyLk1SSdgDNLtuuxb4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij5_7uET8R1gGQtEIFWEa7HksQIzjLtmxARr1UKlWmNz08gYBF0zWlxoaArRYEALw_wcB

These are 100% merino wool.
https://www.blarney.com/irish-shop/fisherman-donegal-fairisle-chest-crew-in-dark-mauve/

Yes would consider cotton but don't want a high neck! I have found a couple on TK Maxx too but websites don't make it easy to see what things are actually made of.

Google Harley of Scotland, I’ve got a few, 100% wool, my oldest one must be ten years old so worth the investment.

TK Maxx had some lambswool Fair Isle jumpers last week. I was in Leeds Crown Point and Birmingham Bull Ring. I imagine they’ll be in many shops.

I've just found some more on TK Maxx which come up when I search for "fairisle" all one word.

80% wool, Paul Costelloe. DD says they look like Christmas jumpers but I don't think they do?

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/edits/womens-workwear/white+red-fairisle-jumper/p/05650283

Seasalt had several wool styles a couple of years ago so I would filter for brand on Vinted.

If looking on Vinted, I often scroll past anything that doesn't show the label (and thus the percentage of actual wool).

Not suggesting you are broad shouldered, but I think this style is one you need to try on. Some designs make you look wider than others - I know that sounds really vain but I used to work for one of the brands mentioned and a couple of winters ago we had a really unflattering jumper in!

Vinted really is worth it, just filter by brands that you can't afford new e.g. Brora as well as filtering by material.

I'd recommend that if you narrow like this you don't search for 'fair isle' specifically, as not all will mention that (e.g. in Shetland it may be called a 'yoke' jumper). Also loads of people can't spell!

Might be worth a generic search for 'shetland' which is more likely to get quality jumpers rather than fashion jumpers.

Also recommended Bosie and house of bruar for real wool.

I have this in navy/pink.
It’s good quality, on it’s 4th winter.
The red/off white colour way wouldn’t look out of place at Christmas, but it’s a lovely combo any time. Red is for life, nit just for Christmas!

What size are you? Steranko have a Harley of Scotland fair isle in their sale for £62.50 but there is only small left.

https://www.steranko.co.uk/collections/women-knitwear/products/harley-of-scotland-chunky-fair-isle-jumper-vatersay

https://www.brakeburn.com/products/chunky-knitted-fairisle-jumper-aw24

Limited sizes on Brakeburn site but may find it else where.

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/6527/ARCTIC-FAIRISLE-JUMPER/NAT_MLT?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17434335532&gbraid=0AAAAACZTmvaUOT6nK3P8TFChpp7hu5SbJ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij58oXyd1WymU0CslQkwOXES5d4JykrTDKap3TlpAD2Z_Hscpiqsl04oaAkzJEALw_wcB

9% wool

https://www.celticandco.com/category/womens/clothing/knitwear?hpbanner=1

Celtic and co. Have 20% of knitwear so make their products more affordable, although still above budget - approx £115, but fits wool criteria.

I think in recent years, they’ve lost their ‘Christmas jumper’ tag, especially if in non-Christmassy colours. I think the one you’ve listed is fine.

Celtic and co every time.

Woolovers?

I was going to say search for ‘Shetland’ specifically. Have a look for the Norwegian ones on Vinted, EBay. I’ve got a couple of bangers. Small mens may fit you as well depending on your build. Try stuff like ‘retro’ or ‘vintage’