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Best Fair Isle Sweaters

13 Fair Isle Sweaters to Help You Channel Cottage Core Vibes All Winter Long

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Solid, neutral sweaters are cool, but it's hard to beat the rustic charm of a cosy Fair Isle sweater. The kitschy-but-timeless look has been a coveted one for hundreds of years and a fan favourite of the British royal family.

Ready for a little fashion history? According to BBC, the uniquely festive knit design was originated by the people of Fair Isle (an island north of Scotland) way back in the early 1800s for local fisherman to wear. It caught on, and here I am in the year 2021, sitting on my couch, combing the internet for the same pattern. Talk about a style with staying power.

If you're looking for a sweater that's mega cosy and just a little bit whimsical, Fair Isle is the perfect starting point. I've made your hunt for the perfect Fair Isle sweater easy by picking 13 of the cutest ones. The hard part will be choosing which one (or two . . .) to buy.

Image Source: rachelantonoff.com

For a Slight Puff Sleeve: Gap Cosy Fair Isle Sweater

This neutral Gap Cosy Fair Isle Sweater ($85) number is an easy upgrade to the "sweater, jeans, boots" formula, thanks to the subtle puff sleeve.

Image Source: gap.com
Gap Cosy Fair Isle Sweater
$85
from gap.com
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For Autumnal Hues: Tory Burch French Cream Multi Fairisle Sweater

I love the burgundy and marigold colour combo in this Tory Burch French Cream Multi Fairisle Sweater ($398).

Image Source: tnuck.com
Tory Burch French Cream Multi Fairisle Sweater
$398
from tnuck.com
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The Roomy Option: Levi's® Slouchy Crewneck Sweater

The oversize look of Levi's® Slouchy Crewneck Sweater ($80) gives this one a "grandpa sweater" but cool(er) vibe.

Image Source: levi.com
Levi's® Slouchy Crewneck Sweater
$80
from levi.com
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A Pop of Pink: Old Navy Crew Neck Fair Isle Sweater

Who says winter has to be about neutrals? If pink is your power colour, look no further than this Old Navy Crew Neck Fair Isle Sweater ($45).

Image Source: Old Navy
Old Navy Crew Neck Fair Isle Sweater
$45
from oldnavy.gap.com
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A Cosy Button-Up: Doen Hue Cardigan

Layer a delicate knit cami under this Doen Hue Cardigan Sweater ($295) and pop on some gold hoops, and you've got yourself a winter look worth repeating.

Image Source: shopdoen.com
Doen Hue Cardigan Sweater
$295
from shopdoen.com
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For Dog Lovers: Rachel Antonoff Oscar Sweater

Who doesn't love a novelty sweater? The wiener dog motif on this Rachel Antonoff Oscar Sweater ($295) is hard to beat.

Image Source: rachelantonoff.com
Rachel Antonoff Oscar Sweater
$295
from rachelantonoff.com
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A Neutral Palette: Geometric Jacquard Sweater Mango USA

The Mango Geometric Jacquard Sweater ($80) has a preppy teddy bear aesthetic, no?

Image Source: shop.mango.com
Mango Geometric Jacquard Sweater
$80
from shop.mango.com
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A Bubble Gum Pink Layer: LoveShackFancy Honeypie Boyfriend Cardigan

With pearly buttons and feminine flourishes galore, LoveShackFancy Honeypie Boyfriend Cardigan ($495) is a total statement piece.

Image Source: shopbop.com
LoveShackFancy Honeypie Boyfriend Cardigan
$495
from shopbop.com
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A Playful Take on Fair Isle: Tach Clothing Prisca Knit Cardigan

This Tach Clothing Prisca Knit Cardigan ($274) feels like a modern interpretation of the Fair Isle look, incorporating neon colours and charmingly mismatched patterns.

Image Source: Tach Clothing
Tach Clothing Prisca Knit Cardigan
$274
from tachclothing.com
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A Monochrome Moment: Tory Sport Merino Fair Isle Sweater

Pair the Tory Sport Merino Fair Isle Sweater ($298) with black leather joggers and sneakers, and — voila! — you have your winter uniform.

Image Source: toryburch.com
Tory Sport Merino Fair Isle Sweater
$298
from toryburch.com
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A Lighter Layer: Ulla Johnson Robin Fair Isle Henley Top

Not in the market for a chunky sweater but still want in on the Fair Isle fun? This Ulla Johnson Robin Fair Isle Henley Top ($295) is a lighter layer for fall and winter dressing.

Image Source: intermixonline.com
Ulla Johnson Robin Fair Isle Henley Top
$295
from intermixonline.com
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A Chunky Knit Option: Saylor Susanna Fair Isle Cable Knit Sweater

This Saylor Susanna Fair Isle Cable Knit Sweater ($255) is a sweater that means business. With its chunky, heavyweight texture, you'll be both warm and styling in this option.

Image Source: intermixonline.com
Saylor Susanna Fair Isle Cable Knit Sweater
$255
from intermixonline.com
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The Investment Piece: A.L.C. Oakley Sweater

The A.L.C. Oakley Sweater ($475) is the kind of cherish-it-forever investment piece you'll whip out of your closet year after year.

Image Source: shopbop.com
A.L.C. Oakley Sweater
$475
from shopbop.com
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