Sweater Cape

Authentic Fair Isle Knits Become a Scottish Cause

Did you know that a real, true blue, authentic Fair Isle sweater takes about 100 hours to make? Did you know that real Fair Isle sweaters can only be found in, well, the island of Fair Isle?

Yeah, those Fair Isle sweaters and scarves you find in high-end boutiques or mass market department stores are actually just “Fair Isle-inspired”, not the real deal. They’re machine made, and made elsewhere.

Vince Bias Motif Sweater, US$345

Fair Isle connoisseurs may be aware of this, but most people have no clue about it; which is why The Economist has taken upon itself, the cause to enlighten everyone with the real situation - Fair Islanders are complaining (verbally so far); prices of authentic pieces are being compromised because of “copies”; and fashion brands are literally using the signature Fair Isle patterns without consent or recognition.

If you read the article, it clearly suggests that a legal protection be made for this very small industry. We’re not sure what will happen with this cause yet, but we are of course, all for the legal protection.

On another note, here’s what we would like to ask the general sweater consumer – given the above information and situation, would you continue wearing your “Fair Isle-inspired” sweaters, or would you now rather wear the real deal as a way to support the Fair Isle cause?

If you are in for the cause and you have enough money to buy a genuine Fair Isle sweater, I suggest you visit ThistleandBroom.com. It’s a site that offers authentic and homemade Scottish goods, Fair Isle sweaters included.

You can even view the artisan’s profile so purchasing a piece definitely become a more personalized experience. Be prepared to spend though, because authentic hand knit Fair Isle sweaters are expensive:

Eas a’ Chual Aluinn Green Variation Hand Knit Fair Isle by Agnes Bowie, £245-£525 depending on type of neckline chosen.

Historic Katie’s Pattern
Hand knit Fair Isle by Rosabell Halcrow, £525

Mousa Broch Hand Knit Fair Isle by Eileen Sutherland, £245-£525 depending on type of neckline

Otherwise, if you simply want to enjoy the look at half the price, you’ll have to settle with “Fair Isle-inspired” pieces such as the Vince cardigan posted above or these:

You can read more about the Fair Isle issue by clicking on these links: The Economist and Financial Times.