The Fair Isle Sweater Is Never Not In Style—Shop 36 of the Best

Catherine Holstein of Khaite didn’t send any Fair Isles down the catwalk, but her fall collection features multiple versions of the printed knit, from a more traditional turtleneck sweater to a moody minimal hoodie. 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 2023 wardrobe essential that's meant to be yours.

Shop 36 of the best ones below, from crewnecks to vests and cardis that could be worn to Balmoral and beyond.


Vogue’s Favorite Fair Isle Knits:

Tory Burch

wool Fair Isle cardigan

This knit offers a traditional Scottish pattern done up in a roomy cardi in neutral tones. We love the idea of wearing it with a black maxi pencil skirt for an unexpected work look. Layer it over a whisper-thin turtleneck on especially cold days.

Gap

24/7 split-hem Fair Isle sweater

Go back to your youth with this classic knit from the Gap, featuring an oversized fit and a pattern that pairs perfectly with comfy denim and a great boot. Made with 25% recycled polyester, it also keeps the environment in mind.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Fair Isle knitted sweater

No one does ski chic quite like Ralph Lauren. This wool and alpaca blend sweater is so cozy it can double as a fall jacket with a little layering.

Veronica Beard

Chiana Fair Isle Sweater

Veronica Beard is known for its simple, stylish looks that make getting dressed easy. This super cozy turtleneck in tones of grey fits the bill.

Dôen

Fran sweater

With a smart 1950s inspired cut, this crewneck is made out of a super warm blend of merino wool, mohair, and cashmere for easy wear with everything from denim to corduroy.

Thom Browne

Icelandic Fair Isle knit jumper

King of directional prep Thom Browne offers his take on the Fair Isle in a cool mint hue with signature stripes. Try it with a pleated mini to go all in on the vibe.

Lisa Yang

Remington Fair Isle cashmere vest

Lisa Yang has made knits her go-to and that dedication means some of the best in the biz. This navy vest is made from GOTS-certified cashmere and features a pared-back pattern with subtle collar detailing to be layered over a turtleneck or worn alone under a tweedy blazer.

We Norwegians

Setesdal turtleneck sweater

A more minimal take on the classic Fair Isle, this We Norwegians turtleneck sweater is made of an extremely soft blend of merino wool and cashmere, sourced from a family-run mill in Florence. It works for both après ski over a onesie or with black trousers at the office.

Loro Piana

Fair Isle cashmere and silk-blend sweater

Reigning quiet luxury hero Loro Piana is at it again with this silk and cashmere blend that whispers how chic it is, whether worn with chinos or jeans.

Perfect Moment

Nordic Fair Isle intarsia merino wool sweater

The ideal on-and-off-the-slopes moment, this insulating merino wool base layer from Perfect Moment is Nordic-inspired and extremely sporty.

Khaite

Tabi oversized Fair Isle cashmere sweater

With braided trims and a more minimal approach to Fair Isle, this knit maintains Khaite’s rep as a cool-girl staple brand. Keep it casual with baggy jeans and suede Birkenstocks.

Fair Isle intarsia knit vest

An oversized vest is a great way to get into the Fair Isle vibe without committing to a sweater. We love the boxy shape of this cashmere style from minimalist L.A. brand Co, launched in 2011 by Stephanie Danan and Justin Kern.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby

Elani Fair Isle cardigan

Derek Lam launched his eponymous brand in 2002 and has never veered from his minimalist pieces with a twist. This wool-blend cardigan features cool blue tones that are made for weekend brunches paired with dark wash denim.

Woolrich

Fair Isle crew-neck jumper

Woolrich has been in the sweater game since 1830, so consider this a true classic. These tan tones are very relevant to the season and pair especially well with winter whites.

Celine

boxy crew-neck sweater

The famed Celine triomphe logo gets the Fair Isle treatment in a truly Aspen worthy après ski sweater. It’s equal parts bougie and laid back, the ideal pairing for luxury ski town devotees.

Khaite

Amaris cashmere-blend Fair Isle sweater

Khaite is committed to the Fair Isle look, offering multiple options this season, including this cropped turtleneck style that can be dressed up or down with leather mini skirts or easy trousers.

L.L. Bean

cotton fisherman sweater

One of the few cotton sweaters on this list, this L.L. Bean cardigan can be sized up for a cool take on traditional fall style, that can actually be worn year-round.

Ralph Lauren

Fair Isle wool blend sweater

The cozy factor is high in this Ralph Lauren wool-blend sweater with textured stitches and vaguely Western feel. Go all in with denim and a suede boot.

Theory

Fair Isle pullover sweater

Workwear staple brand Theory nails the weekend wear look with this soft blue Fair Isle knit featuring raglan sleeves. Imagine how good this icy shade would look with white denim.

Zimmermann

Lyrical Fair Isle merino wool-blend sweater

Aussie brand Zimmermann might be best known for its summer dresses, but it does cold weather equally well. In autumnal hues, this cropped crew neck is spun out of a blend of merino wool with alpaca.

Naadam

luxe merino Fair Isle crew-neck sweater

This classic knit is created for the gentlemen, but skip the whole “steal your boyfriend’s sweater” and just buy it for yourself. Green is the color of the season, after all.

Khaite

Dobbi Fair Isle cashmere hoodie

A Fair Isle knit that’s also a hoodie? Sign us up. This sporty sweater is also exceptionally luxe, fashioned out of cashmere with a cool, graphic take on more traditional iterations.

Molly Goddard

Jen Fair Isle intarsia wool vest

Brit runway favorite has made Fair Isle a brand mainstay, putting her own spin on one of the royal family’s favorite styles each season. The punchy colors in this vest are very modern and very Molly Goddard.

A.L.C.

Landry Fair Isle wool sweater

L.A. label A.L.C crafted this polo collar sweater from wool with a relaxed shape featuring drop shoulders. A touch of yellow feels cool and unexpected.

Miu Miu

intarsia mohair-blend sweater

Miu Miu does sweaters so very well and this playful crewneck is no exception. We love the vaguely Swedish vibes this sweet navy, red, and cream knit is giving.

Favorite Daughter

Tis The Season knit wool-blend sweater

This Favorite Daughter knit calls to mind 1980s prep sweaters in the best way possible. We already see it with lace-up boots and baggy jeans.

Lena Hoschek

Franzi intarsia wool turtleneck sweater

Crafted out of shrink-resistant wool and handmade by European artisans, this fitted knit is more than meets the eye. It looks smart with a pencil midi skirt and black boots.

Tory Burch

merino Fair Isle sweater

Made with pure merino wool, this chunky Tory Burch must-have is super warm and looks equally good on the mountain as it does in the city.

Cos

Fair Isle wool and cashmere jumper

This Cos knit is certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard, to protect the welfare of the sheep and their environment. It’s a fun, postmodern take on the classic pattern.

Alexander McQueen

Fair Isle cashmere sweater

This cashmere menswear sweater has unisex appeal, and calls to mind Lee Alexander McQueen’s own Scottish roots. The spare black and white hues are classic without veering too much into the traditional.

Me+Em

patchwork Fair Isle vest

This boxy V-neck vest is made from a blend of cashmere and merino wool. Pair it with a T-shirt for a casual look, or layer over a button-down for something more professional.

Alanui

Icon belted fringed cardigan

A Southwest take on Fair Isle, Alanui's signature fringed cardigan takes 10 hours to complete and is worth every minute. Wear it with jeans and a wide brim hat to channel the full Western mood.

J.Crew

Fair Isle cardigan sweater

This blue and cream cardigan is 100% wool and looks perfect worn open over a tank or closed with a mini and loafers. Gold buttons lend a subtle touch of glamour.

Purdey

Fair Isle ribbed cashmere turtleneck sweater

Purdey’s Fair Isle sweater has been knitted in Scotland from cashmere and feels just dressy enough to wear with pleated navy pants and a lace-up boot.

Wethered Ladies

Fair Isle shawl neck Cardigan

Old Field Clothing specializes in Fair Isle knits, so we’re really dealing with the pros here. This shawl neck style was a favorite in the 1920s and more than holds up 100 years later. We love keeping the whole look classic by wearing it with a smart gray trouser.

Ganni

oversized intarsia-knit vest

Copenhagen-based brand Ganni is in the business of creating trendy, statement pieces that look good as on social as they do IRL. This long vest is knitted from organic wool for a chunky, oversized fit that would just as good in Copenhagen as Upstate New York.