Fair Isle Done 14 Ways—Sweaters, Socks, Sneakers and More
Back in the early 1920’s when then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, took to wearing some multi-color knit tank tops crafted on some place called Fair Isle in Scotland, he probably never imagined that some of the world’s most respected designers would, about 90 years later, make it one of the staples of menswear style. To be sure, true Fair Isle can only be made on the Scottish island of said name, but who is anyone in fashion to stick to the rules? And actually, who even said Fair Isle has to be knit? There’s a watch here that would beg to differ. After the jump, you’ll find the sharpest, styles of Fair Isle for sale right now. Backpacks, gloves, scarves, hats, hoodies, socks and, well…more.
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1) The Sweater
White Mountaineering Fair Isle Sweater; $610 at Mrporter.com There are a lot of Fair Isle Sweaters popping up right about now, each one trying to out do the other with pops of colors, patterns, razzle-dazzle, what have you. Keeping it simple makes it unexpected. -
2) The Zip Up
D&G Fair Isle Cardigan; $600 at farfetch.com Be warned, random people may snuggle up on you. -
3) The Tie
Steven Alan Point End Knit Tie; $125 at stevenalan.com For business or pleasure. -
4) The Belt
Topman Brown Fair Isle Belt; $28 at topman.com Trendy today, classic tomorrow. -
5) The Jacket
Oliver Spencer Pilot Jacket; $545 at oliverspencer.com A Fair Isle Bomber? Why yes, says fine British designer Oliver Spencer. We concur. -
6) The Sweater Vest
Ralph Lauren Wool Fair Isle Vest; $295 at ralphlauren.com To match with any color. -
7) The Hat
Patrick Ervell Pattern Knit Cap; $105 at openingceremony.com Made from 100% Peruvian alpaca it's also really soft. -
8) The Shoe
Keds Chukka Suede; $75 at keds.com Sometimes, it's just all about the lining. -
9) The Hoodie
Brooks Brothers Fair Isle Hoodie; $148 at brooksbrothers.com Loud, but lambswool. -
10) The Backpack
Junya Watanabe Blue Fair Isle Wool Backpack; $360 at number3store.com The authority on Fair Isle Backpacks. -
11) The Gloves
Burberry Fair Isle Cashmere Gloves; $375 at burberry.com There may be other cashmere gloves out there, but they're not these. -
12) The Scarf
Paul Smith Grey Fair Isle Scarf; $260 at paulsmith.com Children of the 80's and their grandparents might agree on this one. -
13) The Sock
Chup Liomi Sock; $38 at unionlosangeles.com Your ankle will appreciate the pop. -
14) The Watch
Asos Fair Isle Watch; $27 at asos.com Because the time should always be ten after the red stripe.
Related: The 5 Ways to Wear a Vest Jacket This Fall
