Cosy sweaters are a common layering piece for the winter. Knitted in various styles, colours, and yarns, they can be utilized in every season but the summer. As the holidays approach, different types of sweaters, like traditional wool sweaters, Fair Isle, cable-knit, and of course, ugly Christmas sweaters, are great pieces to wear to stay toasty.
Traditional sweaters: In the 1400s, the first type of knit sweater was created for sailors and fishermen living in the Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, by their spouses to keep them warm. Initially called a “jersey” after the island, American athletes in the 1890s began wearing it and referred to it as a “sweater.” It was later popularized by designers such as Gabrielle Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin in the 1920s. According to Vogue, sweaters continue to be a popular fashion piece this year.
Fair Isle: This style of sweater was first introduced in the First World War. Described by Vogue as “the clothing equivalent of hot cocoa,” the Fair Isle sweater is named for the small Scottish island located just south of Shetland in the North Sea. This sweater is designed with multiple coloured yarns that are knit in different patterns and shapes. These sweaters look good with jeans and a jacket or with dress pants, and are always on trend.
Aran/thick cable-knit: These stylish and classic sweaters originated on Ireland’s west coast and are also known as the “fisherman’s sweater.” Suitable for the fall and winter seasons, cable-knit sweaters can be styled with an array of clothing. Versatile in neutral colours like white and navy, aran sweaters can be dressed up or down with jeans, a skirt or a pair of dress pants.
Christmas sweaters: There’s a variety of ugly sweater designs for you to choose between: from sweaters that depict snowmen and snowflakes, to those designed with Christmas trees, Santa, or the Grinch. They first came out in the 1950s, and became more popular in the 1980s when characters wore them in movies and they were trending in pop culture. This sweater went out of fashion in the ?90s before making a comeback in the early 2000s. Today, thanks to social media, they’ve surged in popularity. Chances are, a lot of us have ugly Christmas sweaters hidden somewhere in our closets, so don’t be shy — wear them!
Look through your closet and see what sweaters you own and love to wear this cold season. These items can all be found in local stores, malls, online, and thrift shops. Happy holidays, and stay snug this winter!
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.