Fair Isle sweaters, once labeled "ugly" in the 1980s, are experiencing a significant resurgence, becoming a popular choice for the year-end season. This classic knit, known for its warm, friendly motifs like natural landscapes, cabins, animals, and farm scenes, is now celebrated for its comfort and distinctive style, particularly as Christmas approaches, according to Vogue.

Originating as practical workwear for fishermen in Scotland's northern archipelago during the 18th and 19th centuries, Fair Isle knitting takes its name from Fair Isle island. The technique, initially used for hats, soon expanded to sweaters for coastal families. Its two-ply knitting method created thick garments, doubling their warmth retention. These items often featured bright, eye-catching colors, making wearers more visible from land or other boats.

The Fair Isle sweater gained prominence in the 1920s, becoming a favorite among the British royal family, a preference that continues today. By the 1940s and 1950s, it symbolized family values, appearing in knitting guides for women. Mothers across Britain knitted sweaters and hats for themselves, their husbands, and children. The image of entire families wearing Fair Isle sweaters, gathered around a Christmas tree or holiday table, became iconic.

Despite its elegant and intricate knitting technique, the Fair Isle style faced a period of criticism when it made a comeback in the 1980s. Influenced by pop culture, many Americans and British labeled it the "ugly sweater," deeming the designs unsophisticated and old-fashioned, only suitable for casual wear at home during Christmas. Princess Diana, however, famously wore many of these designs, including a neon pink and green version paired with velvet pants and a reindeer-patterned top.

Over the past ten years, luxury brands have played a crucial role in the Fair Isle sweater's revival. Esteemed fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Chanel, Celine, Balenciaga, Raf Simons, Versace, and Dries van Noten have showcased classic knit designs on their runways. In 2015, Chanel featured Fair Isle in its Metier d'Arts show in Rome, honoring the craftsmanship of its ateliers. Designer Molly Goddard frequently incorporates this style with voluminous tulle skirts in most of her collections.

This Fall/Winter season, designers like Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra are actively promoting the Fair Isle trend. During Paris Fashion Week in October, many fashion enthusiasts were seen styling these sweaters in diverse country-chic ways. Young people across Asia, including Vietnam, have embraced this trend for about two years, driven by the sweaters' comfortable, loose fit and affordable prices, typically ranging from 250,000 to 650,000 VND on e-commerce platforms. Local brands are also creating matching scarves and hair ties to complement the sweaters.

The modern Fair Isle palette has expanded beyond its original contrasting bright tones of pink, red, orange, and blue. It now includes muted, tonal shades such as cream, brown, beige, and black. According to WWW, young people favor these items for their comfortable, loose fit and suitable prices. The distinctive patterns also provide excellent opportunities for creating beautiful photos during outings or travels.

Celebrities like Hailey Bieber have successfully championed the trend, with Bieber notably making a statement on the street in a modern country-chic ensemble featuring a pleated skirt, loafers, and a patterned sweater. Photo: Backgrid

For office workers, a popular and elegant way to wear Fair Isle sweaters is to combine a muted turtleneck with wide-leg fabric pants in a matching tone.

Sao Mai

Photo: Pinterest