As the sweater weather approaches, you have to start checking the latest trends this fall and search for your perfect sweater. When choosing a sweater there are very many aspects to consider such as: design, color, material, style, coziness and what we want to add to the list is culture. This is an uncommon thing to consider when buying a new piece of clothing, but we think culture is something that should be shown through clothes, especially when the traditional designs are fun and stylish. In this article we will go over three traditional types of sweaters from 3 countries in Europe. This fall, you will be stylish while learning about cultures and representing them.

Nordic sweater

Called Lusekofte or Setesdalsgenser, the traditional sweater from Norway dates back to the 19th century. The sweaters were originally hand knit out of lambswool and designed in black and white colors. Now they can be found in many colorful designs and styles, but still keeping the traditional touch. The Norwegian sweater’s particularity is that the geometrical designs are only on the top part of the sweater, over the shoulders, leaving the bottom part plain. You can get a turtleneck, crew neck or cowl neck, fitted or oversized, neutral or colorful and all of them honor the Nordic culture. So if you’re passionate about Norwegian history, heritage and want to know more about their cultural input into clothes and fashion, the first step is looking more into Lusekofte, and even getting one for yourself.

Irish Aran sweater

Once upon a time in Ireland, the most popular occupation of men was fishing, and through the freezing weather and tough conditions of the sea, they needed something to keep them warm. The solution arrived in the 1920s, hand knit by the women of that time, the Fishermen Aran Sweater. Made out of natural wool and knit with various types of stitches, these sweaters were sending the message of good fortune, safety, wealth, success or religious meanings. These garments were made originally for men and returning to our times, we guarantee that they are still trendy now and you can choose one from the wide variety of Aran Sweaters in the newest collection. They can be found in various colors, with the traditional stitches that look impeccable and with different accents and additions that will give you an eye-catching look. The legend behind these cultural gems and the fact that they can be super fashionable should be enough to make you want to get one, and while you’re at it, you can check the full history of the stitches and become an Aran sweater expert. Good luck!

Lopapeysa

Now if you google this one, it will look almost identical to the Norwegian sweater. Yes, the idea is similar, the countries would obviously have some cultural similarities, but there are crucial differences between the Lopapeysa and the Lusekofte. The most important difference is the type of wool they are made of, the icelandic sweater is made out of natice icelandic sheep wool and the traditional ones are only hand made, they can not be machine made. They are the most recently invented ones from this article, originating in the mid-20th century. We wanted to include both the Icelandic and the Nordic so that you never have to mistake the two. So now that you know the differences, you’re ready to buy your fave!