Discuss: Yoke Sweaters - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Discuss: Yoke Sweaters

Ket

Veteran

I would love to discuss why yoked sweaters fit and flatter some people but not others? In my post here, there was a lot of conversation about fit and how it affected them. One Fabber said it demphasized their broader shoulders. Someone else commented it over emphasized their inverted triangle shape, making their shoulders look even wider. Others noted it made their shoulders look very sloped or rounded, to the point it was unflattering.

Yoked sweaters seem to be a love/hate or hit/miss garment, and I don’t know if I see a pattern as to why. The shape seems very random as to who it works for or who it doesn't.

In the knitting world, I see lots of knitters knitting and wearing them. But not everyone is flattered by the shape, despite taking the time they took to tailor the item to their body.

Any insights, Angie?

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Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

Anonymous

I'd think the other details are key. The overall length and shape of the sweater- plus the colors and contrast level.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

You know, it could just be a taste thing. I love these sweaters, though I don't have any. They would work on me because I love pattern and classic designs.

But there are several Fabbers on here I can think of that it wouldn't look good on, because it's not their style. It would look like when you put a kid in a sweater for a picture.

I mean, picture it on a young Cybil Shepherd--it would look great. Now picture it on a young Joan Crawford--kind of out of place. I think it has to match your personality.

RobinF

Veteran

Carol makes a great point about the type of person they work on. I think they just aren't a trending style right now but who knows, maybe next year! They seem to come and go.

Joy

Veteran

I quickly pass on these sweaters and am not sure why. I do not enjoy them. It may be scratchy wool or that they are too warm for most days.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

For me, I think there is a balance of elements that makes or breaks the style. For clarification, I have very uneven shoulders (scoliosis and general asymmetry throughout my body). Certain sleeveless styles are really wrong on me because one side will end at my shoulder point and the other will not. Similarly, a yoke pattern can either work really well to mask this…or call attention to it. Depends on where the pattern ends. It also helps if the fit has ease. I’m also super picky about color palette and neck style (I do not like mock turtlenecks at all, and a lot of turtlenecks are too tight or itchy or loose…). And a lot of fair isle styles are too heavy and hot for me at this phase of my life. So you can see it goes beyond style to practical elements as well!

But honestly I haven’t even tried one in a while, so I may be speculating a bit here! But here’s a pic of me at 15 in a favorite old fair isle.

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cat2

Veteran

Not Angie, obvs. I have broad shoulders and the pattern can cut off at a weird point that makes my arms look massive, I think because the background is light color? I went with a sweater where the fair isle pattern is larger and across the chest only to get the vibe without the unflattering look.

phoebe

The yoke focuses attention on the shoulder area so maybe anyone not wishing to highlight this area will find it unflattering.

Maybe it's the overall shape? The style is often a little bulky and combined with a high neckline might not please everyone.

I am full busted, broad shouldered, not tall and while I have a shetland one I'm on the look out for a cashmere version having committed to very soft sweaters only.

It's a lovely, cheerful style that doesn't require that much ingenuity to make it look current

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm with Suntiger, Janet and cat2.

Ket, there are many variables at play, which I see come through on my clientele who greatly vary in body type. Fit, shape, length, contrast of the Fair Isle colours, placement and size of the yoke, chunkiness of the wool, type of neckline....and how you wear it - will play their part

I have a plus size family member with a large bust and square shoulders who looks fabulous in a fluid and not too long or short yoked Fair Isle! The Fair Isle is high contrast and broad too. The neckline is a neat crew neck. Much like Finds #1 to #3 here.

I have a narrow shoulders and can wear one with a high neckline - like your first example! That's a goodie for me, but less oversized.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

I don’t think I have ever had one. I like looking at them, and think maybe the crew neck would feel too tight to me? Crew neck knits I do have are maybe just a bit looser?
And I always have to wear a mock turtleneck underneath to protect my neck from itching from the wool.
That would take away the vibe somewhat, wouldn’t it?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm with those who say that anyone who doesn't want to draw attention to the shoulder area will probably be a nay to most Fair Isle sweaters. But some IT shaped people love to emphasize this aspect of their figure while others want to decrease the emphasis. So in that sense Fair Isle is a bit like puffed sleeves or sharp shoulders on clothing.

I'm also with those who say that climate and skin sensitivities will play a role. The sweaters tend to be knitted in wools that some find scratchy or too hot.

And then there are style preferences and associations. Some may associate the look exclusively with holiday wear; others with clothing they had as kids.

Patterns in general are highly personal, I think. Not just Fair Isle or yoked styles.

Angie actually did a post on the Fair Isle trend a few years ago (when I bought my J. Crew sweater, LOL.) The conversation there might be of interest.

Irina

Veteran

Always, always wanted one and yet… it has to be in my colors. Over the years I debated over some of them for too long and they were gone in my size. Can’t find them in resale market, either
colors, length and materials used, placement of the design - all are important and this is why it’s difficult for me to find one.

kkards

Veteran

Irina -they are all over Etsy. Both classic, vintage and new. I might have spent some time recently researching them.

JJ PNW

Generally love the yoke style sweater look on - other folks - not me! My thoughts are a more angular or large with some height body type there is an advantage. For shorter folks on the mid to rounded body type a yoke bodice can add too much width and slope the shoulders too much.

Similar to wearing border prints, which for some reason I’m always drawn to when done well, but never wear as they add width not length.

Love those hand made or Norwegian ones - Dale of Norway especially.
Prefer the simple 1/4” zip for my L/XL petite stature.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends exactly on all the factors mentioned - personal style, shoulder shape and width, exact pattern and shape of the sweater. I have definitely worn these fwiw.

Ket

Veteran

Thank you all, for this helpful discussion! Now I understand why I wasn't seeing a pattern: there are so many variables!

It definitely sounds like this isn't an item where anyone can run out of the gate with it. The points you all have made have given me a lot to consider as I knit my own fair isle and Scandinavian inspired sweaters ♥ So thank you ♥

avicennia

Veteran

For me the problem is the high/crew neck, not the yoke pattern. A cardigan Fair Isle with yoke pattern is flattering on me where the traditional over the head sweaters are not.

Ket

Veteran

I hear you, avicienna. That cardigan really helps provide some openness in front and around the neck. I do much better with a v neck or turtleneck. Crew necks usually aren’t me best.

Jonesy

Veteran

I really like them and have one that I wear. I have an IT build (broader square shoulders, narrower hips) and I am happy to emphasize my shoulders, so this pattern placement works for me. Agree with everyone else that it's highly personal and depends on lots of factors. But I think if you are attracted to the style, you should go for it! It seems like it would fit nicely into your aesthetic.