Suddenly everywhere: fisherman's sweaters... really? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Suddenly everywhere: fisherman's sweaters... really?

April

Veteran

I don't say that because I don't like fisherman's sweaters, but because I don't think of them in a "fashion" context. I think of them as the sort of gearish staples that comprised 90% of the wardrobe I purged when I first joined YLF.

And now... Michael Kors is in Lucky, putting them on his list of "five key pieces." The Westfield Style Manual that Angie linked to shows several cable-y, fisherman-inspired sweaters throughout its pages. The Daily Obsession showed a photo of Gwyneth Paltrow in one a few weeks ago: http://thedailyobsession.net/2.....-sweaters/

If bulky sweaters are having a style heyday, I will rejoice come the depths of winter. What say you, YLF?

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

JR

Veteran

Yay! Love big, bulky, textured sweaters. Although I can't see what makes most of the sweaters in that link fisherman's sweaters.

I've bought one pure white cable-knit cardigan for the cooler months, and am eyeing a navy V-neck pullover, also cable-knit. I thought it was a little old-lady looking, but I didn't really care because I like them anyway. But if it's actually fashion-forward, so much the better!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I just posted about it here

http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sweaters

Anonymous

If the weather will just cooperate. I've got a lovely one from Scotland that hasn't been worn in years because it's too warm for inside but doesn't cut the wind enough to be worn as outerwear. This is a trend I'll enjoy on others unless we move to someplace with colder winters.

JAileen

Veteran

I have several. I knit one, and picked up two others at thrift stores. My husband and I go on lots of outoor outings in Fall, Winter, and Spring, and need warm layers. A sporty look I like is a turtleneck, a fisherman (or Aran) sweater, a down vest if necessary, topped with a Woolrich 60/40 coat, to cut the wind. The outfit would include slacks or jeans and my waterproof Timberland boots.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I love, and am wanting, a chunky sweater for the fall. Having a bad internet connection, I don't take the 10 minutes it would to follow links in posts, so I can't say about the particular 'fisherman' ones being referred.

catgirl

Veteran

I saw that Michael Kors list. I think I've gone through two fashion cycles of fisherman sweaters. I want to say 1980 and 1995? Eep. I do love them but they have to be right or I look like a short stocky shepherd.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am going to give cream cabled jumpers another bash if I can find one that does not itch.

April

Veteran

Angie, have a look at this one: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....Id=1234164

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cute! I have my eye on one from J. Crew with a huge turtleneck collar.

Diana

Veteran

I think they're cool and I've considered knitting one... but to be honest I find really heavy sweaters to be of limited use. Since I run hot, they are too hot to wear indoors even in winter (although they would have been useful for those couple of years that I lived in an apartment with a terrible and mostly non-functional heating system) and not really functional as outerwear because they don't cut wind. So I don't know where to wear them.

Deborah

Veteran

Please excuse my ignorance, but could someone define exactly what a Fisherman Sweater is. I have a picture in my mind, but the photos in the link show quite a range of sweater looks. Thanks:)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love the warmth and cuddly factor of these sweaters but will never buy one - NOT a good look on a short less-than-skinny kind of gal! No need to add more wooly bulk!

April

Veteran

Deborah, here's a detailed explanation, with photos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aran_jumper

And the link I posted above shows a fairly classic example: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....Id=1234164

Shannon -- yes, I think I purged mine originally for similar reasons. The bulk just seemed overwhelming, but maybe it doesn't *have* to be that way.

anne

Veteran

Warmthwise, these are very appealing to me for my wintering in unheated houses. And someone offered me a handmedown just the other month which I turned down - I really didn't think it a flattering look. It would have be be very specifically styled to get me purchasing

April

Veteran

I am also feeling compelled, after looking at a number of items being presented as "fisherman's sweaters", to note that a cable-knit is not quite the same thing. The cable is one of the patterns represented in the fisherman's sweater, but not the only one. Traditionally, there are several patterns involved, which is what defines a fisherman's sweater.

I'm sure the knitters among us can rest easy now.

jayne

Veteran

I love the look, love the pattern in the knitting and have a gorgeous green one hidden somewhere (from Ireland)...but I melt in these. I will have to find a lightweight alternative if they show up. And no itch please (heh Angie)

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I really want one, or something similar, but I would prefer a v-neck. Hard to find! Perhaps I should look for an Aran cardigan instead.