
Not all sweaters are the same. Different styles, different thicknesses, and different materials make garments that run the gamut from chunky turtlenecks to silky sweater vests, and everything in between. Sweaters are often differentiated by their knit pattern, like the Aran and Fair Isle sweaters, while the classic Shetland sweater is known for the breed of sheep whose wool it is knitted from.
The Shetland sheep is a traditional variety of the species that has adapted over many centuries to the harsh, windswept terrain of the Shetland Islands, off the Scottish coast. Since 1927 the breed has been protected by several conservation organizations from interbreeding in order to maintain the characteristics of the Shetland sheep and its iconic wool. Shetlands are primarily found in their traditional home climes on the Shetland Islands, although a small amount have been raised in North America. Thomas Jefferson owned a Shetland ram in the early 19th Century, although this ram is not related to the modern North American Shetland population.
The Shetland’s wool is thicker and coarser than other breeds of sheep, such as the Merino. This coarseness means that clothing made from Shetland wool is famously hard-wearing and weather-resistant. The thick fibers of the wool trap air pockets within the garment to insulate the wearer, while coupling with the natural moisture-wicking capabilities of wool to keep the wearer dry in all but the heaviest weather. It has been worn by sailors in the Shetland Islands and elsewhere in Britain for centuries and is renowned for its utility.
Shetland wool is often woven into the toughest tweeds, but it has reached an iconic status in the United States in the form of sweaters. The Shetland crew-neck sweater, a simple design in a single, mottled color, is a classic part of the ivy-style wardrobe. Like other ivy standbys such as the oxford shirt and cotton chinos, the Shetland sweater is tough enough to stand up to daily wear in the dead of winter while providing a neat and classic look. President John F. Kennedy was fond of the design and can be seen in photos wearing one with chinos and sneakers or flannel trousers and loafers, demonstrating the Shetland sweater’s versatility.
This endless adaptability gives the Shetland a place in nearly any wardrobe. I like to wear mine with jeans and a leather jacket, but it's equally at home in dressier settings with a jacket and tie. You could even wear one with a pair of cotton shorts on a cool summer morning, in a quintessentially New England fashion. The Shetland sweater is so flexible that it will never truly go out of style.
Introducing Contributing Writer Eric Langlois

Eric Langlois is a writer, menswear professional, and history enthusiast based on the North Shore of Massachusetts. He can be found on Instagram at @thread_harvest.
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