Fair Isle Jumpers With Kilts?

[Dale Seago]

After seeing the pics of the beautiful Fair Isle Matt Newsome's lady wife made for him here, I was wondering. . .Anyone else tried wearing one with a kilt? Any other pics?

[Pleater]

Although I could, I never have.

It did remind me of the way small boys were dressed back in the 50s.

The knitting is beautiful, I just associate it with clusters of noisy, fast moving and mischievous little scamps.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Phil]

Although I could, I never have.It did remind me of the way small boys were dressed back in the 50s.The knitting is beautiful, I just associate it with clusters of noisy, fast moving and mischievous little scamps. Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Funny you should say that as the very same image came to mind when I saw the original thread. That and certain TV programmes depicting "Mummys boys" unable to escape the apron strings who always seem to wear them or a close approximation. I believe Onslow in "Keeping up appearances" was also an afficionado which says a lot about fashion choices. I guess these associations don't have the same relevance for our overseas friends judging by the general reaction there.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

If anyone had tried putting me in a Fair Isle sweater or pullover when I was 12 or 13 years old, I probably would have had the same reaction that Phil seems to have. Now that I am older, though, I tend to make my fashion decisions based on a different set of priorities.

To my eye, the intricate patterns of Fair Isle knitting make for a wonderful complement to tartans and tweeds. One of the things I truly love about Highland day dress is the richness of pattern, color, and texture that can come together in a single ensemble. A rich Fair Isle pullover showing from beneath a warm Harris Tweed jacket, both above a traditional tartan kilt, sporting a well-worn leather sporran... well, that's the "bee's knees" as they say.

[JSFMACLJR]

After seeing the pics of the beautiful Fair Isle Matt Newsome's lady wife made for him here, I was wondering. . .Anyone else tried wearing one with a kilt? Any other pics?

My sons and I wear them.

[creagdhubh]

I wear them. And sometimes with the kilt.

[Phil]

I do think a long-sleeved sweater such as shown in the last couple of illustrations is a much more acceptable garment than the "tank-top" originally illustrated. I believe that kind of sleeveless garment may be called a "wife-beater" by Americans, but to this day is still regarded as not something any self-respecting individual would be seen dead in on this side of the Atlantic. To my continuing disappointment I actually have 3 of the genuine (Fair Isle - http://www.fairisle.org.uk/ ) article safely stored away awaiting that day that never seems to come when they can be worn without inviting derision. I did notice last Christmas that outrageous-looking sweaters incorporating reindeer, santas etc. were briefly in fashion so you never know.......

[sydnie7]

I do think a long-sleeved sweater such as shown in the last couple of illustrations is a much more acceptable garment than the "tank-top" originally illustrated. I believe that kind of sleeveless garment may be called a "wife-beater" by Americans, but to this day is still regarded as not something any self-respecting individual would be seen dead in on this side of the Atlantic. To my continuing disappointment I actually have 3 of the genuine (Fair Isle - http://www.fairisle.org.uk/ ) article safely stored away awaiting that day that never seems to come when they can be worn without inviting derision. I did notice last Christmas that outrageous-looking sweaters incorporating reindeer, santas etc. were briefly in fashion so you never know.......

You are far off the mark here. The dreaded "wife-beater" is typically a thin white undershirt of ribbed cotton with oversized neck and arm holes, intended to be worn beneath a shirt but used as outerwear by some. I would call Mr. Newsome's garment a "sleeveless pullover sweater vest" or something to that effect. Among friends, I'd call it a beautifully made piece that he manages to make "work" with the kilt!

[Phil]

You are far off the mark here. The dreaded "wife-beater" is typically a thin white undershirt of ribbed cotton with oversized neck and arm holes, intended to be worn beneath a shirt but used as outerwear by some. I would call Mr. Newsome's garment a "sleeveless pullover sweater vest" or something to that effect. Among friends, I'd call it a beautifully made piece that he manages to make "work" with the kilt!

Thank you for correcting my ignorance - another example of two nations separated by a common language I think. Here in the good ol' UK it is known as a "tank top" - a sleeveless knitted garment. It is such a relief to have that clarified as "wife beating" is most definitely not a pastime one would ever associate with a typical tank top wearer - not in a million years. Unless their Mummy had inadvertently relinquished her clutches on them that is. And even then the prospect seems extremely unlikely - more the reverse I would say!

[Pleater]

I suspect that the negative connotations here in the UK are a lot to do with the shortages of the 40s and 50s, where every last scrap of yarn was used up making banded fairisle garments.

Having seen some very beautiful garments made in stranded knitting I too hope that it will become popular again, as it is a real challenge to get the colours right - just look at the winged diamond pattern on the sleeve of the jersey in Creagdhubh's photo, on the dark background. It is a work of art.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: