Icelandic sweater

Every country in the world has a recognizable element of the national costume, by which it is easily identified by other inhabitants of our planet. For example, Japanese kimono, Indian sari, Vietnamese nonla hat, etc. All these wardrobe items are familiar to foreigners, but they have not become part of their everyday life and are perceived only as an exotic outfit.

A completely different matter is the traditional Icelandic sweater called Lopapeisa. This sweater, for sure, has been seen by each of us, but not everyone knows about its origin and features. Today we want to tell you in detail about what Icelandic sweaters are, why they are interesting and what they are.

Knitted sweaters were worn in Iceland a thousand years ago, since the first settlers from Greenland appeared on this territory. They brought with them sheep, which not only served as a source of meat and milk for people, but also gave wool. Warm clothes, blankets and other things necessary in everyday life were made from wool.

Clothes knitted from sheep's wool were practically the only clothing available to the inhabitants of Iceland, so local craftswomen achieved incredible skill in knitting. Icelanders learned knitting from a very early age, as it was believed that it was as necessary a skill as reading. There is even a version that knitted products were later exchanged for other goods from residents of neighboring territories.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, Iceland was a very isolated country, and its population lived mainly on what it mined and produced itself. When the possibility of import and export of various goods arose, knitting from a vital skill turned into a hobby that was not given much importance.

It is believed that it was at this time that the traditional Icelandic Lopapeis sweater appeared.

It is interesting that he appeared in a somewhat artificial way. There was a need in the country to use domestic wool, the demand for which gradually began to fall. This is how the idea of ​​a new type of national clothing was born - a knitted sweater with a beautiful, original pattern, in which Greenlandic and Icelandic motives were intertwined.

Real Icelandic sweaters are knitted only from the wool of local sheep. This is a special breed that has not been crossed for over a thousand years. Therefore, we can say that modern sheep living in Iceland are genetically the same that the ancient Vikings once brought to this land.

These sheep have a very unusual appearance: a long, thick, almost straight coat completely covers their body, with the exception of the legs and head.

Most often, white and black sheep of this breed are found, but in total there are about 30 possible colors. The wool of Icelandic sheep has a special structure, therefore it is harvested in small quantities, which is why it is not suitable for industrial yarn production.

Lopapeis sweaters are knitted only from hand-made yarns - and this is one of the main features of this garment.

Another characteristic feature of the Lopapeis sweater is the recognizable color pattern. There are many options for patterns that adorn the neck of a sweater.

Traditionally, ornaments were exclusively black and white, but then various color variations began to appear, which became more popular.

The patterns used to decorate Icelandic sweaters are partly borrowed from the Greenlanders and Vikings, and partly invented by the needlewomen themselves. Now it is already very difficult to imagine what meaning was originally put into these crosses, loops and stars.

However, carefully examining the Icelandic ornament, one can guess snowflakes and spruces, snowdrifts and frosty patterns on the windows, mountains and river floods, in general, everything that locals see from day to day.

Since a real Lopapeis sweater can only be made from 100% sheep wool, this is a very warm piece that is appropriate in a winter wardrobe. Most of these sweaters are unisex and can be worn by both men and women.

In addition to jeans and trousers, it can be insulated shorts with tight tights, socks or leggings. Those who prefer a more feminine style can replace the shorts with a short skirt or knitted dress. Leggings or leggings are also suitable as the bottom of the set.

You can put a jacket or vest over the sweater.

As for the shoes, they can be almost anything. Since we are talking about the cold season, along with the Icelandic sweater, leather boots with fur, suede boots, felt boots with embroidery or bright ugg boots are perfect.