Fair Isle

noun

: a style of knitting originating in the Shetland Islands that is characterized by bands of multicolored geometric patterns

also : an article of clothing knitted in this style

Examples of Fair Isle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With designs from Fair Isle to buffalo plaid to beloved Disney characters in Santa hats, you’re bound to find something your partner, kiddo, and in some cases, even your pet will rock without complaint. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2025

The style’s 100-percent organic cotton composition, too, will ensure these babies last you for years on end, meshing well with everything from Fair Isle sweaters to your sexiest date-night halter tops. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Vogue’s Layering Essentials Featured in this article Altuzarra played with textures and proportions in this look, built around a Fair Isle turtleneck, pencil skirt, and riding boots. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2025

The island, originally known as Fair Isle, remains one undivided tract of land. —Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Fair Isle

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle