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

Kuhl Alpina Sweater Nothing fits the après aesthetic quite like a Fair Isle sweater. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026

In between corduroy suits and Fair Isle cardigans, the brand has zeroed in on padded vests as the key transitional piece to layer over the looks, conveying a sense of practicality without forgoing style. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

The classic pieces felt fresh when styled with contrasting prints—polka dots, Fair Isle knits—and relaxed with denim. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Jan. 2026

The fit reminds me of a classic Fair Isle sweater, but without the busy and hard-to-match pattern. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

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