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

Prices range from 145 pounds for the wool Fair Isle sweater vest to 245 pounds for the supersoft lambswool Nordic sweater. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

The Nostalgic Take Fair Isle predictably returns to the top of the knitwear stack during the fall. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Another burgundy Fair Isle sweater has touches of light blue like the designer's Moonlight Dress. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Nordic Fair Isle prints and anything with sheep, stripes, or funky patterns are fantastic sellers. — Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 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