Instantly recognisable, the iconic Icelandic sweater has become one of Iceland’s best-known symbols. Although inspired by centuries of Icelandic knitting traditions, the distinctive lopapeysa as we know it today only emerged in the mid-20th century. Today it’s worn everywhere from mountain trails to fashion runways. And when the evenings draw in and temperatures drop what could be more cosy than wrapping up warm in a beautiful Icelandic sweater?
But what is the origin of the iconic Iceland sweater pattern? How much does a wool sweater cost in Iceland? And why are Icelandic sweaters so expensive? Read on to find out all you need to know about traditional Icelandic sweaters!
What’s the history of Icelandic sweaters?
Of course, warm woollen jumpers are nothing new and farmers and fishermen have been keeping cosy in their knitwear for hundreds of years.
Sheep were introduced into Iceland from Norway by the Vikings, and now the country boasts more sheep than people. And knitting has long been a popular way to pass the long winter evenings for both men and women.
One of the best-known depictions of the sweater can be found in the Iceland Church of Christ on the island of Flatey, where a mural (painted by Icelandic Catalan artist Baltasar Samper) portrays Jesus wearing a traditional lopapeysa. It’s a playful nod to just how deeply the sweater has become embedded in Icelandic culture.
In reality, however, the distinctive Icelandic sweater patterns are relatively new, dating from the 1940s. Although several people have been credited with popularising the design, most historians believe the modern lopapeysa evolved gradually during the 20th century. Some credit Auður Laxness, the wife of Halldór Laxness – Iceland’s only Nobel Prize winner for Literature – with the original Icelandic sweater design, though it’s more likely to have been influenced by a variety of patterns including Latin American and Swedish designs.
What are the traditional Icelandic sweaters called?
Traditional Icelandic sweaters are known as lopapeysa, which comes from the Icelandic words lopi (which means wool or yarn) and peysa (which means sweater or jumper).
Lopi is the name of a specific type of unspun yarn that comes from Icelandic sheep, and has particularly warm and waterproof properties. And an authentic lopapeysa must be made of this Icelandic wool.
What is a lopapeysa sweater?
So, a lopapeysa sweater is an authentic Icelandic sweater made from Icelandic wool with the traditional pattern around the yoke. The pattern looks similar to a fair isle sweater, but has a distinctive zig-zag design around the collar.
The traditional lopapeysa sweater was made in muted natural colours, such as grey, brown, black and white, but today they can be bought made from a range of brightly coloured wool.
While there is no formal legal protection for the name, most Icelanders consider an authentic lopapeysa to be hand-knitted in Iceland using Icelandic lopi wool and featuring the traditional circular yoke pattern. Many Icelanders reserve the term authentic lopapeysa for sweaters hand-knitted in Iceland from Icelandic lopi wool, although machine-knitted versions made from Icelandic wool are also widely available.
How much does an Icelandic sweater cost in Iceland?
Of course, such craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. So if you’re wondering how much will a lopi sweater cost in Iceland, the answer is a lot! A traditional authentic lopapeysa that’s guaranteed handmade from Icelandic wool will set you back around 30,000–45,000 ISK (approximately £170–£270, or US$230–$350)
Where to buy Icelandic sweaters
So if you’re thinking, where can I buy an authentic Iceland sweater, you’ve got pretty much two options. The first is to hop on a plane and go to Iceland, and the second, of course, is to look online. Lopapeysa prices in Iceland may not be a whole lot cheaper than online but you’ll have the joy of choosing and trying on your sweater in person, and with no delivery fees.
Where to buy authentic Icelandic sweaters in Reykjavik
If you do happen to be heading to Iceland, your first port of call should definitely be the ultimate lopapeysa shop in Reykjavik, the Handknitting Association Store. With two shops in central Reykjavik, it was set up in 1977 by a group of Icelandic women knitters and all its jumpers are guaranteed hand-knitted in Iceland from Icelandic wool.
Icewear Icelandic sweaters are also a genuine brand with concessions around the country, while Nordic Store has three branches in Reykjavik selling all things Icelandic including authentic sweaters.
You can also find authentic handmade sweaters at local craft fairs and farmers’ markets, where Icelandic knitters often sell their work directly to visitors. These are great places to pick up a unique lopapeysa while supporting local artisans.
Buying Icelandic sweaters online
But you can also find lopapeysa for sale online too.
Icewear, the Handknitting Association Store and Nordic Store all sell their sweaters and lopapeysa cardigans online and ship to other countries.
The Icelandic Store, based in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik, also sells authentic lopapeysa sweaters for men and women online.
Buying Icelandic sweaters second hand
Buying vintage or pre-loved sweaters can be a great way to save money, and you may be lucky enough to get hold of classic brands such as Hilda ltd Iceland sweaters, that are no longer made.
In Reykjavik itself, vintage shops such as Spúútnik and Gyllti Kötturinn, and the indoor flea-market Kolaportið are the best places for a browse, while Etsy and E-bay are good international options. Facebook Marketplace is surprisingly popular among Icelanders.
Are Icelandic sweaters worth it?
Yes, Icelandic sweaters are pricey, but you are getting a handmade premium product that, if you look after it properly, will last for years.
And if you want a cheaper version, why not knit your own Iceland men’s sweater or a women’s wool sweater?
You can buy a book of patterns online, and the Handknitting Association Store sells genuine Icelandic yarn online too.
Once you’ve bought your yarn and pattern, check out this video on how to knit your own lopapeysa.
Are Icelandic sweaters itchy?
Icelandic sweaters can be itchy, because of the tough properties of the wool that is used. Icelandic wool consists of two fibres: a soft insulating undercoat and a longer, water-resistant outer fibre, which explains why it can feel rougher than merino wool.
However, Icelandic children are dressed in Icelandic wool clothing from a young age and rarely seem to be bothered by it. Some people claim that it gets less itchy the more you wear it, and many people wear layers beneath their jumper so that it doesn’t directly touch the skin.
There is a debate about Icelandic wool vs merino wool, and it is true that a merino wool sweater (like this one) tends to be softer and less scratchy on the skin.
However, it doesn’t have the same insulating qualities as Icelandic wool and, of course, it’s not an authentic Icelandic sweater if it’s not made from Icelandic wool!
How do you wash an Icelandic sweater?
One of the great things about a traditional Icelandic sweater is that it doesn’t need washing very often. Icelandic wool naturally resists dirt and odours, so simply airing your sweater outside is often enough to freshen it up.
When it does need a proper clean, hand wash it gently in cool or lukewarm water using a wool detergent. Avoid rubbing, wringing or twisting the sweater, as this can damage the fibres and cause it to lose its shape. Rinse thoroughly, gently squeeze out any excess water, then lay it flat on a towel to dry. Never tumble dry an Icelandic sweater or hang it up while it’s wet, as this can cause it to stretch.
With the right care, a quality lopapeysa can last for decades, making it an investment that’s well worth looking after!
Why are Icelandic sweaters so warm?
Icelandic wool is unusual because it contains two different types of fibres. The soft inner fibres trap heat close to the body, while the longer outer fibres naturally repel rain and snow. Together they make the sweaters exceptionally warm, breathable and well suited to Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
What is the Iceland Eurovision sweater?
Not an authentic Iceland sweater, of course, but Icelandic sweaters went viral in 2020 when Icelandic singer Daði Freyr wore a very distinctive sweater while performing in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The jumper had a pixellated version of his face on it and even though the contest was ultimately cancelled that year due to Covid, Daði Freyr and his distinctive jumper took first place in the popularity stakes.
And if you want to see for yourself what all the fuss is about, the jumper is now on display at the Eurovision Museum in Húsavík.
So, is an Icelandic sweater worth buying?
Whether you’re looking for a practical souvenir or a timeless piece of knitwear, a traditional Icelandic sweater is one of Iceland’s most iconic purchases. Handmade lopapeysa sweaters aren’t cheap, but their exceptional warmth, durability and unique craftsmanship mean they’re built to last for many years.
If you’re visiting Iceland, buying directly from a local knitter, craft fair or specialist store is one of the best ways to support traditional craftsmanship while taking home an authentic piece of Icelandic culture. And if you can’t make it to Iceland just yet, there are several reputable retailers that ship genuine Icelandic sweaters worldwide.
Have you bought a traditional Icelandic sweater, or are you thinking of getting one? We’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations in the comments below.
See also:
Traditional Norwegian sweaters: what to known before you buy
Iceland packing list: what to bring with you
A guide to Danish fashion
