I think Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of sweater season. Whether you cozy up in cashmere, are merry in merino or bundle up in a blend, chances are you’ll don a sweater this holiday weekend. And, while we take sweaters for granted, they are relatively new to the textile world. Here are some ways to be stylishly snuggly and a brief history of knitting.
Garnet Hill
The oldest truly knitted item is a pair of socks found in Egypt dating back to about 1100 AD. Small items and undergarments were the only knits until sweaters appeared in the 16th century. Cardigans showed up during the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), courtesy of the Earl of Cardigan, but had their heyday 100 years later. Take a cue from the 1950s and look for an embellished cardigan that is subtly festive.
J Jill
The Industrial Revolution brought new technology to knitting. In 1927 Elsa Schiaparelli mass produced her bow-knot sweater, shocking the fashion world and securing a place for sweaters in sportswear. Coco Chanel responded with an open cardigan with a contrasting edge. A longer ‘topper’ style blends exoticism with comfort, letting you be a dramatic and casual host or guest.
Gap
Fishing communities off the coast of Britain are credited with the knit patterns of Guernseys, which we know as cable knit sweaters. Some designs were family specific, so lost seamen could be identified from shipwrecked remains. Stay fashionable, and afloat, in the sea of shoppers with a modern version of this hard working style.