24th September 2022

This season’s staple

The shetland jumper

Oh, how the season’s quickly change. One day we’re basking in the high heat of what feels like a never ending summer, and the next, Autumn suddenly hits. With temperatures dramatically dropping over the past week, it’s (finally) time to turn to the heavier textured side of our wardrobes, and there’s one piece in particular which we advise you keep at the front: the shetland jumper.

Ahead of our Autumn/Winter 2022 collection launch, we’ve just released a series of classic crew neck knitwear styles: built from a Scottish yarn that has been sourced from a 200 year old local spinner. Available in an abundance of shades (orange, honey, grey, indigo, green) and guaranteeing serious style and quality, our new selection will smartly see you into the new season – especially if partnered with the right pieces. Naturally, this calls for some cases of inspiration, so ahead of purchasing, here’s our favourite menswear mavericks who served the shetland style in full force.

John F. Kennedy

First up, John F. Kennedy. With a wardrobe characterised solely by well-made classics, it was only natural that a shetland jumper sat in his collection – and given the amount of times he chose to wear it, we’re dubbing it as the go-to ingredient of his off-duty style. Most often partnered with straight cut chino trousers (they’re not just for summer, FYI) and penny loafers, Kennedy’s way of wearing the staple mixed a touch of formality with casual elegance: and the effect upon wear is just as strong sixty years later.

Yves Saint Laurent

While Yves Saint Laurent may be known most prominently for his modernisation of the suit, the French designer’s personal wardrobe did include some pared down pieces: namely, the shetland jumper. Embraced in a light grey shade, Laurent understood an unspoken layering assignment; combining its simple silhouette with a bold, paisley printed shirt. That’s a smart way to show off some subtle pizazz, if you ask us – and our mid grey design reflects the top of his ensemble perfectly.

Albert Einstein

Creative icons are an obvious port of call for enduring style lessons, but they’re not the only direction to go. An unexpected avenue to follow for lessons on the shetland jumper? Science – specifically, through the most acclaimed physicist of all: Albert Einstein. Favouring lighter shades of the knit, Einstein’s intellectual approach to styling was as well cemented as his work: from thick wool trousers to white button down shirts. To the sartorial enthusiasts, it’s likely said pieces already exist in your wardrobe, so follow suit this season for a failsafe outfit in the colder weather.

Jarvis Cocker

Safely deemed as the musician who continues to bring an edge to collegiate-informed style, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker is a fine example of how to pull off the shetland jumper with the utmost flair. In the example pictured above, the surrounding textures will work wonders for winter: heeled leather loafers (excellent), straight cut corduroy trousers, a single-breasted jacket in the matching material (nice) and an oxford shirt underneath. If you’re interested in similar styling, be sure to book a bespoke consultation.

Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger’s menswear evolution is among the best in musical history – so no surprise that a shetland jumper sits in his wardrobe archive. In a rare case for the Rolling Stones singer, this one was worn in a really relaxed manner: no layers underneath and lightly placed over a loose pair of twill trousers. For the current autumnal days where the temperatures aren’t quite dropping to zero, this is the reference to embrace, and if your personality is as popping as his, you’re in for a style to see you through the decades.

Words by Faye Fearon

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