Nothing screams cosy and comfortable quite like a Fair Isle jumper. With roots tracing back to the remote Shetland island of Fair Isle, where artisans began knitting intricate, multicolour patterns back in the 19th century, the print has now been reinvented in a way that's slightly more avant-garde, with fresh shapes and colours.
In 2025, the Fair Isle feels anything but passé, being brought back on the fashion scene by Celine, Molly Goddard and Ganni. Interpretations of the design surfaced at Chanel as models paired the vintage trend with an embellished brooch, crisp white bib-style collar and monochromatic diamond-patterned skirt. Meanwhile Celine took a traditional approach, and one that's very much Aspen-inspired, by styling a Fair Isle knit with butter yellow fur coat, denim jeans and tan knee-highs.
We can all agree that the colder months have prompted us to invest in knitwear that feels like a warm embrace, and the Fair Isle trend has trickled down into celebrity wardrobes, too. Case in point: Alexa Chung, who nailed the trend by pairing her jumper with a leather jacket, tailored white trousers and black loafers. Other celeb fans of Fair Isle include Kate Middleton, Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez - proving our collective craving for comfort and statement dressing - something the eclectic jumper delivers in spades.
If you're looking for an affordable Fair Isle jumper, the high street has plenty of great options—but Next offers one of the best. Grazia's Shopping Editor, Julia Harvey, owns this deliciously cosy staple herself and loves its versatility, making it a go-to piece even beyond the festive season. The best part? It's currently under £20.
'This Fair Isle jumper looks and feels expensive but is actually only £42, I opted for a size large to get an oversized fit (I'm usually a size UK 12) and will wear on repeat throughout cosy season. Plus, as Christmas draws closer, I'll be wearing to any festive gathering as you can just about get away with it being classed as a Christmas jumper but without any of the naff-ness.'
Another fab high street option is, my personal favourite, the Freba Zip Cardigan from Aligne. This version, which features a full-length zip, is perfect for layering over a crisp white t-shirt, high-waisted jeans and chunky boots.
For knitwear that resonates with high fashion and modern versatility, look no further than the Fair Isle. Plus, there's no shortage of options - including bold iterations and more traditional designs to cosy up to. Shop the best Fair Isle knits below.
Shop: The Best Fair Isle Knits
www.nobodyschild.com
The perfect high street option, Nobody's Child's fair isle jumper is not only endlessly stylish - but it's on sale for under £70, too.
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
With soft ribbed trims, a classic crew neck and button-down front, all that's missing is a pair of leather trousers and boots.
COSwww.cos.com
If you prefer something a little more bold, this brown and bright red Fair Isle jumper from COS could be the one for you. Knitted from a RWS wood blend and adorned with a classic fair isle pattern, this jumper is extremely versatile to style thanks to its two tone colour-way.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Of course, no jumper round-up would be complete without mentioning M&S. This warm and comfortable option comes from the men's section, but it’s a versatile piece that anyone can wear.
Reiss www.reiss.com
A super fuzzy design, this jumper from Reiss boasts ultimate cosiness ahead of the freezing cold months. It also has a uniquely modern twist on the classic Fair Isle print, which is great for those of us who prefer our outerwear to be a little more contemporary.
John Lewis 
Another great Fair Isle knit comes from AllSaints, which again features a fairly neutral design that's not as in-your-face. This jumper would look good styled over a crisp white shirt and tailored beige trousers.
HUSHwww.hush-uk.com
The Chloe cardigan from HUSH has a mohair-blend fabric that has a brushed finished, which makes it equal parts cosy as it is polished. Layer a t-shirt or bodysuit underneath the cardigan and wear semi-closed, with some denim jeans.
KITRIkitristudio.com
If you're after a thicker cardigan, this one is made from a gloriously soft wool blend. A hybrid between a jacket and a cardigan, the Pandora cardigan is perfect for those days where it's not cold enough to wear a coat once it moves into spring.
Frameframe-store.com
If you're looking to invest in a Fair Isle jumper you can wear year after year, this Frame one would be the best pick. Knitted from a luxurious alpaca yarn blend, this oversized jumper has a slightly cropped fit and classic round neck.
Main image credits: Instagram/@lucywilliams02, @emmalanestylist, @anoukyve
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).