Iceland is a country of hardy longhaired sheep whose wool combines the qualities of softness, sturdiness, and water resistance. Not surprisingly, knitted and woven garments have always been a necessity in such a northern climate. But the sweater itself (lopapeys) is a relatively recent phenomenon. Although Icelanders have been knitting since the sixteenth century, the sweater has a history of only decades.

Sheep were the key to the nation’s survival, providing generations of Icelanders not only with food but also with wool as protection from the biting cold of the harsh northern climate. The Icelandic wool sweater, known as Lopapeysa by the locals is unique. It is characterized by its design, which is a decorated pattern, usually resembling a diamond ring running around the neck of the sweater. The yarn used is a blend of wool containing both fleece and wind hairs, and has great insulation properties.

In recent years, the Icelandic wool sweaters have become more popular than ever before. Still with similar pattern, it is being offered in wider variety of sweaters and other garments.

Information is mostly from History of Lopi