Yep, the Guernsey sweater is a little bit stiff and a little bit scratchy but the engineering of this garment is a wonderful thing.
A real celebration of human ingenuity, the Guernsey defies logic and enables wool to combat the ravages of wind and water thus keeping the wearer warm and dry. Unlike the knitted swimming costume which I’m sure saw many men and women come a little unstuck, these fishermen’s jumpers use 5ply Guernsey wool and are knitted on fine needles to create what is a remarkably dense and inelastic fabric. Of late, the Guernsey has become something of a ‘utility wear’ classic but where I’m from they have ridden the tidal trends and remained defiant as a simple piece of practical clothing for those who live on or by the sea.
