About

Welcome to Nordicsweater.com. We have dedicated this site to all kinds of Nordic knit wear, particularly sweaters and cardigans.

Every now and then, we shall be featuring Nordic sweaters and cardigans that are either new product releases, for product review, or Nordic sweaters spotted on celebrities. We may even go as far as help you choose the right sweater for the right occasion, or give you tips on ways to wear the sweater.

Whichever it may be, our hope is to keep you interested in Nordic sweaters. Whether you are a recent recruit or already a Nordic sweater aficionado, the short history below will be an interesting read that you should not miss.

So please read on.

The reason why Nordic sweaters are called by its name is because it is made using the Nordic knitting technique. Nordic sweaters originally came in plain black or white as these were the sheep’s natural colors.

From 1840 to 1850, knitters in Norway began combining and making sweaters in black and white, done in “V” shaped patterns called “lice”. This new pattern using two colors of yarn also made Nordic sweaters warmer as the 2^nd color was carried along the back.

Knitted-in patterns done on the upper part of the sweater  soon followed. The location of these patterns were more dictated by the fact that Nordic people tucked their sweaters far down into baggy pants.  Such patterns often featured animal, star, or snowflake motifs.

Dale of Norway Mt. Logan Masculine

A sweater from Dale of Norway with patterns only on the upper section

More intricate and colorful patterns started appearing once people began combining function with fashion, wearing the sweaters to social gatherings.

It has been said that women in Scandinavia lovingly knitted sweaters for their husbands and boyfriends as a symbol of their love and devotion, which often resulted to a proposal of marriage.

Today, Nordic sweaters don’t just come in wool but also in synthetic fibers. Along with this development, new dying techniques have allowed Nordic sweaters to come in many colors. Patterns have become more intricate and colorful, while the sweater styles have evolved as well.

Apart from the usual round neck pullover type, Nordic sweaters also come in cardigan style, buttoned, zipped, mock necked, collared, or hooded. Here are a few examples from Dale of Norway, a brand that is popular for making authentic Nordic sweaters.

Dale of Norway Storetind Wind Stopper

A Dale of Norway mock neck sweater with patterns on the center section

Dale of Norway Savalen Kids Windstopper

A Dale of Norway sweater for toddlers not only with patterns on the border and upper section, but also with small patterns all over the lower body and sleeves of the sweater

Dale of Norway Austbo Buttoned Cardigan Sweater for Women

This is a Dale of Norway cardigan type sweater with patterns on the upper section and a buttoned front opening

Dale of Norway Osa Zipped Cardigan Sweater for Women

This one is a Dale of Norway zipped cardigan sweater for women that has heavy border patterns (including the placket) as well as light patterns all over the sweater

Dale of Norway Lappland Mock Neck Sweater

A Dale of Norway mock neck sweater for women with border patterns and minimal upper section pattern

As illustrated above, there are numerous pattern orientations, color combination, and sweater styles to choose from so being able to choose the right one will depend on your personal preference or specific needs.

If you do have questions,  tips, or specific sweaters that you would like us to review, please send an email to [email protected]