In every country in the world there is a recognizable element of the national costume, by which it is easily identified by other inhabitants of our planet. For example, Japanese kimono, Indian sari, Vietnamese nonla hat, etc. All these wardrobe items are familiar to foreigners, but they are not included in their everyday life and are perceived only as an exotic outfit.
A completely different thing is the traditional Icelandic sweater, which is called Lopapeysa. This sweater, for sure, was seen by each of us, but not everyone knows about its origin and features. Today we want to tell you in detail about what Icelandic sweaters are, how they are interesting and what they are.
History of occurrence
Knitted sweaters were worn in Iceland a thousand years ago, since the first settlers from Greenland appeared on this territory. They brought with them sheep, which not only served as a source of meat and milk for people, but also gave wool. Warm clothes, blankets and other household items were made from wool.
Items knitted from sheep’s wool were practically the only clothes available to the inhabitants of Iceland, so local craftswomen achieved incredible craftsmanship in the knitting technique. Icelanders studied knitting from an early age, since it was believed that this was as much a necessary skill as reading. There is even a version that knitted products were subsequently exchanged for other goods from residents of neighboring territories.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, Iceland was a very isolated country, and its population lived mainly on what it mined and produced.When the opportunity arose to import and export various goods, knitting from a vital skill turned into a hobby that did not attach much importance.
It is believed that it was at this time that the traditional Icelandic Lopapeys sweater appeared.
Interestingly, he appeared in a somewhat artificial way. In the country there was a need to use domestic wool, the demand for which gradually began to fall. And so the idea of a new type of national clothing was born - a knitted sweater with a beautiful, original pattern, in which the Greenlandic and Icelandic motifs interwoven.
Features Lopapeys sweaters
Real Icelandic sweaters are knitted only from the wool of local sheep. This is a special breed that has not been crossbred for more than a thousand years. Therefore, we can say that the modern sheep living in Iceland are genetically the same as the ancient Vikings once brought to this land.
These sheep have a very unusual appearance: a long, thick, almost straight coat completely covers their body, with the exception of the paws and head.
Most often there are white and black sheep of this breed, but in total there are about 30 possible colors. The wool of Icelandic sheep has a special structure, so it is harvested in small volumes, which is why it is not suitable for the industrial production of yarn.
Lopapeys sweaters are knitted only from yarn that is made by hand - and this is one of the main features of this garment.
Another distinctive feature of the Lopapeys sweater is its recognizable color pattern. There are many options for patterns that adorn the neck of a sweater.
Traditionally, the ornaments were exclusively black and white, but then various color variations began to appear, which became more popular.
The patterns that decorate Icelandic sweaters are partly borrowed from the Greenlanders and the Vikings, and partly invented by the needlewomen themselves. Now it is very difficult to imagine what meaning was originally invested in these crosses, loops and stars.
However, carefully examining the Icelandic ornament, one can guess snowflakes and spruces, snowdrifts and frosty patterns on the windows, mountains and river spills, in general, all that the locals see day after day.
What to wear?
Since a real Lopapeys sweater can only be made from 100% sheep's wool, this is a very warm thing that is appropriate in a winter wardrobe. Most of these sweaters are unisex, so both men and women can wear them.
If for the former the range of things with which an Icelandic sweater can be combined is limited to trousers and jeans of different styles (however, you can add a woolen jacket and a knitted vest to this list), then the fair sex has much more spectacular and stylish combinations.
In addition to jeans and trousers, these can be insulated shorts with tight tights, golfs or leggings. Those who prefer a more feminine style can replace shorts with a short skirt or knit dress. Leggings or leggings are also suitable as the bottom of the kit.
A jacket or vest can be thrown over the sweater.
As for shoes, it can be almost any. Since we are talking about the cold season, leather boots with fur, suede boots, boots with embroidery or bright ugg boots are perfect for along with the Icelandic sweater.
