What is a Guernsey jumper?
The history and characteristics of the traditional men’s Guernsey jumper
A Guernsey jumper, or gansey, is a seamless knitted woollen sweater, traditionally navy blue and worn by seamen. Often misspelt Gurnsey, the Guernsey jumper features a utilitarian design that is knitted tightly from five-ply wool and is renowned for its iconic stitch pattern and durability. The specific tight-knit pattern and the hard twist of the fibres in the spinning process give this classic men's jumper its warm, durable, wind resistant and water repellent qualities.
The Guernsey sweater is a box shape and is longer than a typical men’s jumper, with dropped shoulders and a split hem rather than a ribbed welt for greater ease of movement. Interestingly, the front face of the jumper is identical to the back so that it can be worn either way, increasing the life of the jumper which, due to excessive wear, could otherwise become worn at the elbows.
Originally known as a Guernsey fisherman's jumper, this classic piece of men’s knitwear boasts a distinctive stitch pattern on the front and rear that varies from very simple and functional to something much more elaborate for special occasion wear. Men’s Guernsey sweaters from James Meade are versatile and can be worn as work wear or casual everyday wear as a means to stay warm while looking stylish. Its name comes from the Channel Island of Guernsey, where they were originally made for fishermen, and where they are still made today.
Guernsey jumpers vs Jersey jumpers
The difference between a Guernsey and a Jersey jumper is essentially just the stitch pattern used on the garment. Both are knitted jumpers, however, Jersey sweaters are based on the original pattern for a Guernsey but can be differentiated by an anchor design knitted onto the chest, similar to a crest. These items are sometimes interchangeably called jumpers, sweaters or pullovers.
The history of the Guernsey jumper
The Guernsey sweater is the mainstay of Guernsey's knitting heritage with a history that dates back as far as the 15th Century. Also known as a gansey, it has been a clothing staple for centuries in the Channel Islands, where the thick knit was both a practical and stylish choice for the cold climate and provided protection for fishermen out at sea. Primarily worn by local fishermen, the unique close stitching and tightly twisted wool allowed these jumpers to withstand sea spray and winds.
The tradition of these hardy sweaters filtered through to coastal Britain and gained popularity as standard working garments ‘ganseys’ for seafarers. Centuries later, Guernsey jumpers are a classic piece of knitwear for men across Great Britain and are now produced by manufacturers around the world. Fishermen’s wives commonly knitted them to protect against the harsh weather conditions at sea, and the knitting patterns for the Guernsey jumper were often passed down through the generations. Some families would even create their own pattern variations or stitch initials into the design as a means of identification for those unfortunate to fall victim to the sea. Patterns were inspired by everyday objects associated with fishermen at sea, such as rope, netting, waves, pebbles and ladders.
Did you know?
Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots both owned Guernsey knitwear! It is even suggested that Mary Queen of Scots wore a pair of Guernsey stockings at her execution. Historically issued to soldiers and recommended by Nelson as a valuable article of Naval clothing in the 19th century, the classic Guernsey sweater can still be found worn by members of the British Armed Forces to this day, often forming part of an officer’s uniform.
Where to buy Guernsey jumpers
The men’s Guernsey jumper has stood the test of time and is still popular today. Machine-knitted Guernsey sweaters are manufactured worldwide and remain to be produced in their homeplace in Guernsey. James Meade carries the same hallmarks and qualities as the original hand-knitted jumpers and offers a hand-picked selection of the finest Guernsey sweaters online. Made from 100% pure wool with an attractive stitch pattern, our men’s Guernsey sweaters are generously sized with side vents to aid movement.
FAQs
What are guernsey jumpers made of?
Since the 16th century, Guernsey jumpers have been traditionally made from English worsted wool. The men’s Guernsey sweaters from James Meade are tightly knitted from five-ply pure wool for the ultimate comfort and quality.
How to wash guernsey jumper
Guernsey jumpers are very durable and hard-wearing and shouldn’t require continuous cleaning, however, there are some important steps you should follow to get the most out of your garment…
When it becomes soiled, we advise against machine washing to preserve the natural fibres. Instead, we recommend hand-washing your jumper in cool water with a little splash of wool-compatible detergent.
We suggest air-drying your jumper, laid flat to avoid the woollen fabric from stretching and misshaping. Never tumble dry or iron your Guernsey sweater; any significant heat can damage the natural fibres and shrink the item.
Are guernsey jumpers waterproof?
Designed to resist sea spray out on rough seas by fishermen, the wool used in traditional guernsey jumpers is oiled before knitting which makes them practically waterproof. The wool is twisted for stronger, sturdier qualities while the close-knit pattern helps to repel water and dirt.
Are guernsey sweaters warm?
Guernsey sweaters are distinctively heavy, warm and comfortable. The natural fibres of wool act as an insulator and are notoriously good at holding heat and retaining warmth, making them ideal for garments like these. The Guernsey jumpers at James Meade are made from 100% pure wool for the best quality and comfort.
Are Guernsey jumpers itchy?
Everyone has different skin and sensitivity levels, so the comfort of your knitted jumper is entirely down to personal preference. If you have sensitive skin and find yourself easily irritated by certain fabrics, especially 100% pure wool fibres like those found in these men’s sweaters, we recommend wearing a layer such as a long-sleeved shirt underneath your Guernsey jumper to avoid any discomfort or itchiness. Don’t forget James Meade offers free UK returns and a no-time limit guarantee so, if for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please return it for an exchange or immediate refund in full.
