Explore Le Tricoteur’s Guernsey jumpers, hand-finished on the island of Guernsey.
Discover traditional plain and striped Guernseys in 100% accredited British worsted wool, alongside contemporary cropped styles and lighter cotton knitwear.
For over 60 years, our family has carried on Guernsey’s knitwear tradition, creating practical pieces for life by the sea and beyond. Browse the collection to find the weight, style and fit that suits you.
Not sure of your size? Our traditional Guernsey jumpers fit snugger than a regular jumper. Read our sizing guide before you choose.
A Guernsey jumper is a knitted woollen fisherman's jumper, originating from the Channel Island of Guernsey. Originally knitted by family members for husbands/sons who worked at sea, Guernsey jumpers became well known for their durability and functionality, using worsted wool to ensure weatherproofing and warmth. Today, a guernsey is recognisable by the distinctive stitch patterns on the sleeves and hem representing elements of its maritime heritage. As workwear garments, guernseys also have a diamond underarm gusset, a triangular neck gusset and split side seam - elements which contribute to its functionality.
Why is a jumper called a Guernsey?
The Guernsey jumper is so-called because it originates from the Island of Guernsey, in the British Channel Islands.
What is the difference between a Gansey and a Guernsey jumper?
The differences between a Gansey and a Guernsey usually relate to its design and pattern. Gansey's tend to follow a pattern relating to their coastal origin - for example the Cumbrian and Cornish ganseys will have their own take on the garment. It is thought that the word 'Gansey' actually derived from the word Guernsey. When fishermen or naval personnel wearing guernseys would travel home or fish the UK coastline they would wear their guernseys and, being so functional and practical, the design would have been copied by local knitters. The slide from guernsey to gansey could be attributed to the pronunciation of the word in regional accents in the UK.
What is the difference between a jersey and a Guernsey sweater?
The difference between a jersey and a guernsey is that traditional Guernsey jumpers are identical on the front and back, designed to be reversible. The jersey jumper has a distinct front orientation and often features a small anchor motif on the chest or a small rollneck collar.
Are Guernsey jumpers itchy?
Guernsey jumpers may feel a bit itchy because they are traditionally knitted from tightly-spun, worsted wool designed to block wind and water. Most people find that over time, the wool softens but to overcome any itch we recommend wearing a base layer so the wool does not touch bare skin directly
How should I choose a Guernsey jumper size?
To choose the correct guernsey jumper size we recommend taking your chest measurement and adding 2 x inches for a traditional snugger fit or adding 4 x inches for a more loose fit
How do I care for a Guernsey jumper?
Caring for a guernsey jumper is quite simple. Guernseys require very little washing as 100% wool has natural self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. If it does require washing it should be hand-washed in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Do not rub or ring the fabric and dry it flat, avoiding direct sun or a heatsource like a radiator.
Where are Le Tricoteur Guernsey jumpers made?
Le Tricoteur wool guernseys are made entirely on the island of guernsey. The manufacture process of Le Tricoteur guernseys is unique, using vintage knitting machines to run off panels and sleeves, with shoulder seams and necks that are hand-knitted by knitters in their homes. Each guernsey is linked back in the West Coast factory, ends are mended in by hand then individually quality controlled before being labelled and packaged up.
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