Traditional Guernsey Jumpers & Sweaters

A Guernsey jumper is a knitted woollen fisherman's jumper, originating from the Channel Island of Guernsey. It is considered the indigenous fisherman’s jumper of the region. 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.

The Guernsey jumper is so-called because it originates from the Island of Guernsey, in the British Channel Islands.

Want to learn more about the heritage of a Guernsey jumper? Click here to read the rich history of Guernsey knitwear.

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.

Want to learn more about the heritage of a Guernsey jumper? Click here to read the rich history of Guernsey knitwear.⠋

The difference between a jersey and a guernsey is that traditional Guernsey jumpers are identical on the front and back, as they are 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 roll neck collar and often has a different hem than the flat welt that you see on a guernsey. 

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.

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

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 lukewarm water with a wool friendly detergent. Do not rub or ring the fabric and rinse it in water without softener. Dry it flat, avoiding direct sun or a heat source like a radiator & never hang it - fold & store in an old pillowcase to prevent moth damage. 

Le Tricoteur wool guernsey jumpers are made entirely on the island of Guernsey. The manufacture process of Le Tricoteur guernseys is unique, using vintage knitting machines to knit the body and sleeve panels, with shoulder seams and necks that are then hand-knitted by knitters in their homes. Each guernsey jumpers body and sleeve seams are then stitched by our linkers using linking machines back in our West Coast factory, the ends are then mended in by hand then individually quality controlled before being labelled and packaged up.