Over time, knitted sweaters became not only a must-have item in both men and women's winter wardrobes, but also a fashion icon for the annual holiday season. Here, we trace the origins of this enduringly popular item.
10th Century
Before the first sweater, there was the first knitted garment. This double-needle knitting method dates back to 1000 AD, when the Egyptians invented Coptic socks. These socks were made of white and blue cotton and woven with symbolic Kufic patterns.
13th Century
The earliest traces of knitted sweaters as we know them come from Muslim knitters employed by the royal court of Spain in Europe in the mid-13th century. A painting called The Knitting Madonna (c. 1350) depicts a red sweater being sewn with needles.
17th Century
Hand knitting flourished in Ireland in the 17th century, the birthplace of the coarse-knit or Aran sweater. These garments were hand-sewn by fishermen's wives to keep their husbands warm. Soon, the English and Scots also took to the heavy style, turning it into a men's classic across Europe.
20th Century
In the 1920s, chunky knits became a popular Sunday favorite for young boys. It was also during this period that the "preppy look" became popular among the upper and middle classes attending Northeastern universities. A key element of this look was the knitted sweater, often seen on the playing field.
It wasn't until the late 1980s that the "ugly sweater" became popular. Actors in American sitcoms often wore these colorful, vibrant sweaters, often with patterns and themes. The trend gave rise to the first mass-produced Christmas garment, which was soon named the "jingle bell sweater."
21st Century
Today, designers are taking classic knitwear from its traditional realm into new creative territory. From exaggerated cable knits and puff sleeves to short hems and boxy cuts, sweaters have come a long way in terms of style and craftsmanship. As for fabrics, expect ultra-luxurious varieties like the finest alpaca, wool, and cashmere.