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Icelandic sweaters are their major wool product. Iceland has been closely associated with wool, knitting and sweaters since the time of the Vikings.
Vikings were a race of people who were both warriors and livestock farmers at the same time. Consequently, they brought their sheep with them when they came to settle in Iceland. The Icelandic sheep descended directly from the Viking sheep. Until the advent of spinning mills in the late nineteenth century, the fleece from the sheep was separated; the long outer hair "tog" being used for ropes, sacks and cords, and the fine inner hair "pel" being used mainly for garments.
Knitting was always abundant in Iceland, both as a commercial venture and as a hobby that would be vehicle of creative expression and amusement. It continues to be taught and practiced liberally till the present day.
Sweaters were mainly part of the utilitarian knitting products of Iceland. The most famous of these are the "yoke" style sweaters or the Lopapeysa, with a wide circular design all around the neck. The yarn used, "lopi" is not spun, and so contain more air and better insulating properties.
Icelandic sweaters are currently a sought after product in the global woolens market, and are available through the Internet that can be bought online. Icelandic sweaters are highly popular throughout the world for their designs, textures and quality.
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