To say we’re excited when Le Tricoteur approached us to stock their guernseys is an understatement. I had had them on my wish list for some years. Started in 1963 the company has drawn on the long heritage of the quintessential fisherman’s jumpers of the Channel Isles. Practical and hardwearing the shape and detailing is based on traditional garment construction. There is a fabulous little video here about the making of Le Tricoteur’s guernseys.

The Guernsey: We have chosen to carry the ‘premium’ range which is made with panels for each garment knitted on a flatbed knitting machine and then linked together before being sent out to the hand finishers across the island who hand knit the neckline and cuffs. By hand knitting these parts it allows them to be reknitted in the future should they wear out. Always thrifty this a sign of how hardwearing and practical these sweaters have always been.

The yarn: I’ve received messages asking if the wool used for the guernseys is scratchy. First off the 100% wool yarn used is a worsted yarn spun from tradition British sheep. Here is how Le Tricoteur describes worsted ‘Worsted wool is a term used to describe a strong, high quality yarn with long, fine, smooth fibres. Originally hailing from the Norfolk village of Worstead – a centre for textiles in the Middle Ages – worsted wool’s tightly packed fibres make it both durable and resilient. No wonder it was chosen by local folk to keep wet and windy weather at bay.’ So it does not have a fluffy open spun feel to it but is smooth and robust texture, hardwearing and practical it will hold its shape. I don’t find the yarn scratchy but then I find slinky merino yarns very boring! You know what you like so go with your own feeling on this.

The garment: This garment is the traditional Guernsey, usually worn close fitted (see sizing instructions) it can also be worn oversized. The body is tightly knitted with underarm sleeve gussets and long sleeve. The neck is hand knitted in a looser tension and also has gussets at the neckline. The hand knitted cuffs can be worn long or folded back. The Guernsey is knitted the same back and front and should be regularly be reversed on rotation to prolong its life. The side seam is split at the hem for movement. The ribbing detail at the shoulder add stability and structure to the garment…. basically it is 500 years of garment experimentation distilled down!

The fit: This jumper is traditionally worn fitted but it can of course be worn more oversized (I was informed those crazy Japanese fashion girls like to wear them hugely oversized!). For a more fitted fit size up 2” from your chest (or tummy, whichever is larger) measurement. For a more relaxed fit go up 4”. As usual we suggest playing with a few sizes to find the best for you. The length increases proportionally as each size goes up, this is a very traditional sizing rule. The size table is in the photos.

The dude in the photos is usually a size medium and is wearing the 40”, the smart lady is sporting a fitted 34”.

Classic Aran cream and navy stripe.

How do I look after my guernsey?

Guernsey jumpers from Le Tricoteur are made to be long lasting & are knitted to a tight weave that aids their wind and water proofing ability. If you are wondering how to look after your guernsey jumper then we have included some tips and tricks and further advice below...

Wool also doesn’t need to be washed nearly as much as synthetic man made fibres. It self-regulates its moisture levels too - which helps stop the build-up of soggy bacteria (and nasty smells ) and as a result it stays fresher longer.

Their unique design means they can be worn either way and we recommend you wear it front to back, then back to front on rotation.

Do not hang it up on a hanger. Because they are a 100% wool garment they are best stored folded so the natural yarn doesn’t stretch.

Moth babies can be known to feast on wool so if you want to avoid a scattering of half eaten holes, Please use a bag of cedar wood balls to store alongside your favourite sweaters.

How to wash your guernsey jumper

Can I put my guernsey in the washing machine? We certainly don’t recommend it but we have known brave souls try a very gentle wool wash. 

In our opinion all our Le Tricoteur knitwear is best hand washed in warm water (not hot) with a washing detergent that’s specifically designed for wool, then rinsed clean in hand temperature water and dried flat.

Do not rub or wring. 

When the water has run clean of bubbles, you can put it on a spin cycle (no more than 600 will do) to get the bulk of the water out before spreading it out flat to dry.

Do not leave it drying in direct sun / draped over a radiator or drip dryed on a hanger. 

Back in the day It was not uncommon to see guernseys draped over shady hedgerows to dry. 

If you prefer, you can also dry-clean our knitwear.