How many sheep does it take to knit an Icelandic sweater?
The ultimate Lopapeysa guide
Iceland is famous for many things, amongst them it is approximately one million furry inhabitants: the Icelandic sheep. They deliver the wool for the popular Icelandic wool sweater, called lopapeysa. Many visitors are surprised by how many Icelanders they see wearing them. No wonder, the Icelandic lopapeysa is more than just a pretty souvenir: it’s a lifesaver in Icelandic temperatures, a truthful companion on all travels and outdoor adventures, a sustainable piece of clothing that lasts for a very long time, and finally, a stunning must-have piece, that always looks good.
Here we want to answer all your questions and help you to find your very own lopapeysa.
Follow our guide below!
History of Lopapeysa
The history of the Icelandic sweater begins with a pair of brown mittens from the first half of the 16th century.
How to find an original lopapeysa
An increase in tourism and rising demand for Icelandic sweaters led to a high number of imitations in the past.
How to wear a lopapeysa
When to wear a lopapeysa? The short answer: always. The long answer: A lopapeysa is not only practical and warm but also a socially accepted piece of clothing in all of Iceland.