What's so special about a Shetland Jumper
Shetland Jumpers & Knitwear
Our Shetland jumpers are made using genuine Shetland wool — sourced from Shetland yarn specialist J.C. Rennie and knitted in Scotland using techniques passed down through generations. It's one of the most distinctive wools in British knitwear: naturally hardy, warm, and full of character.
We offer three two styles: the Kelso, our brushed "shaggy dog" Shetland with its signature soft, textured finish; and the Kenmore, a chunkier Shetland jumper with a slightly higher neckline. All are equally at home for men and women, and each one has proven itself a repeat favourite — many customers come back for a second colour.
What Makes Genuine Shetland Wool Different
Shetland wool comes from the Shetland sheep, a native breed that has grazed the wind-exposed Shetland Islands, north of mainland Scotland, for over a thousand years. That isolation and harsh climate produced a wool with real character: a slightly textured hand-feel, natural insulating properties, and genuine durability — very different from the smooth, uniform "Shetland-style" jumpers often made overseas from unrelated wool.
Our Shetland wool comes from J.C. Rennie, a specialist yarn supplier, and is knitted in Scotland by knitters with generations of experience in the craft.
Our Shetland Jumper Styles
- Wreay Shetland Crew Neck — a fully-fashioned Shetland jumper with a clean, classic silhouette. Ideal if you want the authentic Shetland hand-feel without a brushed finish.
- Kelso "Shaggy Dog" Brushed Shetland — our most popular Shetland style. The brushed finish raises a soft halo of fibres, softening the texture while keeping all of Shetland wool's natural warmth. A classic Ivy League and British collegiate detail.
- Kenmore Chunky Shetland — a chunkier jumper with a slightly higher neckline, for when you want extra warmth and a more relaxed silhouette.
Shetland Jumpers for Men and Women
Every style in our Shetland range is designed to work equally well for men and women — the classic crew neck silhouette isn't gendered, and our customers wear these jumpers however suits them. If you're searching for a men's Shetland jumper or a women's Shetland sweater, you'll find the same styles and colourways work for both; it comes down to fit and colour preference rather than separate ranges.
How to Style Shetland Knitwear
- Smart-casual: Wear a Kelso crew neck over an Oxford shirt, collar out, for a look that works equally in the office or at the weekend.
- Rugged and practical: Pair a chunkier Kenmore Shetland with waxed jackets and boots.
- Layering: A lighter Wreay Shetland works well as a mid-layer under a coat in colder months.
Shetland Wool FAQs
Is Shetland wool warm? Yes — genuinely so. Shetland sheep evolved in one of the harshest sheep-farming climates in the world, and their fleece reflects that. The natural crimp of the fibre traps more air than smoother wools, giving Shetland jumpers excellent insulation for their weight.
Is Shetland wool itchy? Shetland wool has a naturally textured hand-feel that some people notice more than smoother wools like merino. Our brushed "shaggy dog" finish (the Kelso) softens this considerably while keeping the warmth — it's a good starting point if you're new to Shetland wool.
What's the difference between Shetland wool and lambswool? Shetland wool comes from the Shetland sheep breed specifically, prized for its warmth and character. Lambswool refers to a sheep's first fleece from any breed, valued for its softness and elasticity. Both are excellent, but suited to slightly different styles — Shetland for rugged, textured classics, lambswool for smoother, everyday jumpers.
Where is your Shetland knitwear made? In Scotland, using genuine Shetland wool from J.C. Rennie, knitted by craftspeople with generations of experience.
A shetland jumper remains a timeless piece of knitwear which we believe you'll be able to keep for years. It's an adaptable garment which you can wear with denim, chinos and flannel trousers as well as corduroy. For a proper Ivy League look you can wear over a Oxford button-down shirt – even wrap it around your shoulders.
Malloch's has three Shetland sweater styles all made in Scotland;
- Kelso "Shaggy Dog" Brushed Shetland Jumper
- Kenmore Chunky Knit Jumper