The most common thing that happens when we feel the first bit of warm weather is that we get that false sense of security, thinking that the cold weather is gone. Out comes the summer wardrobe and away goes the winter wardrobe. The problem is that the weather is unpredictable, and the cold weather is almost guaranteed to return. Especially if you live in the northern United States, one of the most valuable garments you can get is a spring sweater. It’s the perfect layering piece and keeps you warm when unexpected cold snaps return. Most guys will hop online and find some run-of-the-mill spring sweater that everyone else has. But there is a better way.
I recently got the opportunity to travel to Iceland where I stayed at Hotel Ranga in the scenic countryside on the Southern part of the island. Everything you could want from a resort can be found at the hotel. Great food, expertly crafted drinks, hot tubs, and even better for me and anyone else looking for the perfect seasonal sweater — custom Icelandic sweaters made just for you, all organized by the hotel itself.
What makes this the sweater you need
When I think of an Icelandic sweater, I think of thick, luxurious wool, perfect for subzero temperatures, which I should encounter in a place with ‘ice’ in the name. While these sweaters are perfectly warm enough to wear under outerwear for excursions like South Coast Adventures or the Live Like an Icelander Tour, they are also surprisingly breathable and make a perfect top layer for a spring day when cold weather makes a surprise visit. While these aren’t the only sweaters that hold these features, Digital Marketing Manager at Hotel Rangá, Ingibjörg Friðriksdóttir, echoes my sentiments on why these are the sweaters you should pick up.
“Many sweaters that are being sold to tourists are not locally made, and not handknitted,” Friðriksdóttir said. “Not only do we make sure that they are knitted by local artisans using traditional patterns and techniques passed down through generations, but we also include the name of the person who made it, which makes it more special and gives a sense of that personal local connection.”
Tips for getting yours
What makes these sweaters unique is the opportunity to choose colors that fit not only your personal aesthetic, but also the season for which you’re buying. For a perfect spring sweater, opting for whites, light blues, and lavenders is the best way to ensure it suits the season. However, here are some other things to keep in mind:
Consider the fit: Icelandic wool sweaters are traditionally designed to be a bit roomy, allowing for layering underneath. Make sure to pick a size that feels comfortable and fits well over your regular clothes.
Look for authenticity: Choose a sweater that’s made with 100% Icelandic wool. This wool is known for being incredibly warm, lightweight, and water-resistant, making it ideal for the Icelandic climate and for unexpected weather back home.
Style: Icelandic sweaters often feature traditional patterns, with classic designs in natural sheep colors like white, grey, and black. However, newer designs may incorporate colorful patterns, giving them a modern twist. There’s no right or wrong here—it’s all about what resonates with your style and personality.
The inspiration for the sweater
But why? When I took the seven-hour flight (which, truthfully, felt like half that in premium seats on Icelandair), I wasn’t thinking about sweaters. I was thinking about hanging with Vikings, exploring the outdoors, and driving a buggy faster than I should through the rocks and rivers. But the moment I checked in to Hotel Ranga 87 miles from Reykjavik, I was hit with offerings I didn’t expect. All the above things I wanted, of course, but then I could get an authentic Icelandic sweater and join in a Viking feast in a cave. But what sparked a hotel to offer locally crafted sweaters?
Friðriksdóttir explains, “The idea of offering Icelandic wool sweaters stems from our commitment to providing more than just a place to stay. We want our guests to have as much time as possible to relax and explore, without worrying about finding the perfect souvenir.”
Another thing I got from the hotel
I didn’t stop at a sweater either. Why would I, when the hotel asks if I’m interested in getting a tattoo? My first tattoo ended up being a souvenir from a hotel in a foreign country during my first visit. The artist was contracted by Hotel Ranga to set up in a conference room. After talking to her for a few minutes and having her draw up my concept on the spot, I disappointed my mother with an easy Icelandic tattoo.
Sure, you could find a run-of-the-mill lightweight sweater online if you want to. Or you could make an experience out of everything in life and pick up a genuine Icelandic sweater from a local artisan and have the perfect spring sweater that will last for years to go along with the memories of adventures the first time you wear it in a beautiful and serene landscape.
