Since 1977, the Handknitting Association of Iceland has supported local knitters with fair income from hand-knitted lopapeysa sweaters in pure Icelandic wool.

The Handknitting Association of Iceland exists to protect and celebrate the Icelandic lopapeysa and the handknitting heritage. Our process is sustainable by nature. Every piece is made in Iceland, from local Icelandic wool, and handknitted by locals. Crafted slowly, with care. Heritage in every stitch.

100% hand-knitted in Iceland, from Icelandic wool, in Reykjavik since 1977 – VISIT BRAND.

(€ = budget | €€ = mid | €€€ = premium | €€€€ = luxe) (★★★★★ = heirloom + zero-waste preorder |

These are durable Icelandic wool sweaters, designed for harsh Nordic weather with solid hand-knitting that holds up for years of regular use

Brand Intro

The Handknitting Association of Iceland was founded in 1977 to help knitters to get their work marketed. A group of women formed the association, aiming to establish standards and guidelines for the production of hand-knitted woollens, mainly sweaters, hats and mittens in order to respond to the increasing demand with high quality products. The Production of hand-knitted goods was then – and still is – an important supplement to the income of Icelandic families.

Shortly after founding the Handknitting Association of Iceland, a shop was opened on Skólavörðurstígur 19, the main shopping street that descends from Hallgrímskirkja church. This address has been renowned for high quality hand-knitted products by Icelanders and foreign guests ever since. It is not only regarded by many to carry the broadest selection of the iconic Icelandic “lopapeysa”, it is also the biggest supplier of sweaters that are knitted from Icelandic wool and are made in Iceland, by the proud and professional members of the association.

Protected Geographical Indication

The Icelandic lopapeysa is a “Protected Geographical Indication” product and knitted items which do not adhere to specific criterium cannot, legally, be called lopapeysa. In order to be called lopapeysa, these conditions have to be fulfilled:

The wool used for a hand-knitted Icelandic lopapeysa must come from Icelandic sheep.

• The wool used to knit the sweater must be new, not recycled.
• The sweater has to be knit from lopi wool (the Icelandic wool used for knitting a lopapeysa).
• The sweater has to have a circularly knitted yoke with a pattern from the shoulder line to the neckline.
• The sweater has to be hand-knitted in Iceland.
• The sweater has to be seamless.
• The sweater can be whole or open (cardigan)

Inspiring Story

The Icelandic Lopapeysa. More than just a sweater.

The Icelandic Lopapeysa. A heritage that carries the story of Iceland’s spirit. Warm, adaptable, and deeply connected to the land.

What makes the lopapeysa truly special is its honesty. It’s sustainable by nature, handcrafted using pure Icelandic wool, according to Icelandic pattern heritage.

Born in the early to mid-20th century, at a time when imported clothes were replacing old traditions, the lopapeysa became a new way to honour what was already here: the knowledge of our craft and the rich, resilient wool of Icelandic sheep. To wear a lopapeysa is to carry a piece of Iceland with you, its culture, its heritage, and its enduring warmth.

A beloved emblem of Icelandic identity.

Who is this for?

This brand is for people who invest in durable Icelandic knitwear – lopapeysa sweaters made from thick wool designed for harsh Nordic weather, with solid hand-knitting that holds up for years of regular use…, thanks to durable Icelandic wool and solid hand-knitting. It suits those who value natural fibres, visible craftsmanship and garments with a clear sense of place. If you like knowing your clothes were made by a cooperative of local Icelandic knitters, this is a straightforward way to support them.

DISCLAIMER Sustainability score is subjective. InEurope.eu finds this crucial, but conducts no audits. Assessment based on publicly available information and brand feedback

Verified by Handknitting Association of Iceland – 19 Feb 2026