Meet Icewear: the solution to cosy layering in the cold
Wondering how to battle the cold and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors this winter? When it comes to keeping cosy, few brands feel as authentic as Icewear. Rooted in Iceland’s rugged landscapes, this adventurous clothing company captures the essence of Nordic practicality, style and a penchant for getting outside whatever the weather. Icewear creates gear designed to withstand some of the planet’s harshest conditions and aimed at use in winters when temperatures usually stick below freezing for months at a time. Whether you’re trekking volcanic trails, chasing the Northern Lights, or sitting by a campfire, Icewear’s pieces are brilliantly versatile and are sustainable, too – materials are sourced locally and responsibly, using wool from Icelandic sheep alongside recycled polyester.
Founded in 1972, Icewear started out as a knitwear company and are is still well-known for their traditional knits using Icelandic wool, but they’ve since grown into a trusted name for adventure enthusiasts, and you’ll spot their distinctive snowflake logo everywhere on earth (where the weather is chilly) but especially on the locals hanging out in Reykjavik. These days, Icewear offers everything from thick wool sweaters to fully weatherproof jackets in their physical stores across Iceland and (luckily for us) online at icewear.is. You’ll find technical windproof outerwear for glacier hikes, thermal layers to pop on after a winter swim and cozy knits that feel like a warm hug on cold days. But Icewear isn’t just about function – there’s plenty of flair here too. These timeless Nordic designs feature earthy tones using natural dyes, flattering cuts and a nod to Icelandic knitwear heritage that feels effortlessly stylish.
There are around 800,000 sheep in Iceland, free roaming since the Vikings brought them here in the ninth century, so it’s no surprise that Icewear have a bit of expertise in the world of wool. Icelandic wool is the perfect natural insulation – it’s extraordinarily breathable and is naturally water resistant, and it adapts to your body temperature to keep you cozy when you need it and to allow for breathability in warmer weather.
Layer up for the cold with Icewear
So how should you layer up in Icewear’s essentials? Start with an iconic lopapeysa, Iceland’s famous knitted sweater. Crafted from pure Icelandic wool, these sweaters are naturally insulating, breathable and water-repellent – perfect for frosty adventures or après-ski lounging. They make a brilliant mid layer worn over a base layer. I love my Brynjudalur knitted jumper (£139) in a cheerful cherry red – crafted with 100% Icelandic wool, it’s warm yet breathable and cheers up grey winter days.
Next, add a cosy coat with added insulation. I’ve barely taken off my Fönn Icelandic Wool insulated parka (from £201) this winter – its longer length is perfect for keeping more of your body toasty on sub-zero days and it feels amazingly soft and comfortable to wear, with good pockets and a well-fitting hood plus a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that water and snow will bead right off if the heavens do open. If I’m planning on being active, I swap to the Kötlujökull (£279), a shorter padded jacket named after a famous glacier in Iceland that is even more versatile – the sleeves zip off this cosy coat to make a well-cut gilet that I wear pretty much everywhere, from queueing at the airport to stiff hikes in the Alps, as it keeps my torso warm but stops me overheating on stop-start adventures. Don’t forget to add a woollen hat to finish everything – how about the Bakki (£16), made of the softest lambswool? Now winter’s most beautiful landscapes are yours for the taking.
