Varma is an Icelandic knitwear manufacturer producing sweaters, blankets, hats, mittens and socks from Icelandic wool at its facility in Reykjavík. Its history page dates the company to 1982 in Akureyri, while its branding claims a heritage since 1926. It also runs contract production for artists, hotels and other brands; sweaters are priced around ISK 28,900.
Key facts
- Company history page states it was founded in Akureyri in 1982; branding elsewhere cites 1926
- Based in Reykjavík; the manufacturing company behind the brand is Glófi ehf
- Uses 100% Icelandic wool alongside lambswool and merino qualities
- Sweaters and blankets around ISK 28,900
Fibres and construction
Varma works principally in Wool, lambswool & Shetland, Merino wool. Construction and techniques associated with the house include hand-knit and machine-knit. It is based in Iceland, whose knitwear is built on lopi, the unspun or lightly spun wool of the Icelandic sheep, whose dual-coat fleece gives the lopapeysa yoke sweater its distinctive warmth and weather resistance..
How to judge Varma quality
- Merino quality depends on micron (extra-fine is under 18.5 µm) and on worsted spinning; fine-gauge pieces (21–30 gg) are a technical speciality worth paying for.
- Lambswool and Shetland are coarser than cashmere by design; judge them on density, recovery when stretched, and the mill's finishing rather than on softness in the shop.
- Hand-knitted or hand-framed pieces show slight, natural irregularity in stitch tension; uniformity that looks machine-perfect may indicate otherwise.
Similar houses
Varma: frequently asked questions
Where is Varma knitwear made?
Varma is based in Reykjavík, Iceland. Company history page states it was founded in Akureyri in 1982; branding elsewhere cites 1926.
What is Varma known for?
Varma is known for icelandic wool sweaters, blankets and accessories knitted in Reykjavík. Its principal fibres are Wool, lambswool & Shetland and Merino wool.
Is Varma a luxury brand?
Varma sits in the premium tier of this index (roughly $150–$400 for a sweater). Its construction methods include hand-knit and machine-knit. It is listed here on the basis of fibre quality, construction and provenance rather than price alone.
How much does Varma knitwear cost?
Varma is roughly $150–$400 for a sweater at the time of writing. Sweaters and blankets around ISK 28,900
Sources
Facts verified against the sources above on 16 September 2026. Prices are indicative and change; check the house's own site.