Norwegian knitting traditions developed in the 19th century in valleys such as Setesdal, where the lusekofte ('lice jacket') with its dotted patterning became regional dress. Dale of Norway, founded in 1879 in the village of Dale near Bergen, industrialised the tradition and has designed the official Norwegian ski team sweaters since the 1956 Winter Olympics. Norwegian houses favour pure new wool, often from Norwegian sheep, with dense stranded colourwork that makes the sweaters both warm and wind-resistant.
Knitwear houses in Norway
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Norwegian patterned wool ski and heritage sweaters, official supplier to the national ski team since 1956
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Oleana
$$$Patterned Norwegian cardigans in merino, silk and alpaca, made in the brand's own factory near Bergen
Norway knitwear: frequently asked questions
Which luxury knitwear brands are from Norway?
Luxury knitwear houses from Norway in this index include Dale of Norway and Oleana. Norway's luxury knitwear is defined by pattern: the two-colour lusekofte and Setesdal traditions, the Marius sweater, and mills such as Dale of Norway that have knitted wool sweaters for Olympic teams since 1956..
What are Norwegian sweaters called?
Traditional Norwegian sweaters include the lusekofte (a patterned cardigan from Setesdal), the Marius sweater (a 1950s design in blue, red and white) and the Fana cardigan. Dale of Norway is the best-known maker of Norwegian patterned wool sweaters.