How a Working Class Sweater Became Desired by the Rich

[@roaring_angels]

I have to hunt for you to find you on KZbin. I have notifications on and still never see the videos!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Man, I KNEW KZbin's been effing with me. That's rediculous...sorry about that but I'm glad you've gone on the hunt!

[@roaring_angels]

@@DemetriosLevi if YT wants to be like that…this content would thrive on TikTok, imho.

[@bobwaddell841]

As a matter of clarification the Gansey sweater is distinctly different style of sweater than an Aran sweater. The Aran cabled sweater originated in the Aran Islands of Ireland while the Gansey originated in Guernsey in the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy.

[@jameslynch7826]

The Baileywick of Guernsey!

[@rickjones641]

I have heard, locally here in the Channel Islands, and detailed in Jersey's maritime museum, is that the island of Guernsey was named for the garment, not the other way around. The story has it that settlers speaking the Norman languages (which were made up of Scandinavian immigrant and local Brythonic Celtic cultures mingling) morphed the Nordic word 'Genser' (still the Norwegian word for pullover) into Guernsey or Gansey. The Island was then named for the craft that was adopted here, and that name stuck over whatever the island had been called before that. Obviously, I don't know if that's 'true', but I always found it to be a nice origin story.

[@bluekitty3731]

I was making my dad a cable knit sweater when the cat decided to have her kittens in my knitting basket! So even animals know how useful a cable knit sweater is!

[@KatrinaGressett]

I have a sweater from the Aran Sweater Market, it is fantastic. I'm also a knitter and I'm knitting an Aran sweater now out of wool. The amount I spent on yarn was more than I paid for the sweater.

[@hydrophobicbathtowel6816]

Pics or it didnt happen

[@patmillett8056]

I have made several of these. To be authentic, it must be knit from pure wool. Depending on the weight of the yarn and the needle size, the gauge can be tight or loose (not called "the weave".) Because it is made of pure wool, it is likely to shrink somewhat when laundered. It makes the gauge tighter, thus more wind resistant. Wool is naturally water repellent, and even when it is wet, The properties of wool will continue to keep the body warmer than most other textiles. In addition to the facts, I agree with your opinion that they look attractive and possibly sexy. :)

[@_antoniodmj]

These videos deserve much more views! The execution is top tier!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, brother! Let's gooo!

[@FashionableFather]

Agreed!

[@bonniekweenie880]

When watching your videos I can feel how much you pour your heart into them, and give your passion and effort working on them. It’s admirable.

[@DemetriosLevi]

The fact you can see that astounds me...thank you so much!!

[@sneakers_guy5488]

Idk how the channel growth is going but it feels like even when you aren't posting videos you'll still gain subs because your videos have staying power man. Watching other men's style/improvement channels feels like you are watching a product to solely convey information, which is cool. But, with your videos it's like watching art, there's something to appreciate while watching it.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Brother that is so comforting to me and honorable. Thank you so much for your words!

[@mmc1227]

I've been obsessed with these sweaters too.

[@andreleverettejr3747]

I have yet to get an Aran Sweater but that's because I bought a fair isle sweater and ended up buying 4 and never got around to the Aran and being in Texas it's a prayer needed to wear any of my cold weather gear

[@Miyavisgirl1540]

I'm knitting my own Aran sweater right now. :) Update: I finished my first sweater! Turned out great, but was way too big. So, I made a second one, and worked the pattern again with the standard stitch count given, and it fits like a glove! Working on a third now, in a beautiful charcoal yarn. :)

[@DemetriosLevi]

That is absolutely awesome! The full custom experience haha God speed!

[@Miyavisgirl1540]

@@DemetriosLevi Lol! Thanks so much! It's my first time knitting something other than shawls and blankets, so it's a huge step for me.

[@susangrande8142]

Good for you! Yes, your first sweater IS a knitting milestone! Congratulations! I’m a knitter too, and love cabled sweaters! I’m wearing one I knitted. 👍

[@terrabelle9937]

Tardy to the party but I'm blown away by the cinematography in this video. Very pretty and fun to watch.

[@djenaba5024]

This is a top tier quality video! How this does not have more views I don't understand

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much! To be completely open, I don't understand either and have been trying for years to get the algorithm to recognize my channel lol

[@djenaba5024]

@@DemetriosLevi It really is a gamble but for reals, your videos are really great quality so keep it up man!

[@AmberSoleil1]

Avid knitter here! So glad I found this video! Not only is it well done but you absolutely nailed the history. I appreciate your appreciation of these beautiful sweaters! Keep on bein that guy! ❤

[@darenius3105]

your channel is a hidden gem! I am so glad I found you! every single video is a masterpiece! Shout out from American-Armenian!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Brother thank you so much!! I'm absolutely honored by your words...ապագայի համար!

[@kristinalastname9445]

When you said “it’s a myth” when i tell you my jaw literally dropped- im invested omfg

[@DemetriosLevi]

It gets deeper and deeper!

[@thoughtdujour]

Great delivery. Chock full of information and provided in a very disgestible manner. Thank you.

[@frogboiz]

Dude idk what you've got going on your life but please keep posting. This is stragith quality content, deserves a lot more views.

[@AJ-jf2ui]

I'm in love with cable knot sweaters.

[@DemetriosLevi]

same

[@rickjones641]

I live on one of Guernsey's neighbouring channel islands (Jersey, the 'big' one) and I don't like wearing jackets much, so I always figured that there could be nothing more appropriate for being out in the local weather than something that gave the place 20-odd miles away it's name. I wear a Guernsey every time I walk my dog or work outdoors between late October and early April. I've worked on the local fishing boats and offshore wind farm and marine surveying from here to the North Sea. I have some stunning Norwegian sweaters from Ulvang and Devold, a heap of different wool-knit Barbours and an Aran, then Guernseys from Channel Jumper (made in Alderney -- another nearby island -- and Le Tricoutier in Guernsey) but the Guernseys made by 'Guernsey Woolens' have something going on that no other sweater does. Guernsey Woolens version are like three tubes -- totally seamless up the sides and sleeves -- the only seam is the shoulders and where the sleeves are joined (with a diamond insert that allows really easy movement) which is just like the genuine, hand-made traditional examples from 100 years ago being displayed in the maritime museums here on the islands. My Channel Jumper, for example is amazingly well-made and much fancier with contrasting knit stripes, but still has seams etc. The difference is noticeable, in that the seamless ones drape in a way that's warmer, they don't allow wind through the way your Aran does (some gets through, but the knit is much tighter and the seamless nature seems to have it slip 'around' rather than blowing through the seams) and it'll withstand a shower or at a push keep you warm even when pretty seriously wet. They 'breathe' really well and you don't get sweaty. Then, they are reversible -- same back-to-front -- so every time you put it on you can rotate it to even out the wear on the neck, cuffs and elbows. Buy-it-for-life, too, as they're completely repairable. There really isn't anything like the proper ones!

[@rowdymatt]

Great writing, cinematography, and flow with excellent line delivery. You are that guy pal!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Dude, I'm flattered...thank you so much for the kind words, bro!

[@haveapickle3075]

bro sincerely THANK YOU i wondered this for so dang long but didnt know how to word it to find an answer and here you are popping up in my recommended. thank you brother.

[@canadafree2087]

This Spring I bought a fisherman's sweater made in "The Republic of Ireland". I also bought a British rib knit turn down neck navy Gansey made in Canada but from British wool. Both are authentic 100% wool and very heavy. They cost $200-$300 new, these are not Chinamart sweaters. I paid $50 and $60 at a curated thrift shop that knew what they were selling.

[@michaelciv1]

Your videos are incredible and such a breath of fresh air in the men's fashion KZbin world. Kudos to you!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Dude, I'm so honored...thank you a ton, bro!!

[@michaelciv1]

@@DemetriosLevi Please do a video on how you maintain your hair if you haven't already! My hair gets absurdly curly and I have no clue how to style or manage it.

[@Boselaphus]

Hello stalin

[@bonnienichalson5151]

Love Aran sweaters have owned an Aran Sweater's for 40 years I now have 7 Aran sweaters All bought in Thrift stores :) There so Warm I live on the West Coast of 🇨🇦 Best Sweater for marine climate:) Fashion is side effect !

[@DemetriosLevi]

Was just wearing mine today! I find myself wearing them more than any other sweater...the warmth and comfort is unmatched. The West Coast of Canada is perfect for Aran sweaters! They were pretty much made for a climate like that

[@davidjacobo4204]

Watching these again pacifies me while I wait on the next video. You are a true talent. These are genuinely well done and engaging.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Man, that's such an honor...thank you so much for your kind words and support, my friend!

[@harmanjeetsinghgill6922]

Great video brother ! Keep going

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, bro! Will do!

[@sparkeyjones6261]

Hey Demetrios, this is the first video of yours that I watched... while looking for more info on the history of Guernsey sweaters. I've since watched every one of them. Really wish you'd come back with some more. Love your sense of humor and your style. I hope you're healthy and doing some great things.

[@michaellemonda14]

best quality vids from this guy, unbelievable

[@DemetriosLevi]

Bro, what a compliment...thank you so much!

[@satsumamoon]

As simple as socks eh? :D I think I knitted six pairs before I got a pair that fitted properly, This was after years of knitting scarves, dishcloths and shirts. Knitting skills take thousands of hours to learn and develop and each type of garment , accessory, blanket and doll has its own new learning curve, and thats just stockinette and ribbing, in one colour. After that you add complexities such as colourwork, cables, lace and other stitch patterns into the mix.

[@XatxiFly]

yeah I laughed at that too 😂 the human foot is not a simple shape, nor a forgiving use case!

[@Nettietwixt]

Yeah I do think non knitters think small equals easy not realising all the shaping techniques you need to understand to do it well.

[@grsimpson3957]

I love my ganseys, and i live in a place with a long hiatory of fishing, and you can look at photos in the museums or in some people's houses of the watermen wearing the gansey.

[@ilmizarnanda]

I got one from vintage store.it made by company aran craft ireland 100% merino wool in blue denim color.it's beautiful warm and cozy

[@mb-watches]

Your story telling is spot on mate. Awesome vid and learned a lot too. Have a great Sunday, cheers 👍🏻

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, brother! Cheers!

[@mantisshadow8990]

Great video and I like the sweater although where I live it is never cold enough to warrant using a sweater.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Ah bummer.... you can find a thinner "tropical" version made of linen of something like that available. If not, it'd be a good idea! The weave is loose enough to where it might work

[@mantisshadow8990]

@@DemetriosLevi Hey this sounds interesting. Do you know where I can find it?

[@philippedemontauvant5565]

Another stellar video!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, brother!

[@juliebarrett8903]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@hankwhalen2952]

WOW! I am shocked your channel isn't bigger. Your production value is off the charts man. Earned yourself a subscriber today!

[@franciscoalbertorojas5379]

I just saw the fishermen's friends movie, and thought the same thing, nice and crisp with a peacoat.

[@DemetriosLevi]

My fam was just watching that movie! lol I thought the exact same thing...James Purefoy's outfit was phenomenal

[@Banzobean4]

You’re the man lol this shit cracked me up and you made a killer report, definitely will watch more bruv

[@nukie404]

I'm not sure how young/old you are Demetrios, but your videos remind me of the early days of youtube when everything was a passion project. But like a billion times better in quality of course. - Han

[@DemetriosLevi]

Old enough to miss those days hahaha! That's what I'm trying to convey, and it's what made me fall in love with KZbin in the first place...I was writing scripts for a KZbin channel 13 years ago but didn't pull the trigger until 10 years later haha! Thank you for your amazing compliments, Han. I always appreciate it!

[@drjenkerns]

You are an amazing filmmaker.

[@DemetriosLevi]

That's an absolute honor...thank you so much!

[@aoibhinn1701]

Just a small error. The irish gaelic word for a jumper/ sweater is geansai. It didn't come from Guernsey.but interesting stuff!

[@michellecranford9238]

Oh my goodness..loved this podcast..so funny..and lots of information..😂

[@publius7023]

Wow. My dad's side of the family is from West Ireland. So I've inherited an Aran sweater. Didn't realise they were becoming fashionable.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Iconic stuff, bro! Wear it with pride 🇮🇪

[@alexxfreedom]

I do like a aran sweater. I also noted the fact that my name, McShane, has a special knit, apparently.... But they are fantastic to keep you warm if you layer correctly.

[@DemetriosLevi]

They definitely are! Definitely something for you to be proud of...so much heritage in this sweater!

[@alexxfreedom]

@@DemetriosLevi apparently I am a lucky winner.... 😂. Looks like they gotten to you now.

[@ashply4306]

Great work man.. loved it

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, brother!

[@steveton1682]

This video was great! Someone mentioned previously, definitely a hidden gem. Good luck on the channel and hope you make more content!

[@Myrmeleosi]

what was your size of the white one with the ribbed neck? im seeing measurements but maybe they comeoversized?

[@elgringoperdido.]

Classy video as usual, worth the waiting :)

[@DemetriosLevi]

God willing you won't have to wait as long anymore but that makes this even more of an honor...thank you as always, bro!

[@patrickpatel5527]

I love it! You’re a comedian . You made me laugh 😂😂😂

[@AngelissimaASMR]

Wow, so well done! I just found your channel, subbed and am enjoying catching up on your films. I was a fashion major and love this type of video 👔

[@EscobarStyle]

I see these sweaters in regular retail stores now. But which top 5 brands make legit Aran sweaters? Any advice my friend? (Besides the link)

[@DemetriosLevi]

I can't get enough of them honestly. In a burnt orange it looks incredible... I can't say with confidence because I don't have any experience with any other brand, but from the little research I've done I know of at least 4 other brands that seem make good authentic Aran sweaters: 1: "Aran Islands Sweaters" is family owned on Inismór in a quaint little shop; small collection and some are completely handmade. Definitely worth a look at. aranislandssweaters (dot) com 2: Blarney Woolen Mills has been around since 1823 and owned by the same family until 1975, but they still seem good and are made in Ireland. blarney (dot) com 3: The Irish Store is family owned and sells some nice looking ones including a few handmade sweaters.... theirishstore (dot) com 4: The Sweater Shop sells them, including a beautiful burnt orange one that's made by a family owned business in Dublin called Ireland's Eye, so worth a shot as well. If we including the already mentioned Aran sweater shop where I got mine that makes 5 lol good luck, brother!

[@lilxtraxs9046]

Hey demetrios can you make a video on marlon brando style? the man made leather jacket and t shirt look good.

[@FPSDIESEL]

You know I found you to help my curly hair (thank you by the way) but now I can't stop watching I'm much more of a minimalism guy with my clothing. But not only do you know a lot you got a great film makers eye. Your backgrounds are textured and warm invoking at least to me that smokey thinking room of some British gentleman. It's like everything you wear matches your surroundings. Point is I like your videos. You deserve some damn success on youtube. I know plenty of other creators that don't put in craft and care. I better see some growth in your future. Keep killing it.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Brother, coming from you, I'm absolutely honored...seriously, thank you so much! Those are the feelings I try to convey and to hear that I have successfully done that, makes me so happy. The algorithm finally blessed me and I was growing exponentially, but right when the Ukraine invasion took place everything went shot down, which I get; there's way more important things going on than menswear, but still I hope it goes back up! Again, thank you so much, bro

[@mylesclarkson9937]

outside the scope of the video, but I love what you’ve been doing with your hair, Very Alexandrian!

[@DemetriosLevi]

My man, you must know me well enough to use that description for my hair...that's the best compliment I've gotten haha! Thank you so much, brother!

[@Brevly]

Do they fit true to size?

[@JeriahMiller]

Fascinating. I watched your Patreon video as well. I highly recommend watching it! I learned a lot more from it.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Dang, thank you so much, brother!! I'm glad you enjoyed that one 👊🏼

[@LouBanga47]

Man, I just discovered your videos like an hour ago and I gotta say…. This is some really entertaining stuff.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, bro! I'm honored to have you aboard

[@femboyskeleton9150]

Excellent video about an icon of my nation, it's a grand shame the KZbin algorithm despises you, even with notification bell ticked no notifications, don't let it discourage you though!

[@brandonbandstra226]

That sweater looks great on you

[@jimius]

How does this channel only have 14k subsscribers?

[@iknowyouwanttofly]

If you make one in rougher slightly itchy wool it lasts alot longer. But you need to wear long sleeved garment under. And maybe make the neck in softer wool and plan to men that part. Itchiness on the neck is the worst.

[@Knittingilove]

I love it 😃👍🏻♥️

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much!

[@Pulchii]

That was a great video sir

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much for watching, bro!

[@jorge8915]

I loved the video thank you ❤😅

[@Music_Lover0612]

I didn't know you were supposed wear something under sweaters!! I thought I was anemic.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Haha! I feel ya man...I was anemic and I can say definitely that it depends on the weave of the fabric and the sweater itself. I only have one wool sweater where I don't need anything underneath...but most sweaters seem to need an undershirt, definitely

[@vim1471]

Does a cable knit feel abit heavy and stretchy ?

[@DemetriosLevi]

Yeah, it definitely has weight to it and stretch because of it's more loose weave

[@ashko808]

I'm here from the Wool Needles Hands channel, who recommended this video in hers! Juat wanted to say that I adore this video and your style. ❤️

[@henriqueso]

@demetrioslevi why did you chose heavyweight merino wool in lieu of the more traditional aran wool?

[@DemetriosLevi]

That particular sweater was on sale, the design and fit was my favorite of their selection, and I love merino wool

[@joshargan1601]

You _are_ that guy, bro, and you look awesome with a cable-knit tucked into high-waisted pants. Rock that tuck, dude! Do you know how many guys secretly _do_ want to be that guy?

[@microwavedmetal]

The rich love to look poor and make things expensive…and the poor love to look rich while buying the expensive.

[@a_badali]

Better Cinematography than half the movies nominated tonight. Even made Sarnia look good

[@DemetriosLevi]

Hahaha! Thank you so much, brother! Great to see a local here! If that camera can make Sarnia look decent any place can haha!

[@rhett6192]

love your stuff

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, my man! Another vid tomorrow at 10am EST!

[@johnchampion6926]

The term geansaí - pronounced correctly btw as gan-sea, is the Irish word for sweater/jumper.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Exactly!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Exactly!

[@aleksandrsfilipovics7544]

Great video as always! Wristwatch check, please 😁

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, bro! It's a 1998 38mm Junghans Maxbill manual wind. A fan from Germany gifted me it...didn't even know it was one of my dream watches, God bless the guy!

[@aleksandrsfilipovics7544]

@@DemetriosLevi Wow, that's an awesome timepiece! Really enjoying my manual winding watches lately as well, there is something so meditative and relaxing in winding the watch when getting ready for the day. Also love the fact that it has a story behind it too, that's what watches are all about, you know.. Thanks for sharing and keep on rocking! 👍 Big fan :)

[@Fenixx117]

I have a Marino Wool one from Spier and Mackay. Quite nice and super soft. I have worn it very little thought because I once spilled a drop of mustard and it was very hard to get out. A faint stain still remains on the white...

[@DemetriosLevi]

Ah that sucks about the mustard stain! Food stains are the bane of clothing...have you tried the Laundress' products? I've been able to get any stain completely gone from their stuff, especially if combined with both their Stain Solution and Bleach-Alternative, but be careful when using that combination! It's so powerful that when I tried it on my ivory linen loafers it took the dye off the leather interior, and it went straight through onto the linen part. My favorite pair of shoes got wrecked so learn from my mistake!

[@Fenixx117]

@@DemetriosLevi that's for the advice. I'll maybe give that a try. Luckily it is quite small and a light bleach should return it to being totally white again

[@rustyshackleford17]

Ah, the downfall of every white sweater. They look great but are a nightmare to take care of. Which is why I'll never wear them.

[@satsumamoon]

Take it to an experienced knitter. Tell them to either make duplicate stiches over the stain (if they had an exact matching wool) or to pull the yarn from the surrounding rows , cut out the mustard and rejoin the ends.

[@stellanFPS]

this is the best

[@FashionableFather]

Ridiculously good video!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Thank you so much, as always, brother!

[@33mightymouse33]

Man these vids are little masterpieces I tell you what. Thanks for sharing your art/talents.😁

[@DemetriosLevi]

Bro, what an honor....thank you so much for watching and supporting my work! It means a lot

[@The_Irish_Fox]

I have far too many Aran Sweaters 😂

[@patmillett8056]

Men knit them as well.

[@adamnickel3539]

You won’t find better menswear video production on KZbin than this. Or anywhere!

[@DemetriosLevi]

Bro, that's such an honor...thank you so much!

[@rokkabrave]

I wish I could live in a place cold enough to rock it. A nice musk green one I'd love it! Also WHAT A PLOT TWIST

[@DemetriosLevi]

Hey, if we're gonna be cold we might as well be stylish haha! Maybe you can find a thinner more "tropical" version made of linen of something. This one is really loose in it's weave, so if it was linen you could probably wear it in the heat!

[@rokkabrave]

@@DemetriosLevi Thanks for the advice! I usually wear button up (unbuttoned) really thin rayon sweater which works well so I'll get some linen and work with it.

[@therevan7288]

I never really gave knit sweaters a chance only because I don't like the woven detailing they tend to have but after this video I might give them a second chance

[@DemetriosLevi]

Yeah, see if you like it or not! Sometimes it takes trying something on to know if you like it or not

[@therevan7288]

@@DemetriosLevi I actually just ordered one from Spier and Mackay the other day so here's hoping I like it

[@Meimoons]

@@therevan7288did you end up liking it?

[@therevan7288]

@Meimoons Honestly yes, I loved it so much. I bought a second one

[@Brent_Fiore]

Another masterpiece 🤌🏻

[@DemetriosLevi]

My brother, thank you so much!

[@henryaugustin9345]

That’s a hard ass sweater bra

[@younggavi3738]

Come back god damnit

[@humphreybrogart8392]

The Bioshock shirt

[@TheHulseyStyle]

The most unique creator in the menswear space strikes again! #realmendon'tweararanknits

[@DemetriosLevi]

Those are fightin' words, mate hahahaha! Thanks so much, brother!

[@Stapler42]

I'm not sure if you were being satirical or not but if you weren't I'd just like to add that as far as I know the ganseys really were used to identify sailors, they were knitted in one piece and in a tight knit so they didnt degrade easily or come off the body, each fishing village had their own styles which could narrow down which village the drowned fisher came from, and often the fisher's initials would be integrated into the pattern so that it could be narrowed down even more. Great video tho I don't want to sound like I'm discrediting it or anything.

[@samuelntim-addae2843]

Finally

[@DemetriosLevi]

Too long of a wait!

[@samuelntim-addae2843]

@@DemetriosLevi Hey man, can you do a style analysis of the bond films? Especially now that Craig has retired from the role. Thanks for replying and all these style videos. You are a breath of fresh air in this space. Everyone else seems to be doing the same thing.

[@DemetriosLevi]

@@samuelntim-addae2843 Absolutely, man! That's been on the list for a while now so it'll definitely come out some time. Thanks again for the kind words, brother! I'm honored

[@44musher]

Yes, more work clothes.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Work clothing can be absolutely stylish!

[@44musher]

@@DemetriosLevi my friend you make anything stylish. Your channel is exquisite ! Greetings from Maine.

[@joshmiller7777]

How many goes did it take to get that globe to stop spinning in the right place? 😉

[@farisctselman]

Bruuh...just one thing...dont stop posting vids...one day you will be popular

[@nofillergamingknight7319]

Oh you mean like Jeans, Boots, Leather jackets, Overalls, Jean jackets, Waxed jackets, and Trucker Jackets.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Yes and no. Fashion did indeed became a bottom down situation whereas it was previously bottom up, that being a result of a certain influential ideology, but this feels a bit different to me considering it's identity is with a certain people group beyond generic work clothing like jeans or boots.

[@josephhughes1498]

I swear I watched a super similar video from another channel

[@YoukerMills]

One minute in and there is a falsehood: Gansey is the type of tightly woven sweater, and Guernsey became the place for the commercial revival of this type of clothing in the second half of the twentieth century where it had been called 'Guernsey' by the islanders given the similarity of the unrelated names. Typical naff youtube video with production style over content. Haven't watched the rest.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Well that's why, numbnuts. Watch the rest...I go over how the whole beginning of this video is claimed to be a myth and then I mythbust the myth-busters and I have an hour long video going in depth on its history. It's not style over content...it's called story telling. Typical faceless commenter who runs his mouth without getting the full story.

[@blackwood3243]

Personally, I don't like the look of the cable knit. I prefer a ribbed knit, or a seed stich.

[@DemetriosLevi]

I've really come to appreciate seed stitch! Has a nice look

[@WendingWind]

Most regrettable impulse purchase I ever made. I bought two of these and really didn't like them, so I used them for felting experiments. Literally half a month's wages for the both. My main disappointment was that they don't actually perform so well for outdoor stuff. They seem to be a huge downgrade from the typical ribbed fisherman jumper. If you get one of these, buy it seven sizes too big, because they aren't flattering like a ribbed jumper and make sure the sleeves fit, because if you roll them up it permanently ruins them. I ended up felting them both, one got completely ruined and the other ended up just below the natural waist and is now far more tightly knitted, so I got one functional piece of clothing out of the whole ordeal. Still, if you want something functional I would skip these. Get a ribbed fisherman jumper instead. One that is tightly knitted and not the oversized chunky rib pattern you see in a lot of fashion examples. Maybe there are still functional Aran knit jumpers out there. It seems like nobody really uses them anymore though. They exist purely to sell to rich American tourists, purely for fashion.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Where did you purchase them? My brother and I got three of them and never had any problems and they fit both our bodies with the normal sizing. You suggest to buy seven sizes too big but then say they're oversized and chunky. I'm confused here. They absolutely do not exist purely to see to rich American tourists. I debunk all of this in my Patreon video and show it in this how it became a symbol for Ireland, not America. They're cheap compared to most sweaters out there of this quality, which is phenomenal, but that doesn't mean they can be abused. The typical Aran Gansey is what used to be called a "Sunday's best" gansey that they'd wear for special occasions, not for hard-core work. It also depends on what you mean by "outdoor stuff". Are you gathering ropes and nets? Do you work on a boat? Or are you getting entangled with sticks and thorns, because that'll ruin any sweater. If you look at the photos, even the fisherman's gansey's from the 1890's have holes in them. The women would re-knit holes so that the sweater wouldn't be thrown out. You could have indeed purchased bad ones, I don't deny that, but you may also have an unrealistic expectation of how much abuse a sweater can go through.

[@WendingWind]

​@@DemetriosLevi The fit wasn't so good on me. Too tight in the chest and armpits, too loose in the midsection. Length was not ideal, being about the same length as a t-shirt. Because they have a very boxy construction, it is usually recommended to size much larger. It is also the custom for traditional fisherman guernsey/ganseys. I was referring to the "fisherman rib" jumpers I see a lot as being "chunky and oversized". A fisherman gansey I saw in a local museum was very dense, kevlar like. I would opt instead for something like a le tricoteur guernsey or there is also one website which sells traditional, hand knitted ganseys in various historical patterns worn by north sea fishermen and it is the only one I could find. They are comparatively bomb proof. I would check out the site, which I cannot link as youtube keeps deleting my comments, lot of interesting history and examples on there.

[@WendingWind]

​@@DemetriosLevi Also, sorry, I said in my original comment, but I got them from Aran Sweater Market. I think the name is a big clue that they're being almost exclusively marketed to tourists. Nobody in the British Isles calls them sweaters. I say they are impractical because they simply are. They have the lanolin still in the wool, so you smell like a wet sheep if you're out in the rain, but they are not densely woven like a traditional fisherman gansey, so they are not windproof and they don't shed water. They seem to be exclusively a fashion piece. At the risk of my comment getting auto flagged again, I won't link it, but the only company who sell the type of thing I am referring to, as far as I can tell, are Flamborough Marine Ltd. From their website: "Using a tightly spun 5-ply worsted wool (popularly known as "Seamen's Iron") the intricately patterned Gansey is knitted in one piece on five steel needles. The patterning to back and front and, in some cases, the upper part of the sleeve provides an extra layer of protection, while the combination of seamless construction, fine wool and tight knitting produced a garment that is both wind and waterproof. Indeed, every part of the garment is designed with practicality in mind." The downside is they are EXPENSIVE. So instead I'd probably for the Le Tricoteur Guernseys if I wanted something practical. They are around the same price point as stuff from Aran Sweater Market. Not as fashionable, but they look great in my opinion. I need to get one. They also feature the long style sleeves that you can fold, rather than having to permanently stretch and ruin the jumper to roll them up.

[@christsoug8533]

Are you Greek ?

[@DemetriosLevi]

Ναι very little in blood, 100% in culture