Jersey (knitted clothing)

Not to be confused with Jersey (fabric) or Team jersey.

Traditionally, a jersey is an item of knitted clothing, generally made of wool or cotton, with sleeves, worn as a pullover, as it does not open at the front, unlike a cardigan. It is usually close-fitting and machine knitted in contrast to a guernsey that is more often hand knit with a thicker yarn. The word is usually used interchangeably with sweater.

A traditional knit jersey

Etymology

The garment's name originates from the British Crown Dependency of Jersey in the English Channel. The island became a large exporter of knitted goods in the Elizabethan era.

Over time, "jersey" came to refer not just to sweaters made on the island, but to the specific style and method of knitting used in their production. This knitting technique was characterized by a close, flat-knit stitch that produced a smooth surface on one side and a slightly rougher one on the reverse.

See also

• Guernsey

External links

• Media related to Jerseys at Wikimedia Commons