Categories
See all Mars Knitwear productsDetails
- Country
- England
- Founded
- 1994
- Price range
- Affordable (£)
- Blog
- Read the blog
Location
View on mapShowcase
What to Wear on a Shoot: Choosing a Shooting Jumper
A good shooting jumper needs to provide warmth without restricting movement, withstand regular outdoor wear and layer comfortably beneath a shooting vest or jacket. The right knitwear can make a noticeable difference during a long day outside, particularly when temperatures and weather conditions change. Here is what to consider when choosing a shooting jumper, from wool and fit to shoulder patches, elbow reinforcement and cold-weather accessories. Why choose a wool shooting jumper? Wool is naturally suited to outdoor clothing. Its fibres help retain warmth while remaining breathable, allowing moisture to escape more effectively than many less breathable materials. Wool can also continue to provide insulation when exposed to light moisture. This makes it a practical choice for the changeable conditions often encountered during the shooting season. Our British wool shooting jumpers are knitted in Britain from 100% British wool, without synthetic fibre blends. The dense knit creates a dependable layer that can be worn on its own in milder weather or beneath outerwear when temperatures fall. What are the shoulder patches for? Shoulder patches are one of the most recognisable features of a traditional shooting jumper. They reinforce the area where a shooting vest, outer layer or gun mount may repeatedly rub against the knitted fabric. A well-positioned patch also helps protect the wool from premature wear. This is particularly useful on a garment intended for frequent outdoor use rather than occasional fashion wear. Our shooting jumpers use premium suede shoulder patches finished with twin-needle stitching. Twin-needle construction produces a neat, secure edge and helps the patch remain firmly attached through regular wear. Why elbow reinforcement matters Elbows are another high-wear area on any practical jumper. The fabric is repeatedly stretched when the arm bends and may rub against tables, gates, equipment or the inside of an outer jacket. Suede elbow patches provide an additional protective layer over the knitted wool. As well as extending the practical life of the jumper, they create the traditional country appearance associated with shooting and outdoor knitwear. How should a shooting jumper fit? A shooting jumper should allow comfortable movement through the shoulders and arms without feeling excessively loose. A fit that is too tight can restrict layering and become uncomfortable over a long day, while an oversized jumper may bunch beneath a vest or jacket. Consider what you normally wear underneath. If the jumper will be worn over a shirt and base layer, make sure there is sufficient room through the chest, shoulders and sleeves. If you plan to wear a heavy jacket over the top, avoid unnecessary bulk. A well-fitting wool jumper provides insulation while still sitting comfortably beneath an outer layer. How to layer for changing conditions Layering makes it easier to adapt as the weather changes. Rather than relying on one extremely heavy garment, combine several practical layers that can be removed or added when needed. Start with a comfortable, breathable base layer. Add a wool shooting jumper for natural insulation. Wear a shooting vest or gilet when additional storage and protection are required. Finish with a weather-resistant outer jacket in wet or windy conditions. This arrangement helps retain warmth while allowing greater control over comfort throughout the day. Choosing a practical colour Traditional countryside colours such as moss, charcoal, brown and light grey are easy to coordinate with breeks, cords, chinos and outdoor jackets. Natural and muted shades also make a shooting jumper versatile enough for everyday wear away from the field. Consider the rest of your clothing when selecting a colour. A neutral jumper can be paired with several different outer layers, while an earthy green or brown creates a more traditional country appearance. Don’t forget your headwear A significant amount of comfort can be gained by keeping the head and ears protected in cold or exposed conditions. A compact wool hat is easy to carry and can be added when the temperature falls. Our British wool beanies are knitted in Britain and provide a practical finishing layer without taking up much space when not being worn. Choosing a shooting jumper made to last The best shooting jumper should be comfortable, warm and robust enough for regular use. Look for natural wool, secure patch stitching, reinforced elbows and a fit that works with the rest of your outdoor clothing. Every Mars shooting jumper is knitted and hand-finished by our experienced team in Britain. Made from 100% British wool and finished with suede shoulder and elbow patches, the collection combines practical construction with traditional country style. Explore our British wool shooting jumpers and choose a dependable layer for the season ahead.
Guernsey, Gansey, Aran or Fair Isle? A Guide to Traditional Knitwear
Choosing between a Guernsey, Gansey, Aran or Fair Isle jumper can be confusing. The names are sometimes used interchangeably, but each describes a different strand of traditional knitwear, with its own appearance, construction and cultural associations. Here is how to recognise the four styles—and choose the right one for you. What is a Guernsey jumper? The Guernsey is a traditional fisherman’s jumper associated with the Channel Island of Guernsey. Its close-knit wool construction was designed to provide warmth, durability and freedom of movement for fishermen and coastal workers. Traditional Guernseys are usually relatively plain, with characteristic details around the shoulders, sleeves and underarms. A dense knit creates a robust garment that works particularly well as an outdoor layer. Guernsey and Gansey are sometimes treated as two pronunciations of the same word. Over time, however, “Gansey” also became associated with regional fishermen’s knitwear elsewhere around the British coast. Choose a Guernsey jumper if you want a practical, traditional garment with a clean shape and maritime heritage. What is a Gansey jumper? A Gansey shares much of its history with the Guernsey. The term became widely used for closely knitted wool jumpers worn by fishing communities, particularly around Britain’s eastern and northern coasts. Historic Ganseys could include regional combinations of textured stitches. Their practical construction, close fit and durable wool fabric made them well suited to demanding work at sea. Our Gansey collection uses modern seamless knitting technology to produce the garment with minimal seams. This provides excellent freedom of movement while retaining the practical character associated with traditional fishermen’s knitwear. Choose a Gansey if you like maritime styling but prefer a seamless, modern construction. What is an Aran jumper? The Aran jumper takes its name from the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast. It is immediately recognisable through its richly textured surface, which can combine cables, diamonds, moss stitch and other raised patterns. Aran knitwear is generally more decorative and heavily textured than a Guernsey or Gansey. The patterns also create pockets of trapped air, contributing to the garment’s warmth. Many symbolic meanings and family stories have become associated with individual Aran stitches. These stories form an important part of the jumper’s modern folklore, although not every popular claim is supported by firm historical evidence. Choose an Aran jumper if you want a warm, substantial garment with prominent cable and textured patterns. What is a Fair Isle jumper? Fair Isle knitting takes its name from Fair Isle, part of Shetland. It is a form of stranded colourwork in which contrasting yarns create repeating geometric motifs. Unlike Aran knitting, which creates texture using raised stitches in a single colour, Fair Isle creates pattern through colour. Traditional designs often repeat small motifs across rows, producing a distinctive and instantly recognisable appearance. The pattern should be knitted into the garment rather than printed onto the surface. Our Fair Isle collection includes designs made from 100% British wool, including styles produced using advanced seamless knitting. Choose Fair Isle if you want traditional colour, intricate geometric patterning and a jumper that stands out visually. Guernsey, Gansey, Aran and Fair Isle compared A Guernsey is usually the cleanest and most understated option. A Gansey shares its practical maritime character but may feature different regional details or construction methods. An Aran uses raised cable and textured stitches, while Fair Isle uses multiple colours to create geometric pattern. All four styles developed in communities where warm, durable knitwear mattered. Today, the best choice comes down to how you want the jumper to look and feel: Choose Guernsey for clean, traditional maritime style. Choose Gansey for fisherman-inspired knitwear with seamless comfort. Choose Aran for substantial texture and cable patterning. Choose Fair Isle for distinctive colour and geometric motifs. If you want to browse these traditions together, explore our British wool fisherman’s jumpers, knitted and hand-finished in Britain.
Essential Guide to High-Quality British Knitwear for Men
This essential guide will navigate you through the intricacies of British knitwear, offering insights into the finest fabrics, iconic styles, and tips for maintenance to ensure your pieces last for years to come. Whether you're dressing for a casual day out or a sophisticated evening, understanding the nuances of knitwear can transform your look from ordinary to extraordinary. Step into a world where comfort meets elegance, and discover how high-quality British knitwear can be the cornerstone of your wardrobe.
Is this your brand?
Claim your profile, and your ranking improves. Learn more