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In Review: WoolOvers’ Fisherman’s Crew Sweater

June 24, 2014 By Dappered Team | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

WoolOvers Unisex Fisherman’s Crew – $36.00 (+ int. shipping)

UPDATE: Try the code new2wl for 5% off and more importantly, free international shipping. big thanks to Brandon and Charles in the comments.

You might think this is an odd time to review a chunky wool sweater… and you’d be right. Aside from brisk summer evenings and overzealously air-conditioned offices, summer doesn’t provide much sweater-wearing opportunity for most guys.

Still, a sweater like this one from WoolOvers might persuade you to ignore your thermostat and embrace your inner North Atlantic fisherman… or at least stock your closet in preparation for cool autumn days ahead.

WoolOvers is a relatively unknown British brand that specializes in inexpensive, classically-styled wool sweaters. WoolOvers’ website features an unfortunate pastel color scheme, dated design, and occasional reference to the evils of “draughty houses.” These features don’t inspire a lot of confidence in style-conscious shoppers accustomed to sleek, contemporary retailer websites. Underneath its octogenarian-oriented surface, however, WoolOvers is quietly selling what may be the best value, most stylish, real-workwear-inspired wool sweaters available online.

Woolovers 1Not a wannabe. The real deal. All wool, substantial, a little rough.

Intrigued by positive reviews and surprisingly reasonable prices, I ordered two of WoolOvers’ fisherman’s crewneck sweaters – one in oatmeal and one in French navy. When I received the sweaters and pulled them from their packaging, I first noticed their heft: These are not the flimsy, “nautical- themed” sweaters offered by many mainstream retailers. These are the real deal. They are heavy, substantial, and a bit rough around the edges. WoolOvers’ fisherman’s sweater doesn’t shy away from its origins as a working man’s armor against the persistent cold and damp of life on the sea.

The material is 100% British wool. The fit is true to size and cut somewhat generously, which is well- suited to the utilitarian style of the sweater. Those concerned about fit can double-check WoolOvers’ garment measurements against their favorite casual sweater; Those who strongly prefer a very fitted sweater should consider sizing down. I usually wear a “tailored-fit” or “slim fit” size small/36R, however, and I’m happy with the slightly relaxed fit of the size small sweaters I bought.

Woolovers comparison to other twoL-R: J. Crew Factory Lambswool, WoolOvers, Lands’ End Cotton.
The heft of the WoolOvers is noticeable.

There are a few caveats worth noting about WoolOvers:

First, WoolOvers’ pricing presents shoppers with something of a moving target. When I purchased my sweaters, the “regular price” was $43 each or $40 for two or more. WoolOvers also subtracted the European value added tax (VAT) from my bill, bringing the price of each sweater to $36. The current promotional pricing is $36 for one sweater or $72.00 for two. Although these inconsistencies don’t ultimately undermine the value of the sweater, some will understandably find their WoolOvers shopping experience frustrating or confusing.

Second, the sweaters ship from the UK. Shipping is neither free nor cheap (I paid $13), and WoolOvers’ returns policy leaves you on the hook for international return shipping charges. And that’s not cheap either.

WoolOvers certainly has its work cut out for it if it ever intends to take on the big boys of modern menswear. Its website, pricing scheme, and shipping policies could certainly benefit from revision. For now, though, I’m happy to let these quirks slide as long as WoolOvers continues producing such high quality sweaters for such reasonable prices. This may not be the ideal time of year to layer up in wool knitwear, but unbeatable value is always in season.

About the author: Ben R. is one of Dappered’s moderators as well as an active member of Dappered Threads. When not practicing law he’s usually outdoors hiking or skiing. He’ll also tell anyone who listens about an incredible place called “Montana.”

knit close

Filed Under: Clothing, Reviews Tagged With: fisherman's sweater, WoolOvers

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Comments

  1. Peter Aizio says

    June 24, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    The “Aran Sweater” is the best sweater they make. It is heavy and will keep you warm. I was SHOCKED that it was being sold for around $40 (plus shipping).

  2. Jason Kadushin says

    June 24, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    Easily some of the oddest pictures as well – how many guys do you know that wear heavy wool sweaters w/o so much as a t-shirt underneath.

  3. Slow*Jim says

    June 24, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    I don’t think $13 is unreasonable at all for international shipping. These look a lot like the scratchy $60 Wallace & Barnes Shetland wool “Sutherland” sweater I ordered from J crew over the winter. I was not impressed by the quality

  4. Barrett Roudabush says

    June 24, 2014 at 9:53 AM

    Can’t help but notice almost all of the reviews are authored by women or men 65 + older. Good looking sweater, though.

  5. Jake says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    I like to call that “The Lands’ End Effect”

  6. random-adam says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    How’s sleeve length run? I’d love a size S based on their other measurements, but at 6’2″ I am really wary.

  7. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:12 AM

    At 6’2″ you might be in trouble. I’m 5’9″ and the S sleeves are fine for me, maybe just a bit long. I’ll try to remember to measure them tonight when I get home.

  8. Adam says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:33 AM

    So at 6’0, 175…a medium?

  9. pierrot says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:47 AM

    Looks like a pretty awesome deal

  10. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:48 AM

    Do you normally wear a medium? If so, I’d say yes (probably – I hate to give anyone definitive sizing advice based on my limited experience).

    Unless you’re between sizes, I think it’s fairly safe to take your usual size and expect a relaxed fit. IMO a chunky, casual sweater like this works better when it’s not overly form-fitting. But if you’re between sizes or strongly prefer a snug-fitting casual sweater, sizing down might be the way to go.

  11. Adam says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    That’s the catch – I’m between a small and a medium (I wear tailored fit or slim fit mediums when available, or “classic fit” smalls).

  12. burban says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    As far as international return shipping goes, at least to the UK, beware. I recently ordered a Barbour Chelsea Sportquilt from Aspecto based on a post here about a sale. The price was down to $160. When I got it, it was lighter weight than I expected compared to the Flyweight one I tried on previously and I wasn’t thrilled with some of the stitching, so I went to FedEx to return it.

    They quoted me $120 for shipping a 2.3 lbs jacket. The least expensive USPS quote was over $60. Based on those prices, I just opted to keep the jacket, as it fits well and otherwise has no problems.

    Just a warning to everybody here, with those kind of prices, any order under about $250 probably won’t be worth it to return it if you have to cover return shipping to anywhere outside of North America.

  13. Rado says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:13 AM

    These look solid. Just an FYI; I ended up buying into the Hillflint kick starter and received my sweater. Took a little back and forth on sizing, they picked up shipping, and I ended up extremely happy with the product. Just a heads up if anyone was on the fence. Fits great, the neck is pretty flattering as it comes out and shows where shoulder meets neck. The wool is also incredibly soft and over all it’s just a classic look, I use it for colder temps in the mountains but could wear it anywhere.

  14. Joe says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:22 AM

    “based on a post here”

    The heck is an… “Aspecto”? I had to google. You sure you heard about it here?

    (But yes, agreed, international shipping can be crazy, and BenR seems to cover that in the post)

  15. ALand says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    Are these guys owned by the charles trywhitt people? Just from a two second glance at the website it seems that way.

  16. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:34 AM

    I guess at that point it becomes a judgment call as to whether you would rather risk a sweater that’s a little too tight or too loose.

    I’ll measure my size smalls when I get home tonight.

  17. Will says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:34 AM

    I got one for Christmas in Oatmeal and really like it. It is very comfortable, the wool is pretty smooth but a little scratchy. Very warm due to its weight, but doesn’t protect against the wind well (not surprising given it’s knit). I would recommend it to anyone.

    The fit, as the author said, is not on the fashion-conscious side, but it certainly isn’t too baggy.

  18. pierrot says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    What’s the difference between the lambswool and the British wool, and thoughts on a half zip style sweater?

  19. burban says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    Sorry, should’ve been more clear, a post in Deals in the Threads.

    Just wanted to place a little context and hard numbers for people to consider re: shipping.

  20. Victor Wang says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    What size are u wearing BenR? Also, whats your weight and height, if you’re comfortable revealing.

  21. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:45 PM

    At home for lunch… the chest on my size small is 19.5″ pit-to-pit, length is 25.5,” sleeve length is a hair under 32″ measured from the center back.

  22. Adam says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    Hmm, looks like a medium would be perfect for me as I’m slightly larger in all of those areas.

    Thanks a ton, Ben!

  23. Brandon says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:53 PM

    Presently, you can save on shipping/costs in one of two ways … at checkout use the code “new2wl” for 5% off + free shipping, or “amn6” for 10% off.

  24. random-adam says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    Ahh, 3″ too short to consider. Thanks for hooking me up with the measurements — I really appreciate it!

  25. TJ says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:18 PM

    One of the many reasons I don’t like living in Florida. I would basically never have a chance to use one of these.

  26. Tod C says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:30 PM

    My 67 year old Mum loves them and got one for my 41 year old wife who never wears it because it it too scratchy. If you have any sort of sensitive skin beware

  27. Charles J Miller says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    Free International shipping with NEW2WL. 2 sweaters just ordered: unisex Aran and the fishermen v-neck. If you are a merino or cashmere guy, the British wool will appear a bit rough. As I am more the Wooly-Pully type, these are ideal for bitter SD winters. And fall. And spring…

  28. Duken says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:39 PM

    Ben R what is your height and weight?

  29. Watts says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:39 PM

    Clicked on Montana link hoping for Hunt for Red October, was not disappointed.

  30. Jose Marcial says

    June 24, 2014 at 1:43 PM

    Take a look at reviews for almost anything at JC Penny. Since the ousting of Ron and Nick, that’s about the only age group you see reviewing anything… thus why i cannot even walk in there anymore. it was nice while it lasted.

  31. Duken says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:11 PM

    ah, so a true S size. Thanks. I’m 5’6″ and 130lb so do you think that would fit as well?

  32. Peter Aizio says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    The site is real… The majority of my knit wear is from WoolOvers. However, keep in mind the cotton/cashmere stuff is very thin and not heavy like the Lambs Wool & British Wool.

  33. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:42 PM

    From what I can tell, any kind of lambswool will be itchy on bare skin. Lambswool sweaters are therefore generally intended to be worn over a long-sleeved shirt. If the sweater is still itchy even over another layer, then the wearer probably has some kind of wool sensitivity or allergy. In my experience, though, the sweaters have not been itchy at all when worn over a shirt.

  34. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:46 PM

    5’9″ and 150-ish. I am pretty slender up top and carry a lot of my weight in my legs. I typically wear a 36R jacket and anything from an XS to M (but usually S) in other shirts and tops.

  35. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:49 PM

    Unless you are built really top-heavy, I’d say maybe lean toward XS? Again, I hesitate to give anyone sizing advice based on my experience. I measured my favorite (slightly relaxed fit) sweatshirt and compared it against WoolOvers’ garment measurements (which are fairly, not though perfectly, accurate) and was happy with the fit I got. If you almost always wear a size S or XS, I would probably stick with your usual size.

  36. Duken says

    June 24, 2014 at 2:52 PM

    I wear 36S, or usually XS. Checked the sizing guide on their website and your size S measurements so I seems to fit the S more. but probably I’ll settle with the usual XS.

  37. BenR says

    June 24, 2014 at 3:31 PM

    Size small. I’m 5’9″ and 150ish. Bottom heavy… normally wear 36R jackets.

  38. Bruschetta says

    June 24, 2014 at 3:44 PM

    Nice review, Ben!

  39. Matt says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:28 PM

    They never left, they were just writing complaints the entire time Ron and Nick were there.

  40. Butch_Zee says

    June 27, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    Nice review Ben. You’re a natural.

  41. Stephen Schmitz says

    July 8, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    I discovered Woolovers a couple years ago, and since then I’ve bought over a dozen sweaters from them. I have 4 of the fisherman crew neck sweaters from this story and each of them look great and can be worn without a coat even on some very chilly days here in Upstate, NY. I also have the fisherman v neck in all three colors. Woolovers Aran sweaters are fantastic. I have 3 of them. I love chunky sweaters, and their British wool fisherman sweaters and their Aran sweaters are the best I’ve seen. I’ve been wishing they would make a turtleneck Aran sweater or the fisherman sweater in a turtleneck.
    I also have a couple of their lambswool cable knit v neck trimmed sweaters. These are lighter and are nice on a cool summer night or spring day when the weather is still cool.
    I’ve found the sizing on Woolovers sweaters tend to run a little larger than other sweaters I’ve owned, so for me a small is more than ample and fits very well and is comfortable.
    I agree that the prices of Woolovers sweaters are unbelievably reasonable compared with other woolen retailers online, especially those that sell Aran sweaters. I also found the shipping to the US to be reasonable too.
    I’m definitely a Woolovers sweater lover.

  42. Stephen Schmitz says

    July 9, 2014 at 7:09 AM

    I agree. I own 3 Woolovers Aran sweaters and am extremely pleased with their quality and warmth.

  43. Jason says

    August 18, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    I’m 5’8″, 180ish (athlete build), so I’m guessing a M would fit? I usually wear a L in J Crew slim fit merino V necks.

  44. Jim Wood says

    August 21, 2014 at 10:41 AM

    There is free international shipping today!

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