# How many sheep does it take to knit an Icelandic sweater?

- URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/icelandic-sweater/
- Published: 2021-09-27
- Last updated: 2026-08-14

> The lopapeysa is more than just a pretty souvenir: it’s a lifesaver in Icelandic temperatures, a truthful companion on all travels and outdoor adventures, a sustainable piece of clothing that lasts for a very long time, and finally, a stunning must-have piece, that always looks good.

### **The ultimate Lopapeysa guide** 

Iceland is famous for many things, amongst them it is approximately one million furry inhabitants: the Icelandic sheep. They deliver the wool for the popular Icelandic wool sweater, called _lopapeysa_. Many visitors are surprised by how many Icelanders they see wearing them. No wonder, the Icelandic lopapeysa is more than just a pretty souvenir: it’s a lifesaver in Icelandic temperatures, a truthful companion on all travels and outdoor adventures, a sustainable piece of clothing that lasts for a very long time, and finally, a stunning must-have piece, that always looks good. 

Here we want to answer all your questions and help you to find your very own lopapeysa.

## Follow our guide below!

- [History of Lopapeysa](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/history-of-thelopapeysa/): The history of the Icelandic sweater begins with a pair of brown mittens from the first half of the 16th century.
- [How to find an original lopapeysa](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/2.-what-is-an-original-lopapeysa/): An increase in tourism and rising demand for Icelandic sweaters led to a high number of imitations in the past.
- [How to wear a lopapeysa](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/when-to-wear-alopapeysa/): When to wear a lopapeysa? The short answer: always. The long answer: A lopapeysa is not only practical and warm but also a socially accepted piece of clothing in all of Iceland.