A Fisherman Sweater, For When the Sea Comes Calling

The swooping harmonies of sea shanties have become the latest phenomenon on social media, generating millions of views and reintroducing the world to the 19th century genre of shipboard work song, historically sung by sailors to the rhythm of their labor. For us at L.L.Bean, this call to the sea creates a swell of nostalgia and a longing to drift along the foggy New England coast.

But in the cold of Maine winters, we often find ourselves seeking harbor by a crackling fire, thawing on chilly mornings and after stints trekking through winter snow. On these days, when warm layers are crucial, we often reach for one of our favorites that is a timeless classic and connects us to the sea – the unassuming and iconic Fisherman Sweater.

Most distinguished in its warm oatmeal tone with meticulous cable-knit stitchwork, its texture provides warmth and enduring style, spanning seasons and layering comfortably. For many, it is a cool-weather staple and often a garment they keep for years. In an interview with Wall Street Journal, Owen Kelly – L.L.Bean VP of Product Creation – called his fisherman sweater “an old friend,” adding that it only gets better with age. And nothing could be truer. Since 1981, L.L.Bean’s Fisherman Sweater has been available in a range of styles, colorways, fabrics and cabling patterns, always retaining its classic nautical style that is both comfortable and versatile.

Here, along with our heritage Fisherman Sweater, we’ve compiled some of our favorite nautical apparel, footwear and accessories to keep you warm by a fire or when the sea comes calling.