Fashion has long drawn inspiration from military baubles and jackets, nautical themes, even a pirate or two. But this winter, think a little more practical and take a tip or two from the sea captain (think less leisurely nautical summer more hard-nosed fisherman), as fisherman sweaters and other seafaring themed wares take over.

Fisherman sweaters, originally hailed as The Aran sweater, take their name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. A classical fisherman’s sweater is a bulky garment with prominent cable patterns on the chest. They last for decades and are a great investment sweater and are perfect for the unpredictability of winter. Wear one on a crisp stroll or bundled up beneath a jacket.

As always J.Crew has a couple of takes on the Irish classic.

There is the classic Handknit Fisherman Cable cardigan in snow.

For a pullover with a more of a punch of color, the Fisherman Sweater in acorn is a mix of alpaca and wool.  This mixed stitch sweater has a s lightly shorter silhouette and looks great paired with ahigher waist pant.

There are a ton of vintage fisherman sweaters on Etsy for incredibly reasonable prices.

This Boat to Nowhere sweater, circa 1960-70 features a spit neckline with lapels, two side pockets and raglan sleeves.

If you like buttons, this Fisherman Sweater from seller   fanciness is hand cream wool knit with two front pockets, shawl collar, and brown wooden button closure. Better yet, it’s in excellent condition.

Keeping in line with cable knit, sometimes you just want to be fashionable but cozy.  Shakuhachi designed a Cable-Knit Playsuit that is mad to be worn curling up with a cup of hot cocoa.

And of course, every fisherman has his cap.  Channel Captain Cousteau with a little red beanie.

-Arianna Schioldager