The knitted equivalent of steaming hot chowder
Maine Lobstermen's Sweater
DETAILS
DESIGNED FOR THE COAST. The Maine Lobstermen’s Sweater by Atlantic Rancher is built to withstand the raw conditions of the New England shoreline. Inspired by the working sweaters worn at sea, it balances toughness with everyday comfort.
WARMTH WITHOUT THE WEIGHT. Made with extra fine Merino wool, it delivers natural insulation, breathability, and softness with zero itch. Strong enough for cold winds on the water, light enough to wear indoors.
BUILT FOR DAILY WEAR. Reinforced construction and a classic fit make this sweater a dependable choice season after season. It holds its shape, resists wear, and adapts to any setting.
VERSATILE STYLE. The clean design pairs with denim, chinos, or work pants. It works equally well layered under a jacket or worn on its own.
ROOTED IN HERITAGE. This sweater carries the spirit of Maine lobstermen, who relied on gear that could perform in harsh conditions. Atlantic Rancher preserves that tradition with a modern build that honors its origins.
Details
-- 100% pure Merino wool, 3-ply, 3-gauge yarn
-- Genuine Donegal yarn, spun in Donegal, Ireland
-- Body is 1x1 Jersey stitch, chest and shoulder back is a rice stitch pattern
-- Fully fashioned transfer stitching around neck, chest, and shoulder back panels
-- Traditional roll neck
-- Each sweater weighs an average of 2.4lbs
-- 30th Anniversary Edition, each sweater is marked with unique serial number identifier
-- Built in Portugal
I met Pete Fadden in the winter of 1995.
A 2-day nor’easter had just left us 2’ of snow. I was in the AR office, 89 Front Street, overlooking Marblehead Harbor, when a loud scraping sound broke the silence. Out the window below was a guy shoveling the roof of the pilot house on his lobster boat.
“That 2’ of snow is going to be 4” of solid ice by sundown can’t have that. We’re heading off, pulling gear tomorrow.”
And that’s all he said.
Little did he know I was working on a new, heavyweight sweater, meant for environments like this. The Lobstermen's Sweater became one of our best sellers, I think due to its simplicity and its tightly knit, Merino wool genuine Donegal yarn.
It's been nearly 30 years since I met Pete. I am delighted we've connected again and to have him join us in the reintroduction of this beast of a sweater.
Extraordinary for its simplicity, comfort and durability,
our Maine Lobstermen’s Sweater is more like a piece of outerwear than it is a sweater. Either way, it becomes part of your life not just your wardrobe. Weighing roughly 2 ½ lbs, this beast of a sweater is knit using two-ply, 100% pure Merino wool yarn spun in Donegal, Ireland, from native sheep. The 1x1 jersey stitch is knit with heavy tension applied as are the cuff and hem.
NOTE, THESE ARE THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE GARMENT...NOT YOUR PERSONAL BODY MEASUREMENTS. Also keep in mind this is a knit garment, which unlike a woven garment, has substantial expandability.
Shipping
We don’t use a 3rd. fulfillment house to process your order. We pick, pack and ship all orders ourselves from our own warehouse. If we receive your order by 12pm PST, we usually ship it to you that day. Otherwise it will ship on the following business day.
Returns & Refunds
If you aren’t happy with what you’ve purchased from Atlantic Rancher, you may return it to us in like-new condition within 30-days of purchase and we’ll process a refund for the full purchase price of the item(s) being returned.
Returns after the normal 30-day window are for store credit only.
I just got my Maine Lobstermen's Sweater. It’s a thick 100% wool very well made sweater that has the Maine Fishing look. It fits perfectly and is warm. With several washes I’m hoping it will have a softer feel but with a short sleeved shirt I don’t notice the typical wool itch. I like the neck line and texturing they created. I live in a cold winter climate so I’m sure I’ll get many months of use per year. I really enjoy the workmanship put into it.
Could not wait to put on my Lobstermen’s Sweater! When I did what a wonderful fit and feel!
Just got the Lobsterman’s sweater xxl. I thought the pictures were helpful in choosing the right size for me. I’m 6’2” 215 lbs, 46 R jacket size, 35”sleeves. Fits me perfectly. An xl would also fit but would be a trimmer fit. I wanted some room in the shoulder for fly casting, rowing and camping. A super high quality purchase and Engle is so helpful! Get one! I’ve got the Rust chamois jac/shirt coming in xl for underneath. I’m going to be toasty on the river fosho! Cheers!
Comment from a total stranger while out and about over the new year weekend. Enough said.
After my experience with the Ranger Cardigan sizing, fit, and finishing, I felt confident in ordering the Lobstermen's sweater in XXXL. As usual, AR knocked it out of the park with this sweater. Heavy in a good way, easily worn over a tshirt or more if needed. Definitely wards off the chill & damp. The pic is of me wearing for the first time, over a tshirt. It is really nice under the Outlaw Bomber jacket for some pretty chilly weather, and both allow for additional layering if needed. Between the quality products and the outstanding customer service from Engle, Victoria, and the team, I will continue to happily be a repeat customer!
I wanted to see a full seasons change before leaving this review. From 60s and 70s in Florida, to low 20s in the mountains of VA, this sweater is unmatched. In Florida there will never be a day that beats this sweater, warm yet thermoregulating, I've worn this in 90 degrees and though I do not recommend that, it wasn't as uncomfortable as you'd imagine. I just finished a hunting season in Virginia and had temps in the 60s, and a few days later had snow. This sweater is the TRUTH. I had a lightweight long sleeve shirt, this sweater, and a camo windbreaker on, and would end up needing to open my jacket zipper while sitting in my stand because it was so warm, and with the zipper open, the way this sweater lets out excess heat was pure perfection. At one point, I stalked some deer on foot and ended up crawling on my belly for 50 yards while wearing this sweater, it didn't get covered in debris or foliage somehow, and even though the wind was not in my favor and blowing my scent directly at the deer I was hunting, I managed to crawl into range and get a shot off, wearing this sweater and some pajama pants and slippers. Best camo pattern in the woods is the Lobsterman's sweater. I can't speak highly enough about this sweater and although I likely won't ever need to buy another one thanks to the incredibly high quality, I will certainly be happy to spend some more money with Atlantic rancher Co. 10/10 great products and great company.
As a tugboat captain working in the northeast this sweater is amazing. It’s not quite cold enough, but I know that this will be the best thing for chilly days. It’s especially hard to find well made sweaters to purchase online, my mother knit me a Guernsey sweater from five ply yarn and this is the closest thing I’ve ever found to it. The real testament is the customer service, Engle will answer any questions you have about his products.
I was out of town when the Lobsterman sweater came in the mail (which will go down as my only regret in life).
Well, I’m finally back and can confirm that it’s the BEST DAMN SWEATER that’s ever been made.
I wear it every day and it makes me hope the weather never warms up.
You guys have a customer for life!
Snug, heavy, and warm. Looks like it’s hand knit. Your other sweaters will feel threadbare in comparison. The size recommendation (“wair”) was way off though. Take your normal size.
I have the original Lobster Pullover which I purchased from AR in 1993. It’s travelled with me all over North America, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and the Northwoods of Wisconsin & U.P Michigan.
I’ve gifted many of their sweaters to my customers who tell me how warm & comfortable their products are and the fit is excellent. They chop wood, hunt upland birds and fish all winter long wearing AR outerwear.
This is a dream sweater. Seriously. It is so perfect - perfect weight, perfect color, perfect details - beautiful on men and just as beautiful (if I do say so myself) on women. This is the sweater I've been waiting my whole life for. I know it's expensive - but once you have it in your hands, you will completely understand. I'm living in this sweater all winter. And here in the PNW, probably well into the spring as well. More colors? I hope so. I'd love an ivory/cream one, and a black one also (or really dark charcoal.) I honestly will buy all three. But there will DEFINITELY be a second one in my future, packed carefully away in a cedar chest, JUST in case anything should befall this one.
I just wanted to extend my gratitude for the work y'all are doing. I received my lobstermen's sweater and all I can say is that years (decades?) from now it will remain one of my favorite sweaters. I wasn't sure what to expect when I originally purchased it, but I was hoping it would live up to its description as a 'beast of a sweater' - and that it did. This sweater packs in some heat! I'm a born & bred North Carolinian so our weather remains rather temperate, but our first 20-something evening came and so did this sweater. Most importantly, the handwritten note accompanying the piece...*chef's kiss* I know it is and will remain hard to continue doing that small business gesture, BUT please know how substantial and transcendent that small act has on the lifelong ownership of a piece of clothing. You have my sincere thanks and best wishes as we head into the new year. Cheers!
I love the look of it, but it is itchy. More than I thought it would be. Feels more shetland wool than merino.
Wonderful sweater , made with love and the best wool from Ireland!
Love everything I’ve ordered. Great quality.
Warm, smells fresh from the farm. Love it. Fits true to size.
Best sweater I’ve ever owned. Impressed with its breath ability and weight. This is gonna last a lifetime.
The Atlantic Rancher Lobsterman Sweater is one of those rare pieces that blurs the line between clothing and gear. Designed with inspiration from traditional New England fishing crews, it feels less like a casual sweater and more like a purpose-built layer for real-world conditions. This is what you’d wear patrolling the East Coast while hunting for a Great White !!
First impressions:
Right away, the weight and construction stand out. At roughly 2.4 lbs, this is a substantial and robust garment—closer to outerwear than your typical knit. The merino wool gives it a dense, rugged feel while still maintaining softness and flexibility. It’s clear this isn’t just for fashion & looks it’s built to last.
Performance & comfort:
Where this sweater really shines is temperature regulation. Despite its heft, it doesn’t overheat indoors—a standout quality echoed by many users. The material is also not overly coarse and has a relatively mild ‘itch factor’, which is a big plus for a heavy wool piece.
Build quality:
Everything about the construction feels intentional, and very well manufactured—tight stitching, reinforced structure, and a fit that feels it will hold its shape over time. It’s the kind of sweater that looks better the more you wear it.
Style & versatility:
Aesthetically, it’s understated but sharp. The roll neck and textured stitching give it a classic maritime look that pairs just as easily with jeans as it does layered under a jacket. It’s rugged without looking overly technical.
Overall verdict:
The Atlantic Rancher Lobsterman Sweater lives up to its reputation as a “lifetime” piece. It’s ideal for anyone who values durability, natural materials, functional warmth over trends. If you’re looking for a serious cold-weather sweater that can handle both outdoor exposure and everyday wear, this is about as good as it gets.
GREAT Quality! Great Sweater!
Normally I wear an XL or XXL, depending on the sizing. Usually, my problem with XXL is that a lot of companies add way too much material around the mid section. I have an average mid-section - Ok, I need to start by losing 10 lbs - ideal is probably 20. However, when I go to XXL it's because the XL is tight or the shoulders and sleeves are too small for me - I am 6'5" and 250 lbs, with about a 36 1/2 inch sleeve. Most XXLs are very roomy for me - sometimes overly so in the midsection and make me look fat - this sweater is actually a little bit snug, but not overly. If I take off the 10 lbs I need to, it will be perfect. If you are familiar with Filson sizing or Polo or Nautica long sleeve shirts, XLs fit me very well, since they normally run a little large. I buy Filson XL - most recently some henley's and wool coats - if you are in that size, I would suggest you size up to an XXL - it will not look clownishly large in the stomach. The only thing I wish the brand would do to this sweater is make it a little bit boxier for an easier pull-on, but I assume that over time, this wool may stretch a bit - we'll see. I gave it 5 stars because it is constructed very well and looks great. Sizing is an obstacle you can overcome by understanding if you need to size up or down.
One final thing - I realize branding is important, but I really hate brand patches, especially on a chest or arm - I know it's typical in designer brands, but in high-end rugged heritage style brands like Filson, Barbour, Orvis, etc., there are no patches on the chest or arm that I am aware of - some Orvis coats have a small patch down low on a pocket, near the bottom hem. I would like it better if the Atlantic Rancher patch was a low-profile tag on the front lower side. As a reference, Filson does not externally badge their sweaters - if you buy one of their heavy cotton waffle knit henleys, they put a very low profile tag on the front-side bottom - it's not even a patch, just a simple sewn-in tag.
It’s a very comfortable well made sweater. I found 40+ degree weather is a good time to wear just the sweater. It comes as described.
People Usually Ask
1. Where are your products made?
All of our shirts, pants, outerwear, sweater, belts and moccasins are made in Portugal, mostly in the same shops we've been working with for over 25 years. Our hand-sewn leather goods, hats and a few other items are made in America.
2. How would you describe the fit of your clothes?
Our fit is what we call contemporary, meaning they're not overly baggy or boxy, but have ample room and freedom of movement. Also, our outerwear is uninsulated, or very lightly insulated. It's cut with enough room to allow you to layer underneath, with a sweater, a vest or even a light down-filled jacket. For us, layering is always the way to go!
3. Will your shirts and pants shrink after washing?
Simple answer is no. All of our shirts and pants are pre-shrunk. At most you will experience a 2% shrink factor after washing and drying.
4. What is DryHandle®?
Dryhandle® is a 100% cotton, weatherproof fabric that we develop in 1995. Starting with 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton the thread is very tightly woven resulting in a fabric so dense that it's thornproof and, even at this stage, surpasses the U.S. government test for rainwear. The fabric is then impregnated through the proprietary DryHandle® process which irreversibly transforms the cotton fibers themselves to make them inherently water-resistant and stain-resistant. Unlike oiled or waxed cotton fabrics, DryHandle® is extremely lightweight, has no odor, won't stain other clothing or upholstery and resists stains from hard use and long wear. Despite being water-resistant, the weave contains millions of microscopic pores that vent moisture, making DryHandle® garments exceptionally breathable and comfortable to wear.
5. How long does delivery usually take?
Orders received by 2pm PST are usually shipped the same day. In most cases we ship via USPS Priority Package, and orders to the East Coast typically arrive in 4 days or less. West of The Mississippi orders arrive in 2-3 days.
6. How do i reach the founder of the company?
Easy! You can email him (that would be me, Engle) at engle@atlanticrancher.com or you can call me at 206-919-0943. I am around most of the time, but i miss you, I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
7. If an item is out of stock will you let me when it's available again?
We maintain an active "wait list." So when you send a message asking to be notified when the item, color and size becomes available, we actually do something worthwhile with your request. We catalog your request and email you once the item becomes available again.
8. Who writes your copy and are the stories true?
The answer to the first part of this question is: me, Engle Saez, founder of the company. For part #2...there's an old adage that applies here: "you can't make this shit up." And I will just say that the stories I tell are as true as I can make them and as accurate as my memory allows. That's a true story...
9: Where did the name Atlantic Rancher come from?
The origins of our company's name is a long story, one will share in blog post at some point. But for now, all should know that we are forever grateful to Susan Turner for her original and very creative idea.
10: How do I return or exchange a item?
Returns are easy, but please follow our process. Email us at orders@atlanticrancher.com, include your order number in the subject line and tell us what you'd like to return and why. We'll review your return request and email you a RMA (return merchandise authorization) with the return-to shipping address. Please be sure to package your item(s) thoughtfully so goods aren’t damaged in the process. Select and use the carrier of your choice as return shipping is not covered by us. Please select “signature required” to ensure your return package is receipt confirmed.
We’ll let you know via email when your package has been received, inspected and your refund is issued. Refunds usually take 5-10 business days to process.
If you need to exchange an item, the best process is this: 1. Place a new order for the item you want. 2. Return the item you don't want to us, following the process outlined above.
