Fisherman’s Gansey This warm and largely waterproof jumper is a Wick gansey. The name ‘gansey’ is given to traditional hand knitted pullovers worn by fishermen in coastal communities around the British Isles, particularly in the 1800s and early 1900s. The gansey is a perfect working garment because it is less constricting than a jacket but warm and hardwearing against wind and rain.