How many Irish Aran Sweaters do you have in your wardrobe? If you’re a well-dressed American, the chances are that you already have at least one, but do you know why these sweaters are such an iconic fashion choice that continues to be popular across generations in the U.S.? We’re biased, but we love these great-looking sweaters and want to share their heritage and classic style with the world.
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The Timeless Appeal of Irish Aran Sweaters in American Fashion
How many Irish Sweaters do you have in your wardrobe? If you’re a well-dressed American, the chances are that you already have at least one, but do you know why these wool sweaters are such an iconic fashion choice that continues to be popular across generations in the U.S.? We’re biased, but we love these great-looking sweaters and want to share their heritage and classic style with the world.
Aran sweaters originated in Ireland and there is a wealth of history and folklore behind their timeless style. Here, we’ll explore the way these sweaters were made and how they became such a popular fashion choice all over the globe. We’ll show you some of our favourite styles and how to dress them like the celebrities do so that you can capture the look for yourself.
The Beginnings of the Irish Aran Sweater
Aran sweaters were created by the families of the fishermen and farmers who lived and worked on the harsh Atlantic coast, on the remote Aran Islands. The Aran Islands refers to the three islands of Inis Oirr, Inis Meain and Inis Mor, forming a tiny archipelago in the ocean off the coast of Ireland, accessed by ferry from County Galway and County Clare.
The Aran Islands would have been a challenging place to live in times gone by, and carving out a livelihood here was not for the faint-hearted. The communities that lived here experienced periods of extreme hardship when crops were scarce and relied on the red carrageen moss that grows in abundance around the islands as a food source. Today, this moss, also known as Irish sea moss, is renowned for its healing properties to boost the immune system and promote good health and is widely used in cosmetics and supplements.
Farming and fishing are intensive ways to earn a living at the best of times, and in the harsh weather conditions faced by those living on the Aran Islands, there were additional challenges to face. Aran sweaters were the ideal garment for the Island dwellers, keeping them warm and dry as they worked and reminding them of the loving care with which their families had knitted them. It is often said that families had their unique stitching patterns that could help to identify fishermen lost at sea, but this may be a myth that has developed over time.
Aran Sweaters with Unique Stitches
The stitches used in authentic Irish Aran sweaters are said to be full of meaning and represent the lives of the women who first created them. The cable knit sweater stitch, for instance, is reminiscent of the ropes used by the fishermen in their daily work, and of the paths leading down the cliffs to the sea. However, these stitches also serve a practical purpose, creating thicker layers of wool that provide extra warmth and protection against the elements.
Many of the most popular sweaters in our range feature the beautiful trellis stitch, which is believed to represent the traditional stone walls that enclose the fields on the Aran Islands, while the intricate honeycomb stitch is said to bring good luck and abundance to the wearer, as these are the rewards of the committed work ethic we can observe around a beehive! Aran sweaters can contain up to 100,000 stitches, and the process of knitting them can take months.
Aran Sweaters Up To Date
Of course, Irish Aran sweaters have transcended their humble roots and become an iconic fashion item all over the world. A staple in every American wardrobe, these timeless designs have graced the pages of Vogue magazine many times over the years and are a popular style choice for celebrities and fashionistas.
There are many different designs to choose from, including the classic Fisherman’s sweater and the more delicate, lightweight options. The way you choose to style your Aran sweater will depend on your personal preferences as well as the occasion you are attending. For instance, a lightweight Aran sweater or cardigan is a great way to layer up on a summer’s evening and takes your look perfectly from office chic to evening drinks.
A Practical Garment For All-Weather
Aran sweaters are a style statement that is also endlessly practical, giving you protection against the weather and a durable, versatile look. This is just one of the reasons why they appeal so widely across the generations, with wearers of all ages falling in love with their practicality and comfort as well as the way they look.
An Aran sweater can be worn all year round, not just as a warm layer in the winter, and this is due to the natural quality of the wool it is made of. Wool is a natural fibre that is water-repellent and it can hold up to 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet. This means that it’s a great outer layer all year round, especially when occasional showers of rain might catch you out! However, it’s also a great option in warmer weather and can help you regulate your temperature since wool is perfect for wicking away sweat and allowing the body to breathe.
Caring for your Aran sweater properly will help it to last for many years, airing it out between wears and protecting the fibres against damage. It will stay in great shape for much longer than synthetic fabrics and may even become a family heirloom. Wool is also a sustainable material so you can feel proud of your environmentally conscious choice when you choose an Irish Aran sweater for any occasion.
Irish Aran Sweaters: Top Picks
It’s not easy to pick favourites in our range because our authentic Aran sweaters are all so unique. Our friendly staff will always be happy to help you find the best options, whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, and we often recommend the following gorgeous styles:
For Women:
The traditional Women’s Heavyweight Merino Wool Aran Sweater is a classic choice, made from soft Merino wool and embellished with Lattice Cable Aran stitches. It’s available in a range of gorgeous colours, including our Fall favourite, Golden Ochre, and the luxurious deep Claret, which is ideal for the winter months. This Aran sweater can be styled with jeans and boots for a stylish winter look, or worn over a skirt or dress for a more formal occasion.
The Ladies Super Soft Drawstring Sweater with Pouch Pocket is a practical, cosy choice for all of your outdoor adventures and it looks fantastic for snuggling up by the fire. You can choose from stunning colours inspired by nature, including the beautiful Irish Sea, Meadow Green and Toasted Oat, or stick with the classic Baw-neen colour, which is the natural white or cream shade of the soft Merino wool used to create this unique design. This sweater features the trellis stitch, evoking the connection to the Aran Islands and their breathtaking landscape, and it’s the perfect style to have to hand in case the weather turns.
If you’re looking for something a little bit special, you’ll love the Women’s Side Slit Tunic Aran Sweater, with side slit detail and intricate cable neckline. Like all of our authentic Aran sweaters, this sweater comes with a signed and stamped certificate of Authenticity and is made from natural, organic wool. You can choose from a beautiful colour selection, including classic blacks, greys and blues as well as lighter pastel shades, and you can style this sweater for a formal occasion or every day, depending on the rest of your outfit and your accessory choices.
Cosy and snug is the name of the game with this gorgeous Women’s Oversized Wool Cashmere Aran Sweater, available in a range of striking colours including Rich Navy and Red Earth, perfect for the colder weather. This is a heavyweight style, made with a unique blend of cashmere and wool that gives a soft feel as well as looking fantastic. Worn over leggings or skinny jeans, this is the perfect option for long wintery walks or you can pair it with a short skirt and tights for a more dressed-up look.
For Men:
It’s not easy to find the perfect sweater, but this one certainly comes close! The Men’s Cowl Neck Aran Sweater is a wonderful, cosy sweater with a comfortable and attractive cowl neck collar and practical pockets. It’s made from 100% soft Merino wool and is an excellent outer layer, especially in Army Green or Charcoal. Wool is a great choice for keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm in colder weather, and this gorgeous design means you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style.
You can look great every day in this rugged Donegal’s Zip Troyer Aran Sweater, designed to represent the best of Irish heritage, featuring the rolled cuff, hem and collar that served the fishermen of the Aran Islands well in days gone by. Today, this is brought up to date with a contemporary twist and looks just as good for a casual occasion with jeans as it does with a collared shirt. The zipper neck is a stylish touch that makes this a practical choice as well as a great addition to your look.
The Donegal’s Crew Neck Aran Sweater is a classic design, inspired by the original Aran sweaters that were daily essentials for the farmers and fishermen of the Aran Islands long ago. You can choose from Oatmeal, Blue and Grey, all of which look great all year round, and create the perfect layering option for every outfit. Made from Pure New Wool which holds its shape well and keeps you warm and cosy, perfect for snuggling up by the fire or walking around the city. It’s a great outer layer for the cooler months and is a handy go-to option in your wardrobe anytime.
We love this gorgeous Hand Knit Zipper Cardigan with Pockets in Moss Green that makes a great outer layer with stylish collar and cable knit detail. Ideal for outdoor adventures or special occasions, this design is a traditional combination of cable and diamond stitch that represents the ropes and meshes used by the fishermen of the Aran Islands. These stitches are said to bring luck, wealth and success to the wearer, making this sweater a legendary blend of practicality and style.
Find Your Irish Aran Sweater at Aran Sweater Market
Here at Aran Sweater Market, our professional team can help you find the perfect fit for your physique and your lifestyle. We know that Irish Aran sweaters are a timeless choice for every American wardrobe and these gorgeous, durable designs can be styled for any occasion or event. We source the most beautiful sweaters, cardigans and coatigans from our designers and we love to ensure that every piece reflects the unique heritage we share. We also stock a wide range of ponchos, throws, scarves, flat caps and knitted hats to complement your outfit all year round, so you can choose the accessories that set your outfit off to perfection.
You can see our full selection of Aran sweaters and Irish knitwear in our online store or pop into one of our stores, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin. There’s a great Aran sweater for every occasion, so take the time to explore our range and discover the best options for you and your family and friends and you could even do all your holiday shopping in one place with our extensive range of garments, homewares and jewellery.
