How many Aran sweaters do you own? With so many traditional and contemporary designs that exude Irish heritage and charm, the chances are that the answer is ‘not enough’. There are few items of clothing that have transcended the closet to become iconic fashion pieces, but the Aran wool sweater has pulled it off, becoming a desirable high fashion item while retaining its authentic style and practicality.

The Aran Irish sweater has been around for more than a century, since the skilled knitters on the Aran Islands created their own designs to keep the fishermen and farmers of their communities warm and dry while they worked. The symbolic patterns and techniques used in these designs were a tribute to the lives of the people who lived here on the harsh Atlantic coast, and from these humble roots, Aran sweaters became a favourite with fashion and film stars all over the world. Here, we’ll take a look at the way in which Aran sweaters have been embraced by different cultures and fashion scenes globally, and we’ll share a few of our popular styles that combine unique design and cultural significance.

 

The Symbolism of the Aran Sweater

The Aran Islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are located off the coast of Galway, Ireland, and this is where the Aran sweater originated. The fishing and farming families who populated these beautiful islands intended these sweaters to protect their workers against the elements and the sweaters were knitted from untreated wool containing natural lanolin, which is water-resistant and warm. The intricate cable patterns used in these sweaters were designed to create several layers of wool, providing extra insulation for the wearers and protecting against the elements

The stitching used in Aran sweaters old and new was said to have particular meaning, with each technique representing an aspect of life on the Aran Islands. For instance, the traditional cable stitch is said to be reminiscent of the ropes used by the fishermen in their daily work, inviting abundance for the wearer, while the honeycomb stitch is renowned as a symbol of hard work and the rewards it can bring. It is even said that families used unique knitting patterns to help identify those lost at sea, but this may be a legend that has grown up around these gorgeous garments.

Today, the Aran sweater is a symbol of Irish identity, with designs specific to different clans available in the ClanAran range. The classic Aran sweater is often worn on St Patrick’s Day and has become symbolic of Ireland’s rich heritage, with artisan producers creating beautiful Aran knitwear that preserves the traditional craftsmanship and skill that stems from this special place. All over the world, the Aran sweater is worn to connect with Irish roots and it has become synonymous with style and high fashion as well as functionality.

 

Aran Sweaters in Vogue

The Aran sweater rocketed to international fame when it was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine in the 1950s, worn by the iconic Grace Kelly. The popularity of these sweaters grew as stars of the stage and screen adopted the style as their own, with big names such as Steve McQueen sporting their sweaters on and off screen, imbuing them with a rugged charm. In recent years, Chris Evans wore the traditional style in Knives Out, sharing it with a new generation of film fans, and Taylor Swift, international superstar, has even sported Aran knitwear on an album cover in recent years.

Today, luxury designers make the most of classic Aran knitwear, adding contemporary twists to create beautiful pieces in their latest collections. Top names such as Chanel featured Aran knitwear in their 2024 collections, and Alexander McQueen is renowned for his modern updates to the traditional designs. In high fashion, we often see the Aran sweater paired with tailored trousers or layered over dresses or miniskirts, and we love the combination of oversized silhouettes and sharp angles that avant-garde designers bring to these classics.

 

Styling Like the Celebs

Aran knitwear has been known to make an impact on the red carpet, and it’s a popular choice for celebrities when they are relaxing, with the paparazzi frequently capturing the biggest names in showbiz wearing Aran in their leisure time. Harry Styles is often spotted sporting a cosy Aran sweater, and Kylie Minogue donned a striking pink Aran sweater during her recent visit to Ireland.

When you’re styling your Aran sweater for a casual look, jeans are the perfect partner and ankle boots set the look off to perfection. This is an ideal choice for an autumnal walk or a winter shopping spree, and is even ideal for layering up in the warmer seasons when the weather may be unpredictable. The traditional white, or bainin, of the wool is the most classic Aran look, but there are many beautiful colours to choose from and you can select your favourites in every style. Whether you love the monochrome look or prefer to pair it with a t-shirt and sneakers, the Aran sweater is a versatile choice that showcases your sense of style at every opportunity.

 

Vintage Aran Knitwear in Style

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has contributed a great deal to the climate crisis and the slow fashion movement is taking steps to combat this. Slow fashion focuses on natural materials that are ethically sourced, and the Aran sweater is a perfect example of this. Not only are these sweaters made from natural, organic wool, they promote and sustain the traditional skills of local craftspeople and they are a particularly chic example of sustainable fashion on many levels.

Aran knitwear is very popular on vintage and preloved websites, and these designs endure because they are practical, warm and stylish as well as potential family heirlooms! Buying preloved clothing is another way to lower your carbon footprint and support the movement to make the fashion industry more sustainable, and these sweaters will last a lifetime if they are cared for correctly so you can be sure that you will be able to resell yours if you can ever bring yourself to part with it.

 

Aran Sweaters We Love

You may already have a closet full of Aran sweaters but you will still find something to tempt you in our range! There are so many designs to choose from, including classic sweaters with contemporary detailing, and we are happy to share our favourites with you:

Rope Cable Crew Aran Sweater

 

1. Rope Cable Crew Aran Sweater. This is a classic style Aran sweater made from 100% soft Merino wool, light enough for the spring and summer months, and ideal for layering up when it’s cold outside. This gorgeous Rope Cable Crew Aran Sweater is available in several gorgeous colours, including the claret, navy and grey marl shades that are so perfect for the winter. The rope cable pattern is said to bring good luck and abundance to the wearer and is perfect paired with jeans, boots and a jacket for an everyday look, or over a skirt or dress for a more formal occasion.
2. Super Soft Cowl Neck Aran. This beautiful Super Soft Cowl Neck Aran Sweater is made with extra soft Merino wool and features the traditional cable Aran knit pattern. We love the cosy cowl neck which brings a touch of contemporary style, and with colours such as Ink and Irish Sea, this is the perfect choice for a winter walk or a casual day at work. Again, jeans are the perfect clothing companion and you can style this look with ankle boots or longer boots for a stylish winter outfit.
3. The Heavyweight Merino Wool Aran Sweater. The Heavyweight Merino Wool Aran Sweater is one of our most traditional designs, and also one of our most popular! It’s a style that has been adopted by celebrities and fashion fans all over the world and we love it paired with jeans, sneakers and a cool jacket or long coat. Alternatively, this makes a great option for smart/casual wear at an event or in the office. You can wear it with tailored trousers and add accessories to complete the look, or dress it up with a velvet or leather mini skirt and tights to make the most of the style. We recommend tucking in the front of your sweater to accentuate your waist, and you can roll or fold your sleeves back to add versatility or to suit the season.
4. Ladies Aran Raglan Sweater. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you’ll love the Ladies Aran Raglan Sweater. It’s a gorgeous design with coloured de-tail and traditional Aran stitching, and the unique pattern is eye-catching and easy to wear with the rest of your wardrobe. We love this paired with tailored trousers and an-kle boots for an office dress down day or a smart casual winter event, giving you an effortless elegance whatever your plans. It’s made from 100% Wool and you can be sure that you’ll notice the quality immediately.
5. Wool Cashmere Mock Turtleneck. This Wool Cashmere Mock Turtleneck is a very special choice, made with the softest blend of Merino and Cashmere wool so it’s perfect for wearing every day or for a special occasion. It’s available in a range of beautiful colours, so you can choose the best option for your collection, and we know you’ll love the shade of red that has just been added as a choice. This sweater is ideal worn over a long dress or skirt, combining the intricate detail of the cable knit with the cosy mock turtleneck to give you an ethereal look, or you can pair it with trousers or jeans for a more laid back style.
6. Women’s Oversized Wool Cashmere Aran Sweater. Many designers have gone oversized with their Aran knitwear in recent collections and this Women’s Oversized Wool Cashmere Aran Sweater is a great example of this style. Featuring a blend of cashmere and wool that gives the perfect combination of weight, quality and softness, this oversized sweater is a glamorous choice that works as well with a mini skirt and ankle or knee high boots as it does with a pair of leggings or jeans for cosying up with a good book. We love the delicate cable stitching that features traditional patterns, and the details around the cuffs and neckline add to the overall design.

 

The way you wear your Aran sweater is a personal preference but there’s plenty of inspiration in the celebrity world. Jeans win out more often than not, providing the casual comfort the stars want to embrace in their leisure time, but we also see plenty of more formal outfits that feature Aran sweaters. The oversized look is popular on the catwalk and on the high street, so if you love the cosiness of a baggy sweater, you’re in luck and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect choice.

 

Exquisite Aran Sweaters at Aran Sweater Market

Aran sweaters are a popular choice all over the world and we love the combination of style and comfort they offer. Aran knitwear blends traditional craftsmanship and Irish heritage in a range of stunning designs and once you realise how easy they are to wear, they’ll become your go-to layers, whatever the season. Our mission is to preserve the skills and traditions that make Ireland unique, and there are many ways to find out about the stories behind the stitches.

The best way to pick out a new Aran sweater is to visit Ireland and discover this magical place for yourself, popping into one of our stores located in Galway, the Aran Islands, Killarney or Dublin. If you’re not making the trip anytime soon, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll get the same great service when you shop for beautiful Aran sweaters, cardigans, jackets and ponchos on our website. We also have a gorgeous selection of clothing and toys for children and infants, as well as homewares and gifts that will be treasured forever.