The Aran sweater is more than just a piece of clothing, it’s also a connection with your Irish heritage and a way to recognise the ancient skills and crafts that began in Ireland long ago. Aran sweaters are characterised by specific knitting patterns that were originally created for the farmers and fishermen of the Aran Islands by their family members, and their lifestyle and heritage is reflected in the traditional stitches that are still used today.

Aran sweaters are recognised all over the world as a symbol of Irishness and they are renowned for being a versatile and practical garment as well as a stylish option for your wardrobe. Aran sweaters are created from different types of wool, and we’ll take a look at these here and find out what makes the Aran sweater unique. If you have a closet full of Aran sweaters, you will be able to check the labels to see what each type of wool feels like, and if you have not yet invested in a gorgeous Aran sweater, you’ll find all the information you need to make your choice.

 

Wool: A Practical Choice

Aran sweaters can be a good option for layering up all year round, and this is partly due to the qualities of the wool they are made with. Wool is a natural insulator, and the cable stitching adds extra layers of insulation which can trap air and keep you warm. However, wool can also wick away sweat and enable you to cool down naturally, so it’s a good choice in warmer weather, too. And, of course, wool is naturally water resistant and can hold up to 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet, so our jackets, sweaters and cardigans can give you the protection you need from sudden showers if you get caught out by the weather.

Wool is durable, and woollen garments that are cared for properly will last a lifetime. Knowing how to look after your Aran sweater can ensure that you get the best performance from it, and a key element is not washing it too often. If your sweater is dirty, you should hand wash it with a gentle wool detergent, rinsing in clean water and reshaping before you dry it flat. However, if it is not dirty, there is no need to wash it between wears and you can simply air it out - preferably outside - to freshen it up before wearing it again. This makes wool sweaters a good choice for travelling, as you can easily refresh them for another wear and use them for layering up, whatever the weather.

 

Different Types of Wool

The feel of your Aran sweater will depend on the type of wool used to make it, and our skilled craftspeople use a selection of different wools to achieve the desired comfort and style. Let’s take a look at the different types of wool found in our Aran sweaters, and find out more about some of our favourite designs.

 

Pure Merino Wool

Merino wool is a very popular choice for sweaters due to the way it feels, as it is the softest sheep’s wool available. It comes from Merino sheep, known for their ‘wrinkly’ skin and fleeces, which originated in Spain and are now farmed in New Zealand, Australia, parts of South America and South Africa. The rams are recognised for having large curly horns, and all Merino sheep require an annual shearing in order to remove their wool and allow them to keep cool in the summer.

Merino wool is very fine and soft, which makes it a good choice for Aran sweaters and cardigans, and it has naturally long fibres which makes it more durable. The ‘wrinkles’ in Merino wool are known as a natural crimp, which makes it more resilient and allows it to stretch more easily. Merino wool has always been prized for its quality and, historically, it was much loved by the aristocracy for making luxury clothing. It was also the fabric of choice for tribal communities such as the Bedouins in the Sinai deserts, since it was considered the perfect fabric for keeping the body cool when the weather is warm and warm when it is cold outside.

The Merino Aran Sweater is an excellent option that combines the classic Aran style with the ultimate soft Merino wool. This design brings together Honeycomb stitch and Cable stitch, which are both believed to bring luck and protection to the wearer, and it is made in Ireland from 100% Soft Merino Wool so you can be sure it won’t feel itchy to wear. The range of colours you can select from includes beautiful shades for all seasons as well as the traditional bainin, which is simply the natural white colour of the undyed wool.

 

Chunky Merino Wool

 

Aran sweaters are often heavyweight garments that can keep you warm in the most challenging of weather, and their origins as workwear for fishermen throughout the year shows how effective this could be. For this reason, many of our sweaters are made with chunky wool, which can be quicker to knit than thin wool, giving a thick, chunky feel to your favourite Aran sweaters.

Chunky Merino Wool offers the best of both worlds, with a heavyweight feel that knits up into slouchy, oversized sweaters that feel like you’re wearing a hug while maintaining the softness and luxurious feel of fine Merino Wool. Chunky yarn is usually quicker to knit up and is most often used on 6-8mm knitting needles. This means it’s a great choice for cosy winter knits, including many of the sweaters, cardigans, scarves and throws we include in our collection.

The Heavyweight Merino Wool Aran Sweater is made from 100% chunky Merino wool, a traditional style with classic cable pattern and lattice stitch. It’s perfect for layering up all year round and is a warm, stylish choice for the winter months, and there are several gorgeous colours to choose from. The design is unisex, with a flattering relaxed fit, and works well with jeans and boots or over a dress or tailored trousers for a more formal occasion.

 

Cashmerino Wool

 

When you are choosing an Aran sweater, you’ll want to combine comfort with style to ensure that you look and feel great. Cashmerino wool is a brilliant solution, blending the softest of Merino Wool with Cashmere. Cashmere is a luxurious fiber that is shorn from the undercoat of the cashmere goat, and it is known to be one of the softest wools available today.

Cashmere is renowned for its softness and quality, and it is often mixed with Merino to create a durable and versatile garment that is hardwearing with a touch of luxury. Cashmere is finer than regular wool, and this makes it a great choice for the colder months as it will trap air and retain heat without feeling too heavy. We love the Women’s Oversized Wool Cashmere Aran Sweater, which updates the traditional Aran sweater design with a contemporary oversized style that has made waves on the catwalk in recent fashion collections. It’s made from 95% Merino Wool and 5% Cashmere, ensuring that you can see and feel the quality, and there are several stunning colour choices so you can find the best match for your lifestyle and your preferences. This is a style that looks great worn over leggings or a short skirt with tights, and you can dress it up or down for a casual or more formal look.

If you want to combine the softness of cashmere with a stylish modern design, you’ll love the Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater. This gorgeous Aran sweater has a unique plaited collar, made with the braided stitch that represents the interweaving strands of life,  and it is the perfect choice for styling with jeans or over a long skirt or dress for a more delicate look. We love the rich colour palette that includes many shades inspired by the natural landscapes of Ireland, and the attractive V-neck ensure you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.

 

Lambswool

 

Lambswool is a particularly fine grade of wool, renowned for its luxurious feel, and it is a great choice for wrapping up warm. Lambswool is a very soft material that is resilient and low maintenance, which makes it ideal for outerwear such as hats, gloves and scarves. Lambswool is naturally hypoallergenic, and is often combined with Merino Wool or other stronger materials to make it more durable, since lambswool fibres are shorter due to being taken from younger animals.

Whatever the occasion, you can ensure your outfit is something special when you finish it with the Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap. This stunning garment can be worn as a wrap, a scarf, an open shawl or even a skirt, and you can choose from a variety of colours that reflect the beauty of the Irish landscape. The blend of superfine lambswool and nylon gives you the perfect combination of warmth and durability so you can create the look you want and feel warm and cosy all day long.

Lambswool is a great choice for scarves, bringing a touch of quality and luxury to your outerwear, and we love the Lambswool Scarf in Shannon Check. This is a beautiful scarf made from 100% Lambswool, with a gorgeous array of blues and greens that reflect the Shannon countryside. The combination of traditional style and modern colour and design work well together and this is a great choice for work or for a blustery walk on a cool day.

 

Pure New Wool

Pure new wool is a term given to wool that is being used for the first time and is not blended with other fibers. This wool comes from sheep and is considered highly durable and warm with a slightly coarser feel than the finer wools like Merino, making it a great option for garments such as jackets that are worn to protect you against the elements. Pure new wool is often wool that comes from the first time a sheep is sheared, and it may be obtained locally, promoting sustainable practices.

A jacket or overcoat made from Pure New Wool will keep you wrapped up warm in all seasons and protect you from rain showers due to the water resistant qualities of the wool. The Windproof Aran Style Jacket is a great example, with the perfect combination of practicality and style. It has large front pockets and a front zipper to keep the wind out, and the attractive Diamond and Cable stitching design is said to bring good luck to the wearer. This jacket is fully lined with windproof fabric and made in Ireland, and it comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity, like all of our Aran range.

When you’re looking for a special keepsake, you’ll love the beautiful Killarney Irish Wool Blanket, available in a beautiful range of colours. This makes the perfect gift for a loved one, woven in a traditional mill just outside Killarney, County Kerry. It’s made from 100% Pure New Wool, so it’s ideal for snuggling up at home or taking on your travels with you.

 

 

 

Find Your New Aran Sweater

Finding your favourite Aran sweater is a real treat, so take your time to explore our gorgeous selection and find out more about how each unique design is created. We have an extensive choice of colours and styles and we are committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship and Irish heritage so you are assured of the quality and authenticity of every piece in our collection. You’ll find Aran sweaters, cardigans, jackets and wraps in our range, along with clothing and toys for children and homewares and gifts to make a truly special impact.

We have stores located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney and Dublin, and we offer the same great service on our website. We also have a gorgeous selection of accessories to complement your knitwear, including hats, bags and Celtic jewellery so you can really embrace the history of this incredible place. There’s something for everyone in our collection, and we will be happy to help you find your new favourites for every season.