Irish sweaters, or Aran Wool Sweaters, are a staple in Irish history and their origin story is fascinating. Now a firm favourite for fashion fans across the world, the Aran sweater is a timeless choice that can be worn in many ways to bring authentic design and style together in a garment that is both practical and stylish. If you’re into fashion, you’ll probably already have at least one Aran sweater in your closet, and you’ll be tempted to expand your repertoire to include the beautiful designs we share.

Irish sweaters originated on the Aran Islands, located off the West coast of Ireland, and became an iconic fashion statement when they were featured in Vogue magazine in the 1950s. Before this, however, they were a practical choice for those who worked outdoors and from these humble beginnings, they have made a global impact. Read on to find out more about the history of Aran sweaters and discover how they have transcended their origins to become a style in themselves.

Aran Sweaters: Born on the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are certainly a stunning part of the world, just off the coast of Galway in Ireland. The three Islands are named Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, and those who live here face the dramatic Atlantic Ocean every day. In days gone by, the communities that lived on these islands were dependent on the fishing and farming industries, catching, raising and growing their own food and even coming to rely on the red sea moss known as carrageen when food was scarce.

The earliest Aran sweaters were created as a functional item of clothing that could offer a good level of protection against the weather, and it is even believed that some of the sweaters contained unique stitching patterns that could be used to identify fishermen lost at sea. The thick, layered stitching was designed to keep these hardworking family members warm and dry while they worked on boats or in the fields.

Practical Fashion: Aran Wool Sweaters

Did you know that the Aran sweater is a great choice to keep you protected against the elements? The climate on the Aran Islands is changeable, greatly affected by the Atlantic ocean and the people who live here must be prepared for any weather conditions. Aran wool sweaters make the most of the water resistant properties of wool, which retains its natural lanolin to repel water and can take on up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet.

An Aran sweater, cardigan or jacket can be a great option when it’s cold outside, giving you extra insulation by trapping air between the layers of stitching. It’s no accident that some of our favourite Hallmark movies feature the Aran wool sweater, since it’s the perfect garment for snuggling up next to the Christmas tree or taking a walk in the snow. We love the Plaited One Button Coat with Hood, which is a stunning choice that comes in several beautiful colour options, including wine and soft grey. This is a great outerwear choice with a button fastening and a stylish oversized hood, and it features the traditional cable stitch, which is said to represent the ropes used by the fishermen who originally wore Aran sweaters to keep them warm at sea.

Celebrity Style: the Aran Sweater in Vogue

Aran sweaters became synonymous with celebrity style when they were featured on the cover of Vogue magazine in the 1950s, worn by the iconic Grace Kelly. This led to a golden age for Aran knitwear, and we are still enjoying this renaissance. Well dressed celebrities including Steve McQueen and John F. Kennedy brought the timeless designs into popular culture, and today we see world famous names such as Taylor Swift opting for these classic woollen styles.

The association with Irish heritage and traditional craftsmanship endures as well as the Aran Wool sweaters themselves, and our artisan producers are valued for their contribution to slow fashion and eco-friendly practices. We often see these authentic Aran sweater designs reflected in high street fashion, but part of the charm of a real Aran sweater is the quality and durability and this is why an Aran sweater can be seen as an investment in your wardrobe and your commitment to sustainability.

Irish Culture and the Contemporary Aran Sweater

The Aran sweater preserves the traditional culture of Ireland and many people with Irish heritage wear theirs to demonstrate their pride in their Irish identity. The newer styles in our range reflect Aran style and add a contemporary twist, taking classic Aran patterns and updating them in softer wool blends and stunning colour choices.

The techniques used to create beautiful Aran sweaters are protected by artisan producers and the skills they work hard to develop. There is an element of storytelling in every stitch and the lifestyle and history of the Aran Islands lives on in these complex knits. Some of our favourite designs for women and for men include:

1. The Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater. The Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater combines the traditional Aran stitching with a delicate feminine shape and an attractive v-neck design. It’s made from a cashmere blend that is available in a gorgeous range of colours, and we especially love the red earth and middle grey shades. This is a style that looks great with jeans or over a summer dress and it’s perfect for layering up all year round.
2. Claddagh Heart Design Side Zip Coatigan. The Claddagh Heart Design Side Zip Coatigan is a beautiful hooded coatigan with a delicate Celtic Trinity Knot design on the zipper to add an extra touch of Irish charm. It features a stylish side zip closure, which complements the slim fitting, long style, and the hood is both practical and stunning. We love the intricate cable stitching and the practical pockets, and the mermaid and Damson colour choices are especially eye-catching. You can wear this an a cosy outer layer all year round, and it’s the perfect choice when the weather is changeable or you need to keep out the wind or light rain.
3. Women’s Side Slit Tunic Aran Sweater. If you’re looking for something really special, the Women’s Side Slit Tunic Aran Sweater is the perfect choice and will look great with any outfit. Worn with jeans or a long skirt, this design is ideal all year round and the stunning golden ochre colour is a great choice for Fall. This will become a staple piece in your wardrobe, with its plaited collar and detailed cuffs and hem, and it features cable stitch and zig zag stitch, which are believed to represent the winding paths on the cliffs that the communities of the Aran Islands used on a daily basis as well as the ups and downs of married life.
4. Super Soft Polo Neck Aran Sweater.The chic polo neck gives this gorgeous Super Soft Polo Neck Aran Sweater a contemporary update, providing extra warmth and featuring the same intricate stitching as on the cuffs and hem. The cable stitches create a beautiful heart pattern across the body of the sweater, which is made from Super Soft Merino Wool so that it feels as good as it looks. Like all our Aran sweaters, it is made in Ireland and comes with a signed and stamped certificate of Authenticity so you know you’re putting a genuine piece of the Emerald Isle in your closet.
5. Moss & Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater. Our styles for men perfectly combine the traditional Aran fisherman’s sweater with modern style. We love this Moss & Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater, which is available in gorgeous natural shades such as Army Green and Sherwood, as well as the original Oatmeal colour of natural wool. This is a timeless style that is as durable and practical as the original Aran sweaters and features cable and moss stitching patterns that have been used for centuries in these designs. Moss stitch is believed to be reminiscent of the carrageen moss that is prolific on the Aran Islands and was used as a food source when food was scarce. The alternating colours on the cuffs and waistband give this sweater a unique appearance and it’s a flattering design that suits most body shapes.
6. Men’s Drawcord Collar Aran Sweater. If you’re looking for something special, you’ll love the Men’s’ Drawcord Collar Aran Sweater. This is the perfect choice to protect against the elements and the rugged style will turn heads for all the right reasons. The sweater features diamond and cable stitching, and the gorgeous drawcord collar is perfect for warmth, comfort and style. You can choose from a selection of stunning colours, including Atlantic, Wicker and Denim, and you can be sure that you’ll be warm and dry all day when you wrap up warm in this soft, comfortable sweater.
7. Hand Knit Zipper Cardigan with Pockets. Our Aran sweaters and cardigans display a great deal of skill and the craftsmanship of our knitters is second to none. We love this Hand Knit Zipper Cardigan with Pockets, which is hand knitted in soft Merino wool and features traditional cable and diamond stitching patterns. The diamond stitch is believed to represent the mesh of the fishing nets used by those who wore these sweaters first, bringing good luck and wealth to the wearers. This is a practical style with convenient pockets, available in several great colours, and makes a great outer layer that combines well with jeans or more formal trousers.
8. Men’s Super Soft Half Zip Aran Sweater. The half zip closure on the Men’s Super Soft Half Zip Aran Sweater brings it up to date and makes it a practical and versatile choice for your closet. Made from 100% Super Soft Merino Wool, this gorgeous sweater is the perfect combination of traditional style and modern convenience, and the colour options include natural white or oatmeal, Cormorant and Charcoal. The most difficult decision is choosing which beautiful shade best suits your look! This is the perfect choice for a walk, especially if the weather is unpredictable, and is a comfortable, stylish option to wear with jeans or over a shirt with a collar for a family occasion or an evening with friends.

An Aran sweater is a versatile, practical item of clothing that looks great and is comfortable to wear, and finding the designs that suit you best is all part of the fun. Whether you’re looking for a protective outer layer that will be comfortable and easy to wear or a companion piece to your favourite jeans, we can help you to find exactly what you’re looking for and we know you’ll want one in every colour!

Order your Sweater from Aran Sweater Market

At Aran Sweater Market, we are committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship and the Irish heritage it represents. We are proud of our roots and our designs incorporate the iconic styles that have been created on our shores for centuries and give them a modern update so that they are practical and comfortable for our lives today. We will help you to find the perfect Aran sweaters for yourself and your family, and we’ll give you care instructions so that you can get the best from your woollen garments. Looking after your Aran sweaters is much easier than you might expect, and this is another great reason to love them.

Our friendly staff will be delighted to show you our beautiful range of sweaters, cardigans and jackets, and we also stock knitwear for children and babies as well as beautiful homewares. You’ll find a gorgeous new addition to the closet for everyone in our online store, or visit us in Ireland to see our designs for yourself!