History and Evolution of Cable Knit Sweaters

Cable knit sweaters are an iconic fashion statement, popular with celebrities and fashionistas all over the world, and they’re a great choice for practical and stylish outfits all year round, but did you know that they have a long and fascinating history? Cable knit sweaters, or Aran sweaters, originally hail from the Aran Islands, off the West Coast of Ireland, and their evolution tells us a great deal about the life of the island dwellers who carved out their livelihoods on this desolate coast.

Aran sweaters were originally worn by the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands, and their families created unique patterns and stitches to represent their lives and their clans. Over the years, we have seen these practical, protective garments become a fashion staple that has graced the pages of Vogue magazine many times, and most people now own at least one cable knit sweater that is a personal favourite.

Aran Cable Knit Sweaters are Popular for their Practicality

Wool is an excellent fabric for making clothing, since it is durable, organic and readily available. Wool also contains lanolin, which makes it water repellant, and it can take on around 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, which means it’s a great choice for all seasons - especially when the weather is as unpredictable as it is here in Ireland!

Cable knit sweaters were originally designed to keep fishermen warm at sea, and the ornate cable stitches that we still see today were created to provide another layer of insulation. They’re the perfect companion for winter walks and will keep you cosy on the coldest of days, but the natural wool fibres also help to wick away sweat so cable knit sweaters can also help to regulate your temperature when the weather is warmer.

These sweaters were designed as practical workwear and they are still a great choice when you want to protect yourself against the elements and stay warm all year round. However, they have also become a firmly established style statement in the modern world, and they perfectly combine practicality and style.

The Meaning Behind the Stitches

Cable knit stitches are used to embellish cable knit sweaters and ensure that they are a warm and comfortable choice, but the stories behind the stitches make these sweaters even more special. Our designs feature unique and beautiful stitching and designs that reflect the heritage of the Aran Islands and the people who made their homes on them, and we love to share the meanings of these stitches so that you can fully appreciate where your sweater has come from.

Basic cable knit stitch, with its pattern of wrapping columns, is said to represent the ropes of the fishermen who first wore these sweaters, and to bring them luck while out at sea. This stitch is included in many designs to share the hope of a good catch and some say the winding stitches also represent the paths down the cliffs which these fishermen and their families would have walked every day, celebrating the connection between family life and their work to support this.

We love the beautiful trellis stitch, which is a complex and delicate stitch that adorns many of our lighter knitwear choices. This stitch is a reminder of the fields in which the farmers of the Aran Islands grew their crops and raised their animals, with the landscape of stone-walled fields reflected in the pattern. The Carlow Trellis JacketCarlow Trellis Jacket with attractive side zip is a flattering design that features a shawl collar and is available in several stunning shades of 100% natural wool. We love the Warm Lavender colour way, which is reminiscent of the gorgeous heather that adorns the countryside in Ireland, and the Golden Ochre, which is the perfect shade for the Autumn.

The diamond stitch is a popular choice for embellishing sweaters, cardigans and scarves, and this Hand Knit Zipper Cardigan with Pockets is a great choice for keeping warm all year round. This rugged design is made with soft Merino Wool and is ideal for all your outdoor activities. The pattern features cable and diamond stitching, and the design includes a ribbed high collar and practical pockets. Diamond stitch is said to represent the nets of the fishermen who originally wore these sweaters and was intended to bring them luck and success with their daily catch. Whether you’re buying this gorgeous cardigan for yourself or for a lucky man in your life, it’s good to know that the legends promise luck, success and wealth to the wearer, and it looks great, too!

Basket stitch, or lattice stitch, is another stitch inspired by the everyday lives of the fishermen of the Aran Islands. This ornate stitch is said to represent the fishermen’s baskets, once again bringing good wishes for luck and an abundant catch. This beautiful Lattice Cable V Neck Sweater is a popular choice, light enough to wear all year round and featuring the unique lattice stitching pattern. The sea inspired colour options are also reminiscent of the Atlantic coastal views, and we recommend owning one in every colour!

The ornate blackberry stitch is meaningful because it is connected with the environment in which the Aran Island community lived, representing the bounty and abundance of the natural world. It is also associated with religious meaning, evoking the union of the Holy Trinity. The Egan Clan Aran Poncho is a great example of this stitch, incorporating the blackberry stitch as well as traditional cable and Tree of Life stitch. Clan Aran items offer a unique connection to your heritage and come complete with a clan history and crest, so this will become a real family treasure that will endure for many generations.

Another stitch that is believed to have religious connotations is the delicate Tree of Life or Trinity Stitch. It is said to represent families and family connections, referring to the circle of life, and is also commonly related to the ancient religions of Ireland, with the two names reflecting the Celtic belief system that was so deeply rooted in Ireland. Many of our designs also feature the beautiful Celtic Trinity design as a zip pull or within jewellery designs, adding another element of Irish heritage and style to your favourite outfits.

Moss stitch is a complex stitch that features in many of our Aran Sweater designs, often used to fill in a diamond pattern. It is believed to symbolise a wish for a good harvest, and resembles the carrageen moss that is abundant on the Aran Islands. Carrageen is a type of seaweed that was used as a fertiliser and, in times of hardship, as a source of food. This Aran Cable and Moss Poncho is available in a gorgeous range of natural colours and is a great option for layering up on cool evenings.

The Zig Zag stitch is a great choice for a wedding gift, representing the ups and downs of married life, as well as the coastal footpaths which lead down to the sea. This Donnelly Clan Aran Bed Runner is an ideal option for a couple, featuring the beautiful Zig Zag stitch alongside the lobster claw centre stitch, traditional cable stitch and blackberry stitch. It is hand knitted in the bainin (‘baw neen’) colour, which is simply the natural white of the wool, and comes with a clan history and crest. A runner or throw blanket such as this can become a very special family heirloom, full of meaning and love.

The Honeycomb stitch is another delicate and intricate stitch that can be found in many of our designs, especially on the woollen hats that are so popular with our customers. The Honeycomb stitch pays tribute to the hardworking honey bees, with their admirable work ethic, and reminds the wearer of the rewards of taking such a committed approach to daily life. We love the Merino Honeycomb and Cable Pom Hat, which is made from 100% Merino Wool and is the ideal companion for winter walks or a cold commute to work!

All of the stitches that feature in our Aran sweaters and other garments are interconnected with the people who lived and worked in the Aran Islands centuries ago, and including them in our designs reminds us of the honest values and work ethic that our ancestors shared.

Cable Knit Sweaters Updated

The cable knit sweaters we see today still reflect the same integrity and practicality as the first Aran sweaters that were knitted to protect loved ones on the Aran Islands in their daily work. However, these sweaters have now become synonymous with style, and celebrities are often spotted wearing them out and about.

We love to see the stars kit themselves out with their favourite cable knit sweaters, and Adele, Katie Holmes and Meghan Markle are just a few of the celebrities who have embraced the look in recent years. We can only assume that they love the practical, warm styles as much as we do, and we love the way they style their knitwear for every occasion. The pages of celebrity style magazines are filled with different ways to wear cable knit or Aran sweaters, with styling tips such as pairing your sweater with tailored trousers for a classic, chic look.

We often see the traditional Aran sweater on screen and its timeless excellence makes it an iconic style. Featured in films such as The Thomas Crown Affair, originally released in 1968, and more recently in the 2019 Knives Out, we can see the quality and endurance of this type of knitwear. Knowing the legends behind the stitches gives us an extra level of insight about these classic garments and we love the additional meaning this gives our movie night experience. Take the opportunity to grab a bag of popcorn and educate your family about the different stitches they see on screen, or just gain some inspiration for your own outfits!

How to Style Your Sweater

Tailored trousers or jeans are an especially good choice with chunky sweaters that are oversized in design, and we can always advise you on the fit to ensure you get the look you are hoping for. The classic white Aran sweater worn with jeans and boots is a stylish combination all year round, and we love the accessories such as scarves, ponchos and headbands that can complete this look and give you a touch of celebrity style every day.

The Aran sweater has graced the pages of Vogue magazine on many occasions, and we love the Christmas movie images of the stars we love snuggled up in their knitwear. With Aran scarves, sweaters and cardigans appearing on icons from Marilyn Monroe to Cameron Diaz, Aran knitwear conjures images of cosying up by the fire and popping out to play in the snow. The classic white colour is still the most popular choice, but you can make the trend your own by embracing the beautiful darker shades that complement the colder weather perfectly.

Find Your Perfect Cable Knit Sweater at Aran Sweater Market

You can find your perfect cable knit sweater at Aran Sweater Market when you explore our catalogue online or visit us in one of our stores, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin. We also have an extensive selection of ponchos, capes and scarves, as well as flat caps and woollen hats. We celebrate the best of Irish craftsmanship and are especially proud of our Clan Aran range, showcasing the traditional Clan patterns with their unique designs and meanings.

Our collection includes a wide range of clothing for men, women and children as well as a gorgeous choice of blankets and throws for the home. We work hard to source items that preserve Irish heritage and traditional skills, and we know that these will become heirloom pieces for your family. Our friendly team at Aran Sweater Market look forward to sharing our range with you and we will always be happy to help you find the best options for you and your lifestyle.