Aran sweaters are popular all over the world, and this is not surprising as they perfectly combine contemporary style with classic design to create luxurious, practical items of clothing that you’ll reach for again and again. Some of our designs lead the way with colours and stitching patterns that turn heads for all the right reasons, and our red cardigans are a great example of this.

Aran wool always looks fantastic and we know we’re biased, but we think our colour selection is second to none. We have several shades of wool in natural and striking colours that complete our beautiful, intricate designs and our red shades, including claret and chilli pepper, are very popular choices.

Aran Sweaters and Cardigans for Special Occasions

When they were first knitted on the Aran Islands, hundreds of years ago, Aran sweaters were practical clothing options for the fishermen and farmers who earned their living on the Islands. They were designed to keep the wearers warm and dry, and incorporated patterns that reflected their history and the nature of their work. In the twentieth century, however, they began to become a fashion statement in their own right, gracing the pages of Vogue magazine and being worn by celebrities all over the world. This led to the Aran sweaters and cardigans we see today, combining Irish history and contemporary style to create garments that are ideal for every occasion.

An Aran sweater or cardigan is the ideal companion for a walk along the beach or a day out with your loved ones, and it can also be worn at formal occasions and for special events. Red cardigans and sweaters are particularly striking, and are the ideal choice for the festive season, too. A long cardigan, hooded jacket or wrap style cardigan in red is the perfect way to keep yourself snug all winter, and you’ll love snuggling up by the fire or next to the Christmas tree in yours.

Red Cardigans We Love

Here at Aran Sweater Market, we have a selection of red cardigans that are versatile and stylish so you’re sure to find the perfect companion piece. Whether you’re looking for a red cardigan to wear on a wet walk or an intricate design to wear for special occasions, we will be happy to help you find a red cardigan you love. Our favourites include:

1. Hooded Coatigan with Celtic Knot Zipper Pull.There’s no need to let the Irish weather get you down when you have the right clothing, and this Hooded Coatigan with Celtic Knot Zipper Pull is a great choice for a stomp in the fresh air, whatever the weather. Wool is a naturally water repellent material and can hold up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet so it’s perfect for our unpredictable climate, and the practical hood on this beautiful cardigan makes it a great choice for outdoor wear. This design features the classic Cable pattern as well as a Celtic Knot design on the zipper that reflects the roots of Irish culture and completes this classic, slim fitting style.
2. Aran V-Neck Button Up Cable Knit Cardigan. This classic Aran V-Neck Button Up Cable Knit Cardigan design is one of our staples, popular with people all over the world. This is a soft merino wool cardigan that is perfect for layering up all year round and will complement your wardrobe perfectly. We love the Aran Cable stitching, which is said to represent the ropes used by the fishermen who wore the very first Aran sweaters many years ago, and the pockets are a great addition to this timeless style. Made from 100% Soft Merino Wool and finished with wood look buttons, this is a cardigan you’ll reach for every day.
3. Carlow Trellis Jacket.Did you know that the stitches in Aran sweaters and cardigans reflect the history of the Aran Islands and the livelihoods of the first people who knitted them? The Trellis stitch, for instance, is said to be a representation of the fields in which the farmers of the Aran Islands worked, bordered by rough stone walls. This makes for a delicate and beautiful stitch that many people love, and this Carlow Trellis Jacket combines trellis stitch perfectly with a rib pattern on the sleeves, giving it a contemporary twist. This is a flattering, slimming style with a practical side zip and shawl collar that is versatile and great for wearing throughout the cooler seasons or for layering up on summer evenings.
4. Waterfall Cable Cardigan. A new addition to our range, the Waterfall Cable Cardigan is something special, ideal for cuddling up by the fire, keeping warm on a winter walk or making an impact at a family occasion. We love it to complement your Christmas Day outfit, and the festive claret wool is an excellent choice. It’s a longer style, with a double breasted waterfall collar, and we love the comfortable shape that is flattering and cosy at the same time, perfect for layering. The Aran Cable detail looks great and holds its shape well, and as with all of our authentic Aran garments, it comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity.
5. Merino Wool Aran Lumber Jacket.A timeless design, the traditional Merino Wool Aran Lumber Jacket is made from 100% Merino wool and features the honeycomb stitch, which is believed to represent the humble honeybee and its admirable work ethic, symbolising the rewards that come when you put in the effort. It is often included in a design as a symbol of good luck and abundance, so if you are choosing a red cardigan as a gift for a loved one, this might be the option for you. The leather look buttons finish this design off beautifully, and the pockets are a lovely, practical touch.
6. Patchwork Cardigan with Collar. When you’re looking for something extra special, this Patchwork Cardigan with Collar is a great choice. There’s a good reason why it’s one of our bestselling designs and we love the fascinating combination of cable, diamond and chevron stitches used here. The diamond stitch is said to represent the fishing nets used by the fishermen of the Aran Islands, many years ago when they were knitted by family members to keep their wearers warm at sea. This is said to be a lucky stitch, bringing wealth and abundance to those who wear it, so you can consider this gorgeous garment a good luck charm.

You’ll find these beautiful designs and many others in our stores or online, so you can choose the red cardigan that best suits your lifestyle and your personality. Check out the stitches and their meanings when you find a sweater or cardigan you love, and don’t forget to try our ponchos and scarves as well to really embrace the Aran look this year.

How to Style Your Aran Sweater

Aran sweaters are versatile and can be adapted to suit any style. The key is simplicity, and our favourite tip is to pair your Aran knitwear with other simple staples such as denim jeans or a plain linen dress. For casual events, you’re aiming for an effortless look that emulates the catwalk chic of designers such as Alexander Wang, Michael Kors and Isabel Marant, who have all featured Aran sweaters in their shows.

You can style up your sweater or cardigan by tucking it in or tying at the front, and you can find the best fit for every season when you explore our colour range. The classic cream Aran sweater is a must have item, but if you fall in love with one of our designs, you may want to own it in your favourite colour as well! We love the cool pastels for summer evenings in Aran, and the deeper, more striking colours such as the red cardigan or sweater make for perfect winter wear.

Some of our styles can be the perfect addition to a formal outfit. For instance, a little black dress can be dressed up with an Aran waterfall cardigan, and an Aran poncho is a great option to grab in the Spring or Autumn for easy layering up. We love Aran cardigans with side buttons or zips, which blend practicality and style. This is another versatile look that is great in the changeable Irish weather, and when the rain comes in, hooded cardigans and coatigans are the ideal solution to keep you warm and cosy.

Whatever your style, there is an Aran sweater or cardigan to suit you, and there’s no need to restrict yourself to just one! You’ll find a variety of beautiful designs in stunning colours to complement your existing wardrobe and help you to look your best on every occasion.

Caring for Your Aran Sweater

An Aran sweater or cardigan is a piece of clothing that will last a lifetime if cared for correctly, and many of our sweaters are handed down through families to become heirloom pieces. Pure wool is a great choice of material for clothing because it is naturally water repellent and helps to regulate your temperature. This means that it will help you to stay cool in the summer and keep you warm in the colder seasons, so it’s the perfect option for layering up all year round.

Wool does not need washing very often, but should be aired between wears. Simply hang it up when you take it off and allow the fibres to breathe, and this will get rid of any smells that have been absorbed by the wool. If you can hang it outside, this is ideal. If not, hanging your garment near an open window will be the next best thing and you should let it air for at least 24 hours before wearing it again.

If your Aran sweater or cardigan is really in need of a wash, you should hand wash it carefully, in clean, lukewarm water. Do not be tempted to machine wash as your garment will never be the same! You should use a mild wool detergent and rinse throughly, finishing with a cold water rinse to protect the wool fibres. Ensure that you dry your jumper flat, away from a direct heat source, re-shaping while wet if needed.

It’s important to maintain the shape of your Aran sweater or cardigan by hanging it on a strong, wide hanger that will not cause the fibres to be pulled out of shape. Ensure it has plenty of space to hang, so that it is not crushed by other items of clothing and can continue to air until it is worn again. A well kept Aran sweater or cardigan will be your perfect item of clothing for travel or for wearing at home, so prioritise caring for it correctly and you will be able to enjoy wearing it for many, many years to come.

Visit Aran Sweater Market for Heirloom Pieces

At Aran Sweater Market, we have an extensive range of sweaters and cardigans that will become your most well loved garments, and we also have a great selection of hats, including flat caps, driving caps and Newsboy Caps. We’ll be happy to help you find items that look and feel great for you, and you can see our full catalogue online or pop into one of our stores in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin.

Our homewares and clothing for infants are also popular across the globe and you can find out more about the heritage of our designs and the stitches they use on our website or by talking to our friendly staff. We believe that our designs are so popular because they are developed to reflect our connections with our Irish roots and we’ll be happy to help you explore Clan knitting patterns and the garments that use them in our ClanAran range. Your Aran sweater or cardigan will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe and we look forward to helping you make your selection.