Great fashion is timeless, transcending the temporary trends that disappear as quickly as they arrive, and garments that can really endure over time are staple pieces that you can build your wardrobe around. Aran Irish wool sweaters are a good example of classic clothing, made famous all over the world when they were adopted by the stars of Hollywood in the 1950s. They are worn in a variety of ways by fashion icons today, and every discerning man, woman and child will have at least one in their closet.

Styling your sweater means creating a range of looks that are suited to different occasions and the versatility of the Aran sweater makes it the perfect choice for casual and formal events alike. Aran sweater designs are created to suit everyone, from children to seniors, and learning how to create the outfit you want is the best way to make the most of this statement look. Read on to find out how to style your sweater to get the look you want and we’ll take a look at the best designs for all ages.

The History of the Irish Wool Sweater

The Irish wool sweater is a unique tribute to Irish culture, with history and legend woven into every stitch, and originated as a practical garment to protect those who worked on the harsh Atlantic coast from the elements while at sea or in the fields. Wool is a practical choice because it is naturally warm and water resistant, ideal for a changeable climate or for layering up in every season.

The families of the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands were the creators of the traditional Aran sweaters, knitting them with complex stitching patterns to provide extra insulation and bring good luck and prosperity to their wearers. Aran sweaters hit the headlines in the 1950s when Grace Kelly wore one on the cover of Vogue magazine, and they have been a must have fashion staple since then. Our artisan craftspeople have taken the authentic Aran designs and added modern twists, with new shapes and designs that are versatile enough to style for any occasion.

Aran Sweaters for Women

Aran sweaters are a staple garment for women all over the world and whether you’re looking for a delicate, lighter knit or a classic, heavyweight Aran sweater, you’re sure to find the perfect option for every occasion. We love the holiday card traditional style of the white cable knit sweater paired with jeans and a chunky scarf, as well as the charming elegance of a lighter sweater worn over a long skirt or dress, and we believe that the Aran sweater is versatile enough to be a go-to item all year round, whatever the weather.

As a woman, it can be difficult to find a style that is feminine and comfortable at the same time, and we think the Women’s Wool Cashmere Aran Mock Turtleneck Sweater ticks every box. Available in several gorgeous colours, this modern twist on the traditional Irish wool sweater is a popular choice, giving you a great option for a formal occasion or paired with jeans and boots for a more casual look. Made from a blend of Merino wool and cashmere, this sweater is a soft and comfortable option with attractive stitched details on the cuffs and bodice to create a very special statement piece.

Some of our Aran sweaters are designed to be unisex and look great on women or on men, and some are more specific, and the gorgeous Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater is one of our favourites for women. You can choose from a fantastic range of colours to suit your preferences and the seasons, and the plaited collar made from braided stitch is a unique and elegant touch. This is a stylish design that can be worn with jeans or cargo pants and ankle boots for any occasion and is designed to flatter the figure and offer the ultimate in comfort wear.

For an outdoorsy woman, the Ladies Celtic Jacquard Aran Sweater is an excellent choice, which is cosy and comfortable for adventuring and also looks fantastic. The Jacquard pattern, which incorporates traditional Celtic motifs, is an eye-catching addition to this sweater and we love the rolled collar and ribbed cuffs and hems that look and feel great. This sweater is ideal with jeans or leggings and can be dressed up for a more formal look, and the complementary colours are just right for creating the look you want, whatever the occasion.

Aran Sweaters for Men

Aran sweaters are a classic, striking choice for men and they make the ideal gift for the man in your life. They’re a great choice for adventures, providing a warm and cosy option for layering up with any outfit, and your choice of sweater will reflect your lifestyle. If you love hiking and exploring outdoors, you’ll want to opt for a more rugged, heavyweight style, while a more city-based lifestyle calls for a lighter, more stylised design.

The Kinsale Half-Zip Wool Sweater is an ideal option for men of all ages, perfect when you’re looking for a warm and stylish sweater for any occasion. The half-zip is a great modern twist on the classic Aran sweater and this is an excellent outer layer for a family event or casual drinks with friends. There are several striking colours to choose from, and the diamond and cable knit stitches are the perfect embellishment for this cosy, easy to wear sweater.

The traditional Fisherman’s style sweater is a good choice for anyone, comfortable and easy to layer on top of any clothing for a relaxed, stylish fit. The Merino Roll Neck Sweater is a great example of this classic style, and we love the nature-inspired colour options and the rugged design. The rolled edge on the collar, hem and cuffs gives a versatile style that can be worn with a collared shirt for a more formal occasion or with denim jeans for a more casual look, and this is sure to become a staple piece in your closet.

Traditionally, the Aran sweater was worn as workwear and you can dress your sweater up for an office job when you wear it over suit trousers with a button down shirt. You can also move effortlessly from your working day to evening drinks when you pair your sweater with jeans or cargo pants for a dressed down effect. The Men’s Merino Aran Sweater is a classic design that offers versatility and comfort, and we love the soft Merino wool and the gorgeous range of colours you can choose from.

Aran Sweaters for Seniors

Of course, you can wear whatever you like at any age and the Aran sweater is a flattering choice for most people. However, as a senior, there are a number of ways to really make your Irish wool sweater work for you. It’s worth taking your time to choose the style that suits your figure and your personality, considering your closet and the items you reach for most often. Another aspect to consider is your lifestyle, as this will determine whether you want a delicate, light sweater to wear to summer weddings or a thick cardigan or coatigan to wrap up warm all year round.

A cardigan is a must have item for seniors to make light work of layering up and ensure you’re always able to add extra warmth. When you’re likely to be sitting down for a long time, or visiting a friend whose home may be cooler than yours, a cardigan is a handy option to pop in your bag or over your shoulders. We love the Textured Merino Cardigan, available in a range of colours, including our favourite Aqua Mist, made from 100% soft Merino wool. It’s a practical and attractive design, perfect for wearing over jeans or tailored trousers for a chic, timeless look that is flattering for all ages.

The Women’s Keyhole Crew Neck Sweater is a unique design, practical and versatile enough to wear with casual or more formal trousers. It’s a well shaped sweater, designed to skim over the figure and featuring cable detailing that is eye catching and comfortable. This is a great choice for a family occasion or a day out in the Spring or Summer, and it makes a wonderful additional layer to take with you wherever you go. You can choose from the gorgeous wicker colour or natural white, perfect for pairing with dark trousers and boots for a stylish look.

The beauty of an Aran sweater is the timeless style that can be worn by anyone, and the Cable Knit Crew Neck Sweater is a traditional choice that is based on the original Aran sweaters worn by the fishermen and farmers long ago. The combination of Cable and Honeycomb stitching symbolises the hardworking nature of the inhabitants of the Aran Islands and creates a warm, comfortable and versatile option for every season.

Aran Sweaters for Kids

We love Aran sweaters for children - they’re the perfect layer to throw on over indoor clothing when you’re heading out on an adventure and will protect against inclement weather and keep your little ones snuggly and warm. Whether you’re taking a long walk to discover the best foraging spots in your local area or heading to the beach to toast marshmallows over the fire, your children will be ready for anything when they’re dressed in super soft wool.

Aran sweaters in teeny sizes are simply adorable and you’ll have the perfect solution to hand for your festive photo cards every year. Just as practical for climbing trees as for visiting family for a celebratory meal, the Aran sweater is a great combination of style and practicality for kids. The Baby Shepley Aran Cardigan is a beautiful design made from 100% pure new wool, featuring traditional cable knit and diamond stitches that are believed to bring good luck and abundance to the wearer. A cardigan is ideal for children as it can be worn over any outfit and provides a reliable layering option for all seasons. Aran sweaters and cardigans also pack well so you can pop one into your day bag or suitcase for a day out or weekend trip.

If you haven’t seen the Baby Shepley Aran Crew sweater, you’re in for a treat. It’s a gorgeous design with a sheep motif that is appealing to both children and adults, and it’s available in sizes from 3 months to 18 months, so it makes the ideal gift for newborns and toddlers for your friends and family, as well as for your own children. Like all of our Aran sweaters, it comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity, so it can become a real family heirloom.

A poncho is a great choice for children, versatile and easy to wear over any outfit. The Kids Aran Poncho is an ideal outer layer, made from 100% pure Merino wool and available in gorgeous red, green or natural white. The colourful buttons finish off the design beautifully and since wool is hardwearing, you can give your little darlings free rein to indulge their imaginations while you’re out and about. We also have a fantastic selection of hats, caps, waistcoats and shirts, as well as baby booties, baby throws and soft toys for your little ones, and you can explore these on our website or in store.

Find Irish Wool Sweaters at Weavers of Ireland

You’ll find an extensive range of sweaters, cardigans and ponchos at Weavers of Ireland, and we aim to ensure that our collection represents the very best of traditional Irish skill and craftsmanship. Our gorgeous garments and homewares are designed to showcase the heritage of our wonderful corner of the world and we value the environmentally friendly nature of artisan products such as Aran knitwear.

Our collection includes a beautiful range of hats, Celtic jewellery and children’s toys that are popular all over the world and our friendly team will be happy to help you find family heirlooms and gifts for your loved ones in store. You can come and see us in one of our stores across Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale, or explore our online catalogue at Weavers of Ireland.