Aran sweaters, or Irish wool sweaters, are an emblem of Ireland, representing the heritage and skill of the communities who have lived on the Aran Islands for centuries. These small islands, located off the coast of County Galway, are renowned for the craftsmanship that made these practical, comfortable sweaters a worldwide phenomenon that is often seen on the catwalk and featured in haute couture collections.

When we are sourcing authentic Irish wool sweaters, we recognise their humble origins and the quality and unique design that goes into each one. However, these sweaters have well and truly transcended their humble roots and are a must have item for fashionistas all over the world, appearing in the closet of every well dressed American today. Our designers have taken the very best of traditional weaving and knitting and added a contemporary twist to our classic designs, and these sweaters are the ultimate in wearable, versatile fashion.

From Humble Origins

Aran sweaters and cardigans are instantly recognisable by the intricate cable stitch that weaves legends into the wool. They were originally created by the families of the fishermen and farmers who worked on the harsh Atlantic coast and they incorporated patterns and stitches with meanings that represented their livelihoods and were intended to bring them luck and abundance.

Aran sweaters made an excellent choice for those working outdoors all day, because wool is a naturally warm and water-resistant material, and the cable stitching offered extra insulation and comfort. The fishermen who wore these sweaters to keep them warm at sea, however, likely never imagined that this would become a garment that was popular worldwide for its style and design. The Irish wool sweater began to turn the heads of the rich and famous in the 1950s, when it adorned the cover of Vogue magazine, worn by Grace Kelly, an international style icon.

Aran Sweaters: The Celebrity Choice

When a look gets picked up by Hollywood or by the celebrities who are making the news on a daily basis, it can be catapulted to stardom and the Aran sweater certainly stood up to this opportunity. When leading stars such as Steve McQueen and Marilyn Monroe made the Aran sweater part of their wardrobe, their rustic charm and authenticity caught the attention of the fashion world.

In the last seventy years, we have seen the Aran sweater rising to stardom, frequently being worn by the celebrities of today. Taylor Swift, one of the biggest stars on the planet, recently selected the Aran sweater to wear on the cover of her eighth studio album, Folklore. The beautiful Aran Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater is similar in style to Swift’s choice, perfect for wearing over leggings or with skinny jeans and boots. It’s a stylish, flattering design that is comfortable and warm, available in several gorgeous colours as well as the natural white chosen by Swift.

Irish Wool Sweaters on the Runway

If you have your finger on the fashion pulse, you’ll know that the Aran sweater has been inspirational for many haute couture designers, many of whom have incorporated these classic designs into their runway shows. Designers who have embraced the Irish wool sweater include:

• Coco Chanel. Chanel began introducing knitwear to the catwalk in the 1950s and has been a leading fashion name for decades. We tend to see lighter, more feminine styles in the Chanel knitwear collections, emphasising the natural curves of the body and often embellished with intricate stitching that complements the comfortable style. We love this Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater, featuring a braided stitch, plaited style collar that is eye-catching and a beautiful choice for any occasion. There are several beautiful colours to choose from, including blue and green shades that are inspired by the natural world.

• Alexander McQueen. Another huge name in the fashion industry, Alexander McQueen is renowned for including Aran style knitwear into his more contemporary designs, combining traditional craftsmanship with high end fashion to create something truly special. Designs such as the Crystal Aran Knit Sweater, created by McQueen to reflect the traditional sweater and add a touch of glitz, are highly desirable and retail for around €2,000 worldwide. We love the more modest Aran Half Zip Jacquard Sweater, a timeless design that is embellished with the intricate jacquard pattern that connects with its Celtic roots. It’s made from one hundred percent Merino wool, ensuring it is a pleasure to wear, and it will work well with jeans or more formal trousers for any event or occasion.

• Balenciaga. The Spanish fashion house, Balenciaga, takes the credit for bringing knitwear right into the twenty-first century, adding details that appeal to younger audiences and introducing oversizing as a feature. We love the high fashion look created by this Cropped Wool Aran Cardigan, which combines the popular cropped style with traditional Aran stitches to create a contemporary look that is popular on the catwalk and the high street alike. It features attractive lantern sleeves and a combination of moss, honeycomb and cable stitches that look great in the tradition ‘bainin’ white or in your favourite colour, reminiscent of the designs made famous by designers such as Balenciaga.

• Alexander Wang. Wang’s collections tend towards the wearable, slouchy designs that are favoured by younger generations and those who value comfort as well as style. We love the versatility of these styles, just as eye catching paired with a leather mini-skirt as with a pair of baggy cargo trousers. Wang opts for styles that are both cosy and traditional, such as the Women’s Merino Aran Sweater, available in a rainbow of colour choices, depending on the look you want. This is often described as the quintessential Aran sweater, based on the classic designs that were first worn on the Aran Islands so many years ago, and the combination of Honeycomb and Cable stitching is believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer.

• John Galliano. Many designers like to make use of cultural heritage in their designs, and John Galliano builds on the influence of the Aran sweater to create modern looks with strong silhouettes and a little dramatic flair. Some of our designs at Aran Weavers are very popular with our audiences for the comfortable, unique shapes they create on the body, and all of our super soft knitwear is remarkably easy to wear. Some of our ponchos offer just the right touch of the dramatic, and the Ladies Merino Button Poncho is a great example. Flattering and cosy, with a swooping hem and stunning collar, this is a must have garment for any occasion and the buttons along the arm are a detail not to be missed.

These top name designers and many more have embraced the Aran sweater as a symbol of culture and quality design, and while the fast fashion versions may remove the connection with eco friendly clothing and cannot guarantee the workmanship, designers tend to preserve the authenticity of the artisanal garments that inspire them.

Why Aran is a Good Choice for Haute Couture

As we see designers experimenting with the texture and style of the traditional Aran knit, we realise that it is an excellent choice for the haute couture collections, which are always a reflection of the global mood. At this time, environmentally friendly fashion choices are key, and this includes a focus on slow fashion. Aran sweaters are a tribute to traditional skills and sustainable materials, allowing the artisan makers to develop their craft in a way that benefits the wearer as well as the planet.

Aran sweaters are versatile in nature, so designers can adapt them to work with almost any look, giving fashionistas a wider choice of outfits to choose from for any occasion. There is a timeless style behind most of our Aran designs and we love the ethos that is contained in every stitch. And, of course, the Irish sweater reflects a unique and beautiful history and by choosing an Aran sweater, you are contributing to sharing this wonderful culture with the world.

Building Your Aran Collection

When Irish heritage and haute couture meet, we see a beautiful collection of traditional knitwear with a contemporary twist on our runways and these desirable sweaters are cemented in history as a fashion staple that will never grow old. Whether you tend to invest in statement pieces for your closet or create a capsule selection to make it easy to dress for any occasion, we’ve got the knitwear you need.

If you love fashion, you’ll want to take care of your clothing to ensure it lasts as long as possible and protect the delicate fibres. This is easy with Aran knitwear, which doesn’t need washing often and can be hung up to air to refresh it before it is worn again. We recommend washing in cool water with a wool detergent when it really needs washing and reshaping while wet, drying flat to help retain its shape.

Aran knitwear is a practical choice for travelling, rolling to save space in your case and perfect for layering up on every occasion. We love the versatility of these pieces and will be happy to discuss the ways in which you can extend the life of your Aran sweater and help to preserve it for future generations so that it becomes a real family heirloom.

All of our Aran sweater designs are authentically Irish, and you’ll receive a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity to acknowledge this. This will give you peace of mind that your sweater has been crafted by experts, as our mission is to ensure that our traditional crafts are preserved in their entirety, along with our commitment to be kind to the planet in our sourcing and production.

Find Sustainable Aran Sweaters at Weavers of Ireland

At Weavers of Ireland, we believe that it is important to preserve Irish heritage and we share the best of traditional Irish crafts with a global audience. Our artisan makers and producers showcase the highlights of Irish history and talent and we know you’ll be impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into these unique and beautiful items. As well as Aran sweaters, we have created an extensive collection of ponchos, hats, shawls and scarves made by local artisans and we can help you to find gifts and clothing for every member of your family, all year round.

If you’re heading to the Emerald Isle, you can visit us in one of our stores in Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale. We will be delighted to welcome you to our beautiful part of the world. Alternatively, you can view our full selection online at Weavers of Ireland from the comfort of your own home and find clothing homewares and jewellery inspired by the Celtic landscape and Irish traditions. We look forward to sharing our gorgeous garments with you!