Irish Wool Meets American Trends: How to Stay on the Cutting Edge of Fashion

Following fashion trends is a challenge as they are so fast moving, especially in the USA, but some styles are so timeless that they transcend the popular fashions. Irish wool and the garments that are made from it can be seen as an iconic look, worn by fashion fans and celebrities all over the world. The craftsmanship and sustainable practices that are involved in the creation of every single Irish sweater or cardigan we stock ensure they are classic pieces that will last a lifetime, combining style and practicality.

Irish wool clothing has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly the Aran sweater and the Peaky Blinders style flat cap. These looks have been popular in the States for many years, and the most modern designs seamlessly combine heritage and high fashion. Here, we’ll take a look at how to put together looks that blend Irish wool with the latest American trends and stay on the cutting edge of fashion.

 

How to Put Your Look Together

It can help to follow some simple steps to curate a range of gorgeous outfits that make you feel as good as you look. It can be challenging to figure out where to begin, so follow our tips to give you a great head start. Here’s how:

 

• Pick an Irish woollen design. The key to creating a wardrobe full of outfits you love is to identify your style and find a statement piece to build a selection of looks around. For instance, the classic Aran sweater is a great choice. Originally created on the stunning Aran Islands, exposed to the dramatic coast of the Atlantic Ocean, these sweaters were knitted by the families of the fishermen and farmers to protect them in their daily work. Today, the Aran sweater is as likely to be spotted gracing the cover of Vogue magazine as keeping people warm as they work or walk outdoors. The Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater is the perfect choice for milder weather, embracing the traditional Aran style with its cable and honeycomb pattern in a lightweight design. Fashionistas in the US tend to wear their Aran sweaters in the casual style, with high-waisted jeans and boots, combining the classic, practical style with the chic element that will make you stand out from the crowd. You can also embrace traditional Irish woollen style by layering your Aran sweater over a short skirt or dress and add a pair of ankle boots and a belt to finish off the look.

 

• Explore texture in your outfit. One of the most versatile aspects of Irish wool garments is the way you can play with texture to create a range of different elements in one outfit. Take a look at the options and allow yourself to be inspired… have you embraced the Newsboy cap, made from wool tweed? The Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat in Light Brown is a classic design made from 100% Wool Tweed, and the quality shows in the texture and the appearance of this stylish hat. There are several designs and colors to choose from, made by Mucros Weavers, located in the Killarney National Park, Ireland. We love the leather rosette, which adds an extra touch of unique style, and we also have a gorgeous range of wool tweed coats so you can bring more of this fabulous texture into your wardrobe. You can add new dimensions to your outfit with a gorgeous scarf, choosing from stylish lambswool or the softest alpaca wool, and worn in a variety of ways to suit your mood and your lifestyle. We love the wrap style scarf, so you have the option to wear it as a chunky scarf or an open shawl, and this is perfect for the on-trend ‘blanket’ style that’s hot right now.

 

• Play with color. Traditionally, Irish knitwear would be white, or ‘bainin’, the natural color of the sheep wool. Today, however, it is possible to choose from a wide range of beautiful colors when you are choosing your new sweater or cardigan from our catalogue. We love our designs in the earthy tones that are inspired by the Irish countryside, including rusts, oatmeal and moss green shades. These combine well with deep reds and blues for the cooler seasons, and you can swap them out for pastel shades or brighter, sunny hues for the Spring and Summer. When you have chosen your favourite shade, you can pair your knitwear with a complementary pair of colorful trousers or opt for a plainer combination and add a pop of color with a bright bag, hat or pair of shoes. The Ladies Roll Neck Sweater is a flattering and popular choice, with a roll collar and cuff, and you can choose from a range of great colors, including Sky Blue, Lime Green and Gold, so you can match your outfit with the seasonal colors around you or simply choose your favourites to complement your personality.

 

• Experiment with your silhouette. When we see Irish knits gracing the catwalk, it’s all about the silhouette and the fusion of tradition and contemporary style. Sharp, angular garments and baggy, oversized styles are ideal for constructing an eye-catching silhouette that stands out for all the right reasons. Many Aran knit styles are unisex, so you can create the kind of casual look that is in right now and also ensure that you stay warm and cosy all day long! You can choose from an extensive range of Aran sweaters, including thick, chunky knits and the lighter designs that are better suited to the summer months. We love the Cropped Wool Aran Cardigan with generous lantern sleeves to create a modern silhouette, and the gorgeous button detail and intricate moss, honeycomb and cable stitching complement the design perfectly. Alternatively, you can embrace the cute ‘blanket’ style trend and throw a stunning wrap over the top of whatever you are wearing to change up your silhouette and bring an element of classic style to your look. The Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap in Gold is a beautiful design that can be worn as a wrap, a chunky scarf, an open shawl or even a skirt, and if the gold is a little too flamboyant for your tastes, you’ll find plenty of color options to match the season and your personality.

 

• Embrace sustainability. Sustainability is a very important consideration in the fashion industry at the moment and Irish wool fits the bill perfectly. Wool is a great choice for the environment since it is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and will last a lifetime when it is cared for correctly. This means you can avoid the waste and environmental cost of fast fashion, and truly embrace the slow fashion movement. Those who lead the way in fashion tend to take the time to put together a capsule wardrobe that enables them to create a range of different outfits by combining quality pieces in different ways. Your capsule wardrobe should include staples such as Aran knitwear, tailored trousers and a selection of plain t-shirts and collared shirts so that you can create versatile and stylish outfits you love every day. The Lambay Aran Sweater for Women is ideal for a capsule wardrobe since it pairs as well with classic jeans and boots as it does with a long skirt or dress so it can be worn on a day out in the countryside or dressed up for a wedding or other special occasion. The scalloped neck and flattering shape are designed to ensure that you feel and look fantastic, and you won’t need to compromise on style, comfort or sustainability.

 

• Choose your accessories wisely. The way you accessorise your knitwear can make all the difference to the way your outfit feels and you can find Irish wool caps and hats, handbags and a stunning range of Celtic jewellery in our range. The right hat or cap can elevate your look to another level and introduce a bit of personality into your style, and you can choose from colorful Newsboy hats, Herringbone flat caps and tweed hats. Scarves and handbags are another way to add character to your outfit, including bright pops of color and warm, soft textures. Our Celtic jewellery selection includes designs such as the Trinity knot and the Shamrock, paying homage to your Irish roots. The Sterling Silver Four Trinity Knot Pendant is a beautiful example of a contemporary design that embraces Ireland’s rich heritage, and it adds a subtle touch of style over any Irish sweater or cardigan. This also makes a wonderful gift for a friend or family member, and it has been hallmarked in Dublin Castle so you really are giving a little piece of Ireland to your loved ones.

 

The combination of Irish tradition and modern American style blends the old and the new; the traditional with the modern twist. These designs tell stories and preserve the rich, Irish heritage that is poured into every stitch. You can style up your Aran knitwear all year round by following our simple guide to create a statement style you love.

 

Caring for Irish Wool

Looking after your Irish wool will ensure that it lasts a lifetime, and this is easy to do so there’s no need to worry. Wool is a natural fiber that does not need washing often, so you will usually find that airing out your sweater or cardigan between wears - preferably outside - is enough. When it does get dirty or needs a wash, simple follow these simple steps to bring it back to life:

 

1. Use a gentle wool detergent to hand wash your woollens in a bowl of cool water. Don’t over work the fibers, as this can cause pilling, but gently swirl the garment in the water to remove dirt or debris.
2. Rinse your woollens in a bowl of clean water. You may need to do this several times to ensure that you have removed all of the detergent, and again you should be gentle with your woollen garments throughout this process. When you are certain that your sweater is clean, when the water remains clear, you can remove it from the bowl and place it on a towel.
3. When the excess water has drained away, you will need to reshape your woollen garment and dry it flat. Do not be tempted to wring it out as this could damage the fibers - patience is the name of the game here! Gently bring your garment back into the correct shape and lay it on a towel to dry.

 

Genuine wool clothing should last well and quality items will not show the same pilling and damage as cheaper wool blends. All of our sweaters and cardigans come with a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity so you know you can rely on the quality of both the wool and the craftsmanship that went into producing your garment.

 

Irish Knitwear in American Fashion

At Weavers of Ireland, our range includes the best of traditional and contemporary Irish design so that you can transform your wardrobe with ease. We only stock the highest quality items, including wool sweaters, cardigans, jackets and scarves, and our garments are made by wonderful artisan producers here in Ireland. We have made it our mission to preserve the traditional Irish craftsmanship that has been nurtured in Ireland for many years, and we are committed to maintaining our Irish heritage to share with future generations.

Our range includes a selection of beautiful gifts, including our stunning Celtic jewellery, hand knitted blankets and classic children’s toys so you can find gifts for all of your loved ones. If you are paying a visit to Ireland, we’d love to meet you in one of our stores across Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale. Alternatively, you’ll find our full online catalogue at Weavers of Ireland.