Wool is a natural fiber that has been used to make clothing and other items for centuries, and there are many reasons why it is still an excellent choice. It is not only a more sustainable alternative to manmade fabrics that are highly damaging to the environment, but is also a durable, versatile material that is great to wear. From an environmental perspective, it’s a great choice, but more than this, it’s a stylish and high quality option that will last a lifetime if it is cared for correctly.

Here, we’ll explore what makes wool such a good choice for clothing, such as the Irish Woollen Sweater and we’ll discover some of our favourite products made from wool. Woollen knitwear and tweed garments have graced the pages of fashion magazines and Hollywood films for many years, and we’ll take a look at why celebrities and fashion conscious folk across the world love these classic designs so much.

 

Wool as a Superior Choice

When you want to look and feel your best, it’s important to wear clothes that you are comfortable in as well as focusing on your style. Wool tops the charts for practicality and image, and we are happy to share the many benefits of this great material:

 

It is sustainable. Sustainability is a huge consideration in the world of fashion, especially since we are all aware of the devastating contribution fast fashion has made to the climate crisis. Manmade fibers take a lot of processing and their manufacture involves a great deal of wasted water, and wool is a much more environmentally friendly choice. Wool is a renewable resource that is obtained when sheep are sheared every year, and it is biodegradable and contains no harmful plastics. Sheep farming can be a sustainable industry where good care is taken to maintain the health of the animals, and we always ensure the provenance of the wool we use in our Aran sweaters and knitwear to give you peace of mind.

It helps to regulate body temperature. Wool is known for being a good insulator, with the layers of stitching in an Aran knit helping to maintain warmth by trapping air between the layers of wool. However, wool is also a great choice when the weather is warmer as it is breathable and will wick sweat and moisture away from the skin. We have several lighter knits in our range, such as the Wool Cashmere Aran Trellis Sweater, which are versatile and can be styled with jeans or over a skirt or dress for a more elegant look. This sweater features the delicate trellis stitch and is a soft, comfortable option that it is ideal for layering up when the weather turns, ensuring you are comfortable in any weather conditions.

 

It is water resistant. Did you know that wool is naturally water resistant and can take on more than 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet? This is what made it such a good choice for the fishermen of the Aran Islands who were the first to wear the traditional Aran sweaters. The same styles that kept these hardworking men warm on their boats off the harsh Atlantic coast are great for outerwear or for layering up when the weather is inclement, so you can explore our designs to find practical and stylish options you love.

 

It is long lasting. Wool is a durable material that will last a lifetime if it is cared for properly, and many woollen knits become family heirlooms over time. Wool does not need washing often and can usually be aired between wears, but if your sweater has become dirty, you can simply wash it in cool water with a gentle wool detergent and reshape it before you dry it flat. Always check the washing label to ensure that you are washing correctly for the type of wool or wool blend your garment is made from.

 

It is hypoallergenic. Wool naturally repels dust mites and is resistant to the growth of mold and mildew, so it is a very good option for those who suffer with allergies. If wool feels itchy or irritating on your skin, you may wish to try a blend of wool that includes Cashmere or Merino wool as these are much softer and more gentle on the skin. We love this Cable Aran Wrap as a versatile and soft cover up option that is made from 100% Merino wool and features the beautiful honeycomb and cable stitches.

 

Wool is a great investment in your wardrobe, long lasting and practical as well as stylish and versatile. Our sweaters, cardigans and shawls come in a variety of beautiful colours inspired by the Irish countryside and you will find many options to suit your lifestyle in our catalogue.

 

Woollen Gifts for Your Loved Ones

Clothes and household items made from wool are an excellent choice due to the many qualities of the natural material, and choosing gifts for your loved ones is easy when you explore the beautiful and durable woollen options in our range. If you are looking for something a little different for a special occasion or event, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect choice here. We recommend:

Wedding gifts:

Our blankets and throws make beautiful wedding gifts for the special couples in your life, and we have a gorgeous range of soft, luxurious throws to choose from. If you want to celebrate the couple’s Irish heritage as well as their union, you will love the Large Merino Shamrock Throw, made with 100% Merino Wool and featuring a honeycomb Aran stitch design as well as dark green shamrocks bordering the throw. Alternatively, you may want to consider gifting ‘his and hers’ sweaters or cardigans in one of the classic Aran designs to ensure that the happy couple have the perfect outfits to go adventuring together.

Family gifts:

Finding a gift for a family can be tricky but the Multi-Panel Lifestyle Patchwork Throw is an excellent choice that will be well loved and appreciated for many years. It’s backed with faux stone suede backing that will be warm and practical for family adventures, and it features unique patterns and gorgeous colours that are ideal for snuggling up on the beach or on a picnic and will always be a part of those special memories.

 

New baby gifts:

Celebrating a new baby in the family is a unique and wonderful occasion and many people love to give a gift that will be treasured forever. We can highly recommend the Wool Cashmere Baby Throw, available in a range of beautiful colours, which is a soft and cosy blend of extra soft Merino and Cashmere wool. It’s perfect for wrapping up a new baby and will become a much loved family heirloom as the child grows up, and it is presented in a beautiful gift box for an extra special touch. If you prefer to give clothing for a newborn baby, you can really embrace a child’s Irish roots when you choose something from the Baby Shepley Aran range, which includes booties, hats, sweater and cardigans for the smallest members of the family.

 

St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irishness all over the world, and if you’re giving a gift to someone special, you can really get into the spirit of the day. We love the gorgeous shamrock designs on some of our sweaters and blankets, and these are very appropriate since the shamrock is a historic sign of Irish rebellion and strength. You can also embrace St Patrick’s Day by choosing a beautiful garment in green, such as the classic Women’s Merino Aran Sweater, also available in men’s sizing. This is a traditional design that resembles the original Aran sweaters and is made with soft Merino wool. We love the combination of honeycomb and cable stitches, which are believed to bring luck and protection to the wearer.

 

Her birthday:

When a special woman in your life is celebrating her birthday, you can give her a beautiful gift that will last a lifetime when you choose an item from our gorgeous woollen selection. We suggest something that’s as unique as she is, such as the Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap, available in several stunning colour combinations. It’s a beautiful choice for every season, providing the perfect cover-up when the evening chill creeps in and creating a style that will turn heads for all the right reasons. This wrap can be worn in a variety of ways, including as a chunky scarf, an open shawl or even a skirt, and it is made by Kerry Woollen Mills, which has been producing fabrics and yarns with fine wool from its location on the Ring of Kerry on the Atlantic coast for more than 300 years.

 

His birthday:

It can sometimes be tricky to find the perfect birthday gifts for the men in your family and friendship circle. We can help, with a number of great options in our range. Take a moment to consider the personality of the person you are choosing a gift for, and decide whether a formal sweater that can be worn over a collared shirt will be a more practical option than a rugged, outdoor sweater that is ideal for adventures. We love the Killybegs Half-Ziip Wool Sweater, which is designed for comfort and doesn’t compromise on style. It’s made from 100% New Lambswool and features a classic chunky plain stitch with a warm double ribbed neck and collar.

 

Christmas:

At Christmas, an Aran sweater is an excellent gift that is in keeping with iconic Hollywood depictions of the festive season. Several classic Christmas films feature the traditional Aran sweater, usually in the plain ‘bainin’ white/natural coloured wool. You’ll find several sweaters and cardigans in our catalogue that suit this sleek winter style, and we are especially keen on the seasonal Snowflake Zip-Neck Fairisle Sweater, which is a red and white festive Fair Isle design. This gorgeous sweater will soon become a winter favourite that you’ll reach for again and again and it comes with our signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity. An alternative Christmas gift idea is the festive themed Aran Cable Christmas Throw, a luxurious Aran knitted throw made from 100% Merino Wool. It measures 39 inches x 60 inches so it’s the perfect size for cosying up next to the Christmas tree!

Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to find a beautiful gift for every member of the family in our quintessentially Irish Aran range of knitted clothing and homewares.

 

Irish Style: The Beauty of Wool

Here at Weavers of Ireland, we aim to help preserve the traditional skills and designs of authentic Irish history, and our artisan craftspeople produce the very best quality garments and homewares for our catalogue. We have a beautiful selection of sweaters, cardigans, wraps and hats made from wool and wool tweed, as well as homewares, toys and clothes for children. We also have a stunning range of jewellery inspired by the Celtic traditions and symbols, and we can help you to find unique gifts for your friends and family.

If you are planning a trip to Ireland, we would be delighted to see you in one of our stores, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale. Alternatively, you can get the same great customer service and explore our full selection online at Weavers of Ireland.