Irish Wool: What Makes it Special and Why It’s Perfect for March Weather
Did you know that wool is one of the most sustainable options for clothing and homewares, and that it can keep you warm, cosy and protected from the elements? Wool has long been used to create woven and knitted garments in Ireland, and it is well known for its naturally insulating and water-repellent qualities. Our collection of clothing and homewares is made from the finest Irish wool, as well as luxury wool blends from all over the world.
At Weavers of Ireland, we showcase beautiful knitted and woven items, and we are proud to play a role in preserving traditional Irish craftsmanship for future generations to enjoy. Here, we’ll take a look at Irish wool and specialist fabrics such as Donegal tweed, and we’ll explore some of the stunning products in our St Patrick’s Day home and clothing collections.
Wool in Winter
In the winter months, natural materials such as wool and tweed are an excellent choice because they offer protection against wet and cold weather, and they are ideal both for outerwear and for layering up. When it’s cold outside, wool is ideal because:
• It’s insulating. Wool is a natural fibre that helps to keep the body warm by trapping air against the skin. Traditional knitting skills, such as the cable stitches used in Aran knitting, can add extra warmth as the layers of wool build up and more air is trapped between them. This is why Aran sweaters were originally a great choice for farmers and fishermen who were working outdoors all day long, and they were knitted by their families to protect them while they worked. Today, Aran sweaters are a good choice for outdoor activities and will help you to stay warm and cosy all winter long. They’re a great option for St Patrick’s Day and will keep you dry and cosy throughout the celebrations!
• It’s water repellent. Wool is naturally water repellent, due to the lanolin within it, and a wool garment can take on up to thirty percent of its weight in water without feeling wet. This means that wool and tweed clothing can keep you dry in light rain and can protect you against the wet mist that so often hangs around in the winter months. It’s a great choice for March, because the weather is usually warming up a little, and you are less likely to need a heavy overcoat, but you’ll still need a warm and dry outer layer.
• It is easy to look after. Wool does not need a great deal of care to keep it looking great, and it is best to air a wool garment or blanket between wears or uses to refresh it. The natural oils in wool can repel dirt and stains, so the material does not need washing regularly, but if your woollen items become dirty, you may need to wash them occasionally. If you are washing wool items, you should wash them by hand in cool water, using a special wool detergent. You may need to rinse several times to ensure all detergent is removed. After washing, items should be laid flat and reshaped while wet, and dried flat away from direct heat or sunlight to avoid stretching, bleaching or shrinking. It is important to check labels because some woollen garments can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, and some require dry cleaning.
• It can keep you cool. Did you know that wool is also a good fabric to wear in warmer weather, since it can help to regulate the body temperature by wicking sweat away from the body? This makes it a great option for the changeable weather conditions in March, and an ideal choice for layering up so you can adapt to the elements, which are often unpredictable all year round in Ireland!
• It is odour-resistant. Wool is naturally antimicrobial, and this means that it is resistant to bacterial growth that can cause body odour. This is good news for anyone wearing wool, and it is also good news for the planet since it means you will need to wash wool garments much less frequently than other materials.
• It is durable. Woollen garments can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly, and this is because the fibres are strong and pliable. Different wools have different fibre lengths, and can be used to create a blend that is soft and durable. Investing in wool garments is a good choice for the environment, since these are natural materials that won’t lose their shape and structure in the way that mass-produced, synthetic clothing will.
• It is sustainable. Wool is a natural, organic material that is sustainable since it is usually shorn from sheep annually. Some wools from speciality breeds of sheep and goats can be sheared more or less often. This means that wool is considered a renewable material, and it is also biodegradable, so it is a much healthier choice for the planet than synthetic fibres that contain microplastics.
Wool garments are ideal for layering up all year round, and make an excellent outer layer to protect against the elements. This means that wool is ideal for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and camping, as well as looking great with more formal clothing for a special occasion. Blankets and throws made from wool are a warm and cosy choice for your home or for curling up under the stars, and we will be happy to help you find unique items you love in our catalogue.
What is Donegal Tweed?
Donegal Tweed is a type of tweed fabric that is made in the county of Donegal, and it is characterised by flecks of different coloured wool that is knotted into the fabric as it is woven. Irish Tweed is recognisable all over the world, and Donegal Tweed is perhaps the most well-known. The flat caps worn by famous names, including many music and sports stars and the infamous Peaky Blinders crew, are usually made from Donegal Tweed, which gives a structure and texture that is well-suited to hats and jackets.
Tweed is closely woven so that it retains all of the practical qualities of the wool, as we have discussed above, and it is a strong and stylish fabric choice that is very popular for formal and casual clothing. A tweed suit or jacket is an excellent choice for workwear or for a formal occasion, while a tweed hat can be worn to add a touch of personality to any outfit daily or for a special event.
St Patrick’s Day Collections
St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of all things Irish, and clothing and homewares made from traditional fabrics such as wool and Irish tweed are the perfect choice on 17th March and all year round! We have a beautiful collection of throws, scarves and sweaters in our St Patrick’s Day home and clothing collections, and these also make wonderful gifts for the special people in your life. Let’s take a look at some of our favourites:
• Two-Tone Aran Patchwork Throw. If you’re looking for something special that will become a family heirloom, you’ll love the Two Tone Aran Patchwork Throw. This stunning throw is made from 100% wool, and the two-tone design perfectly complements the cable and honeycomb stitching patterns. It’s big enough to wrap around a special couple, so it makes a great engagement or wedding present, and the kiwi/Connemara colour scheme is the ideal choice for St Patrick’s Day.
• Narrow Lambswool Scarf. Our natural lambswool scarves are extra long and extra soft, suitable for men and women and available in several stunning colours. The Narrow Lambswool Scarf in Apple Green shade is perfect for adding a touch of Irish style to your St Patrick’s Day outfit, and it’s a versatile way to accessorise your outfit for every occasion. This is a truly wonderful gift that is a great choice for a birthday or Christmas present for a family member or friend.
• Men’s Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater. The Aran sweater is a classic for a reason, and the Men’s Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater is a great choice. It’s a timeless style that was worn by the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands for hundreds of years, and it works well with a casual or more formal outfit. When it comes to Aran sweaters, stitching tells a story, and this sweater showcases the beautiful Cable, Diamond and Honeycomb patterns that are said to bring abundance and good luck to the wearer. If you’re looking for a sweater for St Patrick’s Day, you’ll want to choose moss green or army green, which is green enough for the occasion and subtle enough to wear all year round as well!
• Ladies Cropped Aran Sweater. Inspired by the traditional Aran sweater, recent designer collections have introduced modern details such as cropped lengths and balloon sleeves to their knitwear. Here, the Ladies Cropped Aran Sweater sits just above the waist and pairs perfectly with jeans or a skirt and tights. It features the classic Honeycomb, Diamond and Cable Aran stitching patterns that were first designed to bring good luck and prosperity to those working at sea and in the fields, and it is a practical, warm choice that is ideal for the spring or autumn, as well as those cold winter days. For St Patrick’s Day, the Evergreen shade is a tribute to your Irish heritage, and it will also blend well with the rest of your wardrobe.
• Fishermen’s Merino Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater. When you’re out and about in the unpredictable March weather, layers are the key to staying warm and cosy all day. The Fishermen’s Merino Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater is ideal for layering up, and it’s made from soft Merino wool, so it can be worn next to the skin. Like all of our Irish sweaters, it’s made with love and the highest quality wools, using traditional skills that ensure it will last a lifetime. It’s available in a range of different colours, including Army Green, which works just as well with formal trousers as with your jeans, and gives a nod towards your Irish heritage when you’re out and about, celebrating St Patrick’s Day.
• Donegal Tweed Waistcoat. The Donegal Irish Tweed Waistcoat can be worn in a variety of ways, whether you’re wearing it on its own, catwalk style, or over a collared shirt or a grandfather shirt. It makes a great addition to your formal wardrobe, helping you to make the right impact at your family events, and it can also be worn with jeans for a more relaxed look. Made from distinctive Donegal Tweed, the rich green herringbone fabric is warm, comfortable and stylish, and simply oozes sophistication. It’s a good look for St Patrick’s Day, and you’ll be sure to reach for it again and again this year!
We have many more sweaters, scarves and throws in our home and clothing collections, and there are options to suit every mood and personality. Whatever the occasion, you will find the perfect wool or wool tweed item to suit, and we can help you to find your new favourites as well as gifts for your family members and friends.
Find Gorgeous Woollens at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, our mission is to preserve traditional crafts such as knitting and weaving for future generations to enjoy. We have a variety of throws, scarves and sweaters made in the classic style, as well as cardigans, ponchos and wraps that combine ancient techniques with a modern twist. We work with local artisans who use the finest wool and wool tweed, and we know you will love the garments and homewares we produce.
Choosing natural materials means you can step away from the fast fashion movement that is so damaging to the planet, and investing in sustainable materials enables you to create a unique look and style for yourself. Our woollen garments are comfortable and warm, and they look as good as they feel! Take your time to explore our clothing, homewares and accessories, including gifts for every occasion and stunning Irish Bronze Art that honours Irish identity and the rich cultural heritage that underpins it. Visit us in one of our stores in Ireland or take a look at our catalogue online today.
