Our range of sweaters for men and women combines tradition and style, with classic designs that reflect Irish heritage and add a contemporary touch to create true special pieces. Aran sweaters were originally knitted on the Aran Islands by the families of the fishermen and farmers who worked in this isolated location, and the patterns used today still bear the intricate cable stitches that were used in these early designs.
Aran sweaters were created to be a practical choice that would protect workers against the wind and rain while they worked in the fields and at sea. This was effective because wool is naturally water repellent and can take on up to thirty percent of its weight in water without feeling wet, and it is a warm, naturally insulating fabric. However, the Aran sweater later become a global fashion phenomenon, featuring on the cover of Vogue magazine in the 1950s and often worn by famous names such as Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace of Monaco and Elvis Presley.
The Fisherman’s roll neck sweater is a good, practical choice for any occasion, and you’ll find that all of our Irish sweater designs can be dressed up or down as your schedule requires. You can wear a stylish Irish sweater over your button down shirt to create a soft, formal look for a family function or a smart-casual working environment, or you can pair your sweater with jeans and some classic boots for a comfortable, relaxed look.
Many of our designs are unisex, especially the traditional Aran sweater styles, and our wool sweaters made especially for women offer more feminine features such as shaping in the body of the sweater and delicate necklines and cuffs. Our designs are available in a range of subtle colours that reflect the natural landscapes of Ireland, including soft greens that evoke the moors and open fields and the deep blues that are inspired by the ocean. There are options for every season, and we love the deep golds and reds of the autumn as well as the pastel shades that are ideally suited to the springtime.
Here at Weavers of Ireland, we aim to preserve traditional Irish crafts for future generations and the designs and stitching patterns used by our craftspeople ensure that your new sweater will become a family heirloom. Looked after properly, wool will last a lifetime so this is an investment in your future, as well as a connection to your Irish roots.