Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. As the winter chills continue there’s no better way to stay cozy and look stylish than in a classic Aran sweater. Its iconic status is undeniable so it’s not surprising that Aran sweaters continue to remain our top sellers here at The Irish Store. Here’s some interesting facts about one of Ireland’s most famous exports.
1. The Aran Islands
So this is where it all began! The iconic Aran sweater takes its name from the trio of islands on the west of Ireland just off the coast of County Galway. Inishmore is the biggest of the islands followed by Inishmann and the smallest island, Inisheer. The islander women knitted the first Aran sweaters as a protective layer for the islander fishermen and farmers.
The combinations of stitches that we admire on sweaters today were no accident. Family patterns were closely guarded and passed down through generations. It is even claimed that the bodies of Aran Islander fishermen who had died at sea could be identified by the pattern on their Aran sweater.
2. The Original Fisherman’s Sweater
So as I mentioned above, the first Aran sweaters were made for fishermen but did you know that they were actually waterproof! The original yarn was unscoured. Unscoured wool retains its natural lanolin making it water resistant. Perfect for braving the harsh conditions of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean and a far cry from the soft merino and pure wool yarns that are used today.
3. There’s an Aran sweater in the Book of Kells!
Ok so this is definitely a myth but it wouldn’t be Irish without the odd tall tale! It is claimed that Aran stitch patterns can be seen in one of Ireland’s most precious treasures, The Book of Kells. Highly unlikely as the first Aran sweaters came into being in the early 1900s and The Book of Kells dates back to the 800 AD! A more believable explanation is that Aran knitters were inspired by the artwork on the megalithic monuments that surrounded them.
4. The Amazing Craft
The amazing skill involved in creating an Aran sweater cannot be underestimated. The intricacy of the designs and the mastery that these Aran knitters commanded of their craft still amazes experts to this day. An sweater is a true work of art containing approximately 100,000 painstakingly constructed stitches.
5. Every Stitch Tells a Tale
There is more meaning hidden in the Aran sweater than you might think! Each stitch pattern has its own symbolism and significance. Below are the meanings associated with some of the most popular Aran stitches.
Honeycomb: The symbol of the hard-working bee. Industry and efficiency were important values for the Islanders.
Cable: A tribute to the fisherman’s ropes. A prayer for safety and good luck while fishing.
Diamond: Wishes the wearer health and success
Basket: A symbol of the fisherman’s basket representing the hope of a plentiful catch.
6. A Fashion Icon
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, the Aran sweater gained popularity around the world and when Grace Kelly appeared in an Aran sweater on the cover of vogue in the 1950s, this humble Irish sweater was catapulted to iconic status, cementing its reputation as an Irish design classic.
7. Famous Fans
The fame of the Aran sweater spread further with New York Village’s folk scene during the 1950s and 1960s. The Irish folk music group The Clancy Brothers, friends of Bob Dylan, wore their Aran sweaters for their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the early 1960s, introducing it to millions of American homes. Famous fans included Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and the ultra-cool Steve Mc Queen. Present day celebrities spotted sporting Ireland’s favorite sweater include Taylor Swift, Sarah-Jessica Parker and mega star Adele.
8. A Place in Fashion History
In 2017 the Aran sweater earned itself its rightful place in the “Is Fashion Modern” exhibition at the world renowned Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Chosen as one of 111 items of clothing and accessories that have influenced fashion over the last 100 years, the Aran sweater sat side by side with such fashion icons as the little black dress, the biker jacket, the Wonderbra and Levi jeans to name but a few.
9. So Where Can you find the Perfect Aran Sweater?
Well that’s easy-The Irish Store of course! Shop our full collection of luxury Aran Sweaters below!
Thanks for dropping by!
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
48 comments
Gentle folk,
You may want to consider adding knit patterns for some of your designs. I made a sweater in the ’60’s that was featured on the cover of the Vogue Kitting magazine. It never fails to get awesome reactions from folks. Then, too, Ralph Lauren has featured a knit pullover in his collection a few years ago that I made for a granddaughter. My interest stems from our family connection to fishermen in south Louisiana. Your story of how the sweaters developed intrigue me still.
With admiration,
Irene Hebert Chesnutt
Is Irish wool bug proof? I purchased a Scottish hand knit 100% wool cardigan sweater in Inverness in 1979. In all that time, not one bug has taken a bite out of my Scottish hand knit sweater.
yes they are i was attached by a swarm of wasps in new zealand wearing one and was not stung at all
Can anyone recommend a quality name and product that good?
Hi Denise,
At The Irish Store we have our own label Aran sweaters as well as a range by Aran crafts. Most are made with merino wool and finished with the highest quality standards. We also have handknits from county Donegal in pure wool.
http://www.theirishstore.com
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Lulu
Is it possible to get the pattern for the cardigan that you use as an example of Aran stitches? Thank you. Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for your enquiry. Unfortunately we don’t carry Aran patterns-just the ready made sweaters! There’s lots of patterns available online. Hope you find something similar.
Happy knitting!
Regards,
Lulu.
Sandra, you can buy the patterns and the yarn on the Aran website. The patterns are only $10.
I have an aran island sweater but I cannot wear it because it is so itchy. Is there any way to soften it up without ruining it. Thanks
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for reading-hope you enjoyed the blog. If your Aran sweater is pure wool then it may well itch. You can try fabric conditioner to soften it up but this won’t necessarily stop the itch. How about wearing a long sleeved shirt underneath? Or you could always invest in one of our collection of Aran sweaters which are largely made with merino wool. Merino is more finely spun and tends to itch less.
https://www.theirishstore.com/aran-sweaters/women
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Lulu
Yes I would like to order but first I want the correct size for my husband which I think is either large or extra large can you tell me how many inches across the chest of the each sweater please I am looking at the traditioal Aran sweater please.Thanks I am from Canada I hope you deliver here in Quebec Canada.
Hi Phyllis.
Thanks for reading and yes we definitely deliver to Canada! Here’s a link to our size charts. Let me know if you need help with anything else.
https://www.theirishstore.com/size-guide
Happy shopping,
Lulu.
can you wea a l00$ merino wool irish sweater in 20 degree weather
Hi Pat,
Thanks for reading! 20 degrees would be a little too hot for wearing a merino wool sweater. It would much more suited to a fall/winter wardrobe when things get a little chillier. It’s also a great layer for cooler summer evenings.
Kind regards,
Lulu
20 degrees fahrenheit would be plenty cold enough for the sweater and a thick wool overcoat.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A TRUE ARAN SWEATER. I UNDER STAND THEY ARE NOT TO BE CLEANED BY A REGULAR DRY CLEANER. I HAVE NEVER HAD IT WASHED O DRY CLEANED I LIVE IN TAMPA FLORIDA U.S.A.
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for reading,
The golden rule is to wash your garment as seldom as possible and air frequently. We call this ‘wind-washing’.
Hang your garment out in the air and you will be amazed at how fresh it becomes. Never machine wash; they should be washed by hand using wool washing detergent and in cool water below 30 degrees Celsius. Always dry your jumper flat and never put it in a tumble dryer.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Lulu
We used a mix of eucalyptus oil and pure soap flakes mixed in TIL just dampened to wash Aran and other handknits. Keep in a glass jar and take a small amount out according to number of sweaters to be washed. Mix to a lather in warm water and submerge sweater and squeeze suds thru. Rinse only very briefly in clean water so as to retain some of oil. Squeeze out some of water as gently as possible .Dry supported on a rack( will be slow a wool is heavy and retains liquid !) This should keep it soft and prevent moths too. The smell reminds me of being small again in Ireland.
I would like to get one for my dad he’s doing chemo and is always cold he’s gained weight do to the steroids with the chemo so he has a big belly not a big chest so how’s the best way to measure him
Hi Cheryl,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad and I wish him all the best with his treatment.
I would advise going a size up from his normal chest size for comfort. Most of our Aran sweaters are made from merino wool which has a lot of give and is really comfortable to wear. See the link below to our menswear collection.
https://www.theirishstore.com/men
Best wishes,
Lulu
Hi Eileen. I am considering purchasing a sweater, and though I want something traditional in style, I feel the cream color is not practical for me as I walk in the woods all the time. Though natural cream is most popular, are other colors appropariate (like green) for Aran sweaters. I am thinking of a cardigan. Thank you!
Hi Lynda,
Thanks so much for reading. I am happy to report that we have many cardigans in many colors here at The Irish Store! See the link below to our collection of women’s cardigans.
Happy shopping!
Lulu
https://www.theirishstore.com/aran-sweaters/womens-cardigans
Do you sell any sweaters of the old style “unscoured wool”? If not, is there a source for the wool?
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for reading. We don’t have any sweaters mad with unscoured wool. The closest we would have would be worsted wool. See link below for our selection;
https://www.theirishstore.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=worsted
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Hi, These sweaters are beautiful and I would like to get one for my husband. He has very long arms. What is the sleeve length of the US size 42-44. My husband wears are 36 inch sleeve in a long sleeved shirt and to buy on of these with arms too short would be very unfortunate. Thank you for your help
Hi Mary Jo,
Thanks for reading the blog. See below for sleeve lengths for different sizes. I really hope one of them fits and your husband gets to own a beautiful Aran sweater!!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
L – 44-SLEEVE 34 INCHES
XL – 46-SLEEVE 35 INCHES
XXL – 48-SLEEVE 36 INCHES
Hello to all
In this puzzling span, I honey you all
Prize your family and friends
Thanks for those good wishes Adrienne.
I hope you and yours are keeping safe and well,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
I hope you are all safe and well.
I’m really interested in your Roll Neck Fisherman’s Irish Sweater
The 42/44 chest size is perfect but I’m 6’3” and I’m worried sweater length from shoulder to hips and arm length (I usually look like I’m wearing my kid’s stuff) Any help you can provide on those 2 details will be very much appreciated.
Also I have purchased a great Irish Fisherman’s sweater from John Molloy and It was so itchy I had to give it away. (I tried numerous things to get that issue resolved but nothing worked) I noticed your Fisherman’s sweater is not Marino wool so I’m a little concerned I’m duplicating my last mistakes.
I know I can return the sweater if it doesn’t fit but I really don’t want to unnecessary waste your money.
I’m looking forward to placing my order today as soon as I hear back
Thank you in advance for your help.
Dan
Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for your inquiry. The Roll Neck Fisherman’s sweater is a great choice! See our more detailed size guide below. As for the wool, it is pure wool but a very soft yarn. I understand your concern about itching but we have absolutely no problem with returns if it doesn’t agree with you. We’ve extended our returns tmeline to 6 months and returns are free.
Hope this helps,
Lulu.
Mens Roll Neck Fishermans Irish Sweater – Size Chart
Inches Centimeters
Our Sizing S M L XL XXL
Chest 18.9 20.9 22.0 22.8 24.4
Waist 18.9 20.9 22.0 22.8 24.4
Hips 18.9 20.9 22.0 22.8 24.4
Length 25.6 26.4 27.6 28.3 28.3
Arm Length 29.1 29.9 30.7 31.5 32.3
Width 18.9 20.9 22.0 22.8 24.4
Helpful Tips
Being a natural fibre, wool has a certain amount of flexibility and size may vary slightly. Our chest width measurements are calculated as the total circumference of the body.
Measurements
How To Measure
CHEST:
Measure across the fullest part of your chest.
WAIST:
Bend to one side to find the natural crease of your waist; measure across this point.
HIPS:
Standing with your feet together, measure around the fullest part.
If a Jumper has been accidentally washed in the washing machine ?is there anyway or returning the softness back?
Hi Jess,
I have to be honest, once a wool jumper goes through the machine, it’s hard to get to get it back to it’s original softness and shape. You could try soaking it in lukewarm water and some fabric softener or gentle wool detergent. Lay out to dry flat on a towel and gently reshape while it is still quite damp.You can also try some steam from the iron as you reshape as this will soften the fibres too. This may help but there’s no guarantees I’m afraid when it comes to the dreaded machine wash!!
Good luck!,
Best regards,
Lulu.
My Aran merino wool sweater is big ….should have done a medium vs large…is there a safe way to “shrink” it a bit?
Hi Peg,
I would strongly advise not to attempt to shrink your sweater as there is no safe way to do this. Your sweater will naturally shrink over time so I would just leave it be.
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hello, my mother in law wants an Aran Jumper for Xmas, but she wants it made out of pure Aran Wool. I think it’s probably a gap in my knowledge, does this exist? And do you sell this?
Thanks so much,
Hi Georgia,
Sounds like your mother in law is in the market for a genuine hand knit in pure wool and we have some beautiful pieces, handmade in Donegal by one of Ireland’s finest hand-knitters, Rosaleen Hegarty and her team at Crana Knits. I can highly recommend them! Check out the link below for our selection of handknits
https://www.theirishstore.com/hand-knit-arans/women-s-hand-knit-arans
Happy shopping!
Lulu.
Hi there,
I am just wondering where you source your wool from? Does it come from Irish sheep? I’m trying to source an Aran jumper that has had as much processing as possible done in Ireland. If the wool does not come from Irish sheep, could you please let me know where it is sourced from.
Many thanks!
Is the natural oils kept within the wool ?
Hi Ruth,
You’re referring to unscoured wool which would have been used in the original Aran Islander sweaters. These days the wool is treated to make the yarn much softer and easier to wear so much of the original oils are now removed
Thanks for reading!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
My Aran fisherman sweater is stretched out. I have not washed it but it looks baggy. How can I get back to original condition?
Hi Ginger,
See below for our guidelines on caring for your Aran sweater. Hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
https://support.theirishstore.com/hc/en-us/articles/212042866-How-can-I-wash-my-sweater-
Can you tell me what the hip measurement would be for the sweater coat in a woman’s size Large.
Thank you. Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks do much for your enquiry. See below link to our size charts
Kind regards,
Lulu
https://www.theirishstore.com/size-guide
Do you sell the wool your sweaters are mdad of? I purchased a dark green sweater from the irish stoe last fall. Unfortuantely, we got a puppy and he ripped a “hole” in the arm. My daughter in law does knit and is willing to fix the opening but she indicated that I need to get the same wool. I don’t think we have any type of wool in the states that would match so I figured I’d reachout and see if you sold the yarn or could recommend a type of wool that I could purchase in the states for the repair.
Thank you,
Reggie
Hi Reggie,
Sorry to hear about the mishap with the sweater. We don’t have the yarn but if you make sure the wool you get is merino. All our swetaers, except for the hand knits are made from merino wool.
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Lulu, thank you for the response. Passed on to daughter in law and she asked about weight. I know nothing when it comes to wool, what weight do I need to look for?
Hi Reggie,
Probably best to bring the sweater to the wool shop when you’re buying the yarn. They would be better placed to advise re weight.
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hello from Happykiddi.