Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. A couple of weeks ago, Taylor Swift caused quite a stir when she appeared in an Aran sweater for the launch of her new album, Folklore. It seems the world just can’t get enough of our most famous garment so let’s go back to where it all began to explore the history of the Aran sweater.
A Short History of the Aran Sweater
The Place

So this is the place and what a place! The Aran Islands are 3 islands in Galway Bay at Ireland’s most westerly point. The largest of the trio is Inishmore, followed by Inishmann and Inisheer. Traditionally, the islanders farmed the land and fished the wild Atlantic waters. Conditions were harsh and the Aran sweater was born out of necessity. A protective layer against the cold and rains of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean.
What Is An Aran Sweater?

So I know what you’re thinking; a wool sweater to protect against the rain? How does that work? Well, the first Aran sweaters were made using unwashed báinín ( bain meaning white in Irish) – a yarn made from sheep’s wool. The yarn was untreated and retained its natural lanolin making it waterproof.
Each sweater features between four and six stitch patterns in vertical columns. One of these stitch patterns usually takes center stage in the main body of the sweater.

So the first Aran sweaters appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This was due to an initiative by the Congested Districts Board. The Republic of Ireland was still under British rule at the time. The Congested Districts Board was established in 1891 by the First Earl of Balfour, the then Chief Secretary of Ireland.
The organization was set up to combat poverty and improve living conditions in the west of Ireland. Fishing communities were particularly poverty-stricken so the board brought people from the rest of the British Isles to Ireland to teach better fishing techniques. While doing this, they also imparted their craft of knitted fisherman sweaters.
Aran Sweater Stitches
So many myths and legends abound when it comes to the much loved Aran knitting stitches-this is Ireland after all! There is even a claim that Aran stitch patterns appear in the Book of Kells! The more likely explanation is that Aran knitters were inspired by ancient Celtic artwork.
When it comes to the history of Aran knitting, the story goes that the original Aran knitters developed their own stitch patterns which were closely guarded from clan to clan. Patterns were passed down the generations from memory.
Aran Sweater Stitches – Meanings & Symbols
Honeycomb Stitch
The symbol of the hard-working bee. Industry and efficiency were important values for the Islanders. Also believed to bring good fortune to the wearer.
Diamond Stitch
Symbolic of the patchwork farming fields of the Aran Islands. Wishing health and success.
Cable
A representation of the fisherman’s ropes. A prayer for safety and good luck while fishing.
Basket:
A symbol of the fisherman’s basket representing the hope of a plentiful catch.
International Fame
The first Aran sweater patterns were published by Patons of England in the 1940s. Popularity was growing and when Grace Kelly appeared in Vogue wearing an Aran sweater in 1950, worldwide fame was inevitable. Many famous people have donned our favorite sweater including Marilyn Monroe, Steve Mc Queen, Elvis and Chris Evans in the movie Knives Out last year.

A Lasting Legacy
In 2017, an Aran sweater from the 1940s went on display as part of the “Is Fashion Modern” exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art along with 111 other pieces that have influenced fashion over the past 100 years.
These pieces include the Little Black Dress and Levi Jeans. Further proof of the status of the Aran sweater as a fashion classic and must-have wardrobe staple. Not bad for a piece of clothing that began life as a humble fisherman’s sweater on a remote trio of islands off Ireland’s Atlantic coast!
Get Yours Today!

So why not treat yourself to our classic Blasket Honeycomb Stitch Aran sweater today! The untreated wool is a thing of the past-ours comes in super soft, easy to wear merino wool! Choose from 4 gorgeous shades.
Thanks for reading!
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
10 comments
It also helped identify the bodies of fishermen washed ashore after a mishap as each family had their own design combinations.
So they say Bettina!
Thanks for reading,
Take are,
Lulu.
I love my Aran sweaters! Interesting Irish history ???☘️?
Thanks Eileen. That’s so lovely to hear!
Glad you enjoyed the blog and the sweaters!
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi LULU . I love your swatters ,the look so good and are so soft and warm Your Country is just beautiful . I love the country side, so peaceful and gentle. My Grand ,Grand ,Grand Mother came from the county of MAYO. To south Texas , that was part of Mexico ,at the time. Her Father went to fight for Mexico ,with other Irish Catholics Like Johan Riley , We have a little Irish in us. Some of us Americans of Mexican heritage ,will always love the Irish Catholics Viva Ireland . Your Friend Amador .
Amador, with regards, your ancestor may have been part of the San Patricios. They fought in Mexico as Irish-Mexican and US war(s). You see we have always had Mexico and the people of Mexico in our hearts… yes for religious reasons but always because of your dignity for families. That, unfortunately, is missing today. But I am always reminded by Mexican/Honduran/Guatamalan and South American strength of family in the US. Kind Regards, Robert O’Gorman
Hi Amador,
So glad you’re loving the sweaters! And your ancestors come from such a beautiful part of Ireland!
Thanks so much for reading and shopping at The Irish Store!
Kind regards,
Lulu
My friend and I had planned our trip to Ireland july 31-august 20. We had to cancel due to covid. I have 3 sweaters from your store and i love them. I told him we need to visit your shop when we get there which will hopefully be soon! Thanks for the history behind your beautiful sweaters!
Hi Joanne,
You are so welcome and I am thrilled you’re a fan of our sweaters!
I’m sorry you had to cancel your trip and I hope you get to come and see us very soon!
Stay safe and well,
Lulu.
I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF VISITING THE ARAN ISLANDS A FEW YEARS AGO AND STILL HAVE SOME OF YOUR LOVELY KNITTED ITEMS, NEVER FORGET SUCH A LIVELY PLACE. HOPE I CAN RETURN IN THE FUTURE, BEST REGARDS, ARACELI