The Aran Sweater is one of the most iconic and historical clothing items associated with Ireland. The Aran sweater is often referred to as the Fisherman’s Sweater or Geansai Arrann in the Irish language, is commonly spoken in the Islands that are home to this iconic sweater.
The Aran sweater is a symbol that has long been associated with Ireland and the historic fishing communities that have made this item a worldwide success.
The Aran sweater originated on the wild and beautiful windswept Aran Islands. Located off the West coast of Ireland where the wild wind and waves of the Atlantic Ocean have craved out this wonderful landscape, gods hand carving one of the worlds most beautiful areas. An area associated with myths and legends, wild vistas and magical tales.
The sheep reared on this wild Atlantic landscape were raised and used for their wool. These magnificent sweaters are a work of art, their identifiable color of a creamy off white and cable patterns. These beautiful sweaters are traditionally made from 100% merino wool. Local fishermen traditionally wore these sweaters.
The wool used is traditionally unscoured, which ensures that they kept the natural oils within the wool and as a result made them water resistant and very warm.
What is the Meaning of the Aran Sweater Patterns?
The wives and mothers of the families knitted Aran sweaters for the male member of their families. The patterns that were used are extremely complicated and could took between 40 -50 hours to knit by hand.
Some of the traditional patterns were made up of different combinations of cable, honeycomb, diamond, basket and zigzag stitches.
Families on the Aran Islands had their own patterns that were associated with their Aran sweaters. The sad reality of the hard life at sea is many of these men faced meant that many lost their lives.
The Aran sweaters were thought to be a way Fishermen could be identified by their family patterns if they lost their lives to the wild Atlantic waters around these Islands.
Where can you buy a Aran Sweaters in Ireland
In the 1950’s the Standun family who were from Co Galway started to export this iconic piece of Irish Culture to the US. Hundreds of women were employed by the family and knitted these wonderful sweaters.
A documentary which was called “The Man Of Aran” was produced and as a result of this created a market for the Aran sweater. This was a way for the Irelanders to make extra income, which was badly needed in this area of Ireland.
The internationally acclaimed Irish musicians The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem wore Aran sweaters and this was to become a look that would forever be associated with them and their music.
During a tour in United States the brother’s mother sent them Aran sweaters, as she was concerned that the weather was freezing and snowing. Grace Kelly would famously wore the iconic Aran Sweater on the cover of Vogue in 1950. Steve McQueen also wore the famous Irish Aran Sweater.
Aran sweaters are now available in most good stores throughout the island of Ireland. They are available for purchase at Carraig Donn an Irish franchise that is in towns all over Ireland.
Standun’s located in Spiddal Co. Galway are a supplier of Aran Sweaters all over the world.
You can purchase your sweaters at Aran sweater market, located in Kilronan, The Aran Isiand, County Galway. Blarney Woolen Mills and Carroll’s Irish Gifts are also major suppliers of our prized piece of Irish clothing and all have online stores.