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Aran Sweaters
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There are just 1300 inhabitants living on the Islands of Aran: good simple folk, whose lives remain intimately intertwined with the earth and the sea. It seems remarkable that these small Islands are famous worldwide for a simple item of clothing - the Aran sweater - and for the impact this ancient wool garment has had on the clothing world. It is hard to think of any sweater which is more instantly recognisable than the Aran. Its intricately woven patterns, and handmade ruggedness are unmistakably Aran. It seems no coincidence that the Arran islands off the coast of Scotland, from where Arran wool originates, are also well known for their famous Arran Sweater.
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Aran Knitwear
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The Aran sweater takes its name from the islands of Aran, where it originated untold generations ago. They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and nothing is more of a necessity than a good, warm Aran sweater, in a place like the Aran Islands. Located off the coast Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands rise up defiantly out of the relentless Atlantic. An impressive display of towering cliffs and crumbling stone walls, they are a thing of beauty, but no place for a T-Shirt.
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Aran Sweater Patterns
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Aran wool patterns each have a semiotic story to tell. The following are just a few examples of the many in existence:
• Honeycomb: this suggestion of the bee, seen in an Aran sweater, is the sign of the sweet reward one gets for hard work.
• The Ladder: the stairway to heaven.
• Cable stitches: one of the most famous Aran knitwear stitches represents the fisherman’s hardy rope.
• The Zig Zag: Is thought to represent the pathways of Aran and the vicissitudes of married life.
It has to be said, most people are more interested in the looks, style and comfort of their Aran knitwear, than the garment’s history and folklore.
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The Future of Aran Knitwear
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There are many modern materials on the market which try to do the same job as Aran wool. Some are pretty good. However, not only is the Aran sweater design hundreds of years old, it has many unique qualities. It can absorb 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet. It’s breathable, and draws water vapour away from the wearer’s body. This helps maintain a steady body temperature, at the same time as keeping the wearer warm and snug. You can't help but get the impression people will be wearing Aran sweaters for a long time to come.
View our full range of Aran Sweaters - Classic Aran Sweater
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