For a country whose population is almost two times smaller than the one of New York City, Ireland has surely given us a lot of things, from famous celebrations to talented actors. Another thing that we owe the Irish for is the Aran sweaters, which are also commonly known as Irish or the fisherman sweater. Ever since its popularization, this jumper became a staple and an example of a classic clothing item that will never go out of style. In case you wanted to know more about these garments, in this article we’re going to discuss their benefits, specifics, history, and why you should consider adding one to your wardrobe.
This timeless piece of clothing was originally handcrafted by the kind-hearted women of the Aran Islands, located west of Ireland, for their family members that made a survival out of fishing, hence the name. Back then, since the locals didn’t have any access to too many fabrics, they used the thick, untreated wool of the sheep of the islands and although it kept the fishermen warm and was water repellent, it was also highly itchy, heavy, and overall not very comfortable, especially in today’s world. This is why these days Aran sweaters are made of more gentle alternatives, such as alpaca, lambswool, and the especially appreciated Merino wool. There are a ton of benefits that this fabric has: it is thin, lightweight, breathable, water and odor repellent, and it helps to regulate the body temperature, which makes it perfect not only for the colder seasons but also for when the heat hits up. If you’re looking for a garment that would be made of 100% merino, an Irish wool sweater is definitely all you can wish for.
Apart from its history and the fabric that it’s made of, Irish sweaters also seem to be highly fashionable, as the latest trends have shown. Something that’s so useful and beautiful at the same time obviously caught the eye of people living outside of Ireland, so it quickly became a worldwide trend. It is elegant, distinctive, but still practical, which makes it stand apart from most of today’s fashion trends. An Aran sweater is the perfect garment for both men and women, as it can be worn with all sorts of pants, skirts, and even over dresses. It is also a long-lasting item of clothing, so if you’ll read carefully the labels, buy the right detergent, and learn how to wash and dry it correctly, your Irish sweater can last up to a few decades. Nowadays, a lot of celebrities have worn Aran sweaters, the most recent proof of its timelessness being its appearance in the hit movie “House of Gucci”, when Adam Driver, who plays Maurizio Gucci, the grandson of the founder of the Gucci House. Overall, an Irish sweater is a long-time investment into your wardrobe that will surely take your style and fashion choices to a whole new level.
