Irish sweaters have always been highly appreciated, but they surely became more popular in recent years. Have you ever wondered what makes them so special and why are they so beloved by both fashion designers and casual wearers? These jumpers are more than just a simple piece of clothing; they are garments with personality, history, and tradition. If you would like to learn more about them, here are 3 things that distinguish Irish sweaters that will make you definitely want to buy one:
Image: Turtleneck sweater for women at Tara Irish Clothing
They have a fascinating history
Aran jumpers, also known as Irish or fisherman sweaters, originated in the Aran Islands- the three small lands of Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer located on the west coast of Ireland. In the late 19th-early 20th century, fishermen were moved there from Britain to help the villagers develop their fishing industry. In the late 19th-early 20th century, fishermen were moved there from Britain in order to help the villagers develop their fishing industry. It is believed that this is the period when Aran jumpers were created, since women knitted them for their husbands who needed thick and warm clothes to go out on the sea. Since then, Irish sweaters became a trademark of the Aran Islands and are now well-known all over the world.
They are knitted with traditional stitches and patterns Image: honeycomb stitching detail
Aran sweaters used to be a canvas for local women to display their creativity and ability. This is why an Aran sweater made by hand contains around 100,000 stitches, each of which forms a unique design. Each family’s sweaters are thought to have had their own distinct pattern, that often represented a wish for the fisherman or the islanders’ daily lives. The cable, for example, represents a fisherman’s rope, the diamond stitch expressed a desire for health and prosperity, and the honeycomb depicted hard work and its sweet rewards. These patterns were passed down through generations, and it is said that if a fisherman died in the sea, his body could be identified by the pattern on his sweater even after a long period of time.
They are made of a special type of woolImage: natural merino wool detail
When they were first created, Irish sweaters used to be made of untreated local wool, so that lanolin, a natural component of the wool, could make the garments water resistant and provide better protection from cold winds and sea water. Despite the fact that they were ideal for going out on the sea, these sweaters were heavy and itchy. Most Aran sweaters nowadays are made of Merino wool, a delicate and lightweight wool that is two times lighter than the traditional one. This fabric is water- and odor-resistant, as well as breathable, practical, and very long-lasting. It provides excellent cold-weather coverage, but it may also be worn in the summer since it regulates body temperature and is a natural UV protector for your skin. Overall, Merino wool is widely recognized as one of the best textiles currently available on the market. If you are looking for an Irish sweater made of 100% Merino wool, go to Tara to find an authentic range of knitted Irish sweaters with traditional patterns for all budgets.
