Aran Sweaters are named after the Aran Islands which are located off the west coast of Ireland. The jumpers are usually found in an off-white colour, although more modern Aran jumpers can be found in a variety of different colours. The distinct cable pattern is found on the sleeves and the body of the garment. The wool originally used in their construction was unwashed which meant that it still contained the natural lanolin that you find in sheep’s wool. This made the jumper water repellent which was one of the main attractions of this type of jumper.
The history of the jumper is somewhat unknown although there have been early examples of the stitches used in this type of garment found on many different islands. Some of the appeal of the jumpers is the myths that surround it that come from Heinz Edgar Kiewe. They include the belief that:
- The moss stitch would bring about abundance
- The blackberry stitch represented nature
- The honeycomb was said to bring plenty into your life
- Basket stitches were linked to the old wicker baskets used by fishermen
- The Tree of Life links to the stages of life we all go through
Although it is a jumper that has a long historical past it also has a very real presence in today’s society.
From island fishermen to mainstream fashion
The Aran sweater began as working clothing. It was worn mainly by the fishermen of the Aran Islands as they set out to bring in a catch on the East Atlantic, where the sea is rough and choppy even in good weather. The women of the islands knitted the jumpers for the men who worked those waters.
They were made from a special wool that produced a garment both lightweight and sturdy, and the wool was also slightly water resistant, which made it ideal for long days at sea. The classic version was cream in colour, with large cable stitches running across it.
Over time the jumpers spread into mainstream fashion, and the range of designs grew. Colours expanded too. Traditional cream remains popular, but navy and other shades joined it, and today Aran sweaters can be found in almost every colour imaginable, while keeping the cabled look that makes them instantly recognisable.
The fishermen behind the Aran jumper
The Aran sweater was first made on the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, and began to appear towards the end of the nineteenth century. It was originally worn by the islands’ fishermen, who needed clothing that could stand up to long hours at sea at any time of day.
That working background explains much of its character. The sweater had to be hard-wearing and practical, able to take repeated wear and washing while still keeping its shape and warmth. The distinctive cable stitches were part of what made it so recognisable.
Over time, the jumper moved well beyond the fishing boats. Everyday clothing for most people changed to plainer garments without the textured stitching, but the Aran sweater has remained popular for generations, valued both for its durability and for the heritage of the islanders who first wore it.