So, where do Aran sweaters come from? Iconic Aran sweaters take their name from a trio of islands on the westernmost point of Ireland not far from the County Galway coast. Inishmore is the largest of the islands, the middle being Inishmann and the smallest island, Inisheer. The women of the islands knitted sweaters first as a protective layer for the island’s fishermen and farmers. Since then, the sweaters have taken the fashion world by storm!
- The Original Fisherman Sweater
The very first Aran Sweaters were knitted for fishing, but what might surprise you is that they were totally waterproof! They were made originally using unscoured yarn. Unscoured yarn maintains the natural lanolin of wool which makes it water-resistant. This made the garment ideal for the challenging and harsh conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit this website for Aran Sweaters
- Fashion Icons
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, the sweaters gained popularity around the world and when Grace Kelly appeared in one on the cover of a fashion magazine in the 1950s, the humble sweaters from Ireland were catapulted to iconic status, reinforcing their reputation as a classic Irish design.
- Famous Fans
The news of Aran sweaters further spread during the New York Village folk revival of the 50s and 60s. The Clancy Brothers, who were a famous Irish folk band in the 60s, donned these sweaters when they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, introducing them to millions of American homes. Some famous advocates and wearers of Aran included Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen.