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Photo by DJ Scammell

Fashion For Men—Irish Aran Wool Sweater

By Douglas James Scammell

Published 2:17 PDT, Fri March 14, 2025

Last Updated: 2:18 PDT, Fri March 14, 2025

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During the cooler weather months a gentleman must have a good sweater to help stay comfortable and warm and equally important, to stay stylish at the same time.

There are many great sweaters to choose from with crew necks, v necks, turtle necks, cardigans etc…

One of my personal favorite sweaters is the iconic Irish Aran Wool Sweater.

It is important to note this sweater is an icon for both men and women.

History

The Aran sweater has been around since the late 1800’s and originated in Ireland in the Aran islands in Galway Bay region which is the most westerly point. Weather conditions there were harsh and the Aran sweater was born out of necessity as a protective layer against the cold and rains of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. The sweater was very popular with Irish fishermen.

The yarn made from sheep’s wool is untreated and retained its natural lanolin making it waterproof. An Aran sweater can absorb 30 per cent of its weight in water before feeling wet. Also it is important to note the natural wool fibre makes the sweater also breathable drawing water vapour away from the skin and releasing it into the air helping the body to maintain an ideal temperature. This sweater helps protect the wearer from excessive cold as well as heat.

The craft of the Aran Sweater contains approximately 100,000 carefully constructed stiches and can take the knitter several months to complete. The three dimensional effect of the twisted stitches also increase the warmth of the clothing by creating air pockets.

Photo by DJ Scammell

Myths

Part of the appeal and popularity of the Aran Sweater is said to have meanings associated with the different stitching propagated by Heinz Edgar Kiewe who was a self-styled textile journalist who ran a yarn shop in Oxford.

1. Diamond Stitch is said to represent the stone walls which were built to divide the lands of different ruling clans. These stone walls in the Aran islands in Ireland still remain today.

2. Zig Zag Stich is said to represent a happy marriage.

3. The honeycomb stitch which is shown in the center of the sweater is said to bring good luck.

4. Trellis Stitch is said to symbolize the ropes of the fishermen who risked their lives on the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Tree of life Stitch is said to represent the importance of family. It is sometimes given a religious significance, symbolizing a pilgrims path to salvation.

Resurgence

The sweater gained more popularity in the 1950’s when actress Grace Kelly appeared in Vogue wearing the sweater.

Many famous people have made this sweater an icon over the years including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Chris Evans, Adam Driver, and Taylor Swift.

Actor Steve McQueen wore this sweater in the classic movie The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) and more recently actor Adam Driver in the movie House of Gucci (2021).

The sweater looks timeless and looks great paired with jeans.

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