5 Reasons You Should Wear an Aran Sweater
Also known as an Irish or a fisherman jumper, the Aran sweater is a traditional Irish garment with a long and interesting history. Back in the early 20th century when this pullover originated, it was created to be a warm, sturdy, and water-repellent piece of clothing for the fishermen whose job was to spend their time fishing even during the roughest weather. Today, however, the Aran sweater is a staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe and here are 5 reasons why you should also add it to your collection!
Style
The first reason any man wears an Aran sweater is obviously because of how stylish it looks. These hand knit garments stand out from all the other sweaters on the market due to their design and unique knit patterns featuring stitches like the diamond, cable, or blackberry stitch. When used together, they form an intriguing design that makes a basic garment more elevated and adds interest to any outfit. Not to mention the Aran sweater is a beloved item by many celebrities and it has even been portrayed in some iconic movies such as House of Gucci and Knives Out.
Comfort
A classic Aran sweater is made of merino wool of the highest quality, that is three to four times thinner than regular wool, thus these items are way more lightweight and gentle to the skin than the ones made of ordinary wool. Additionally, they are soft, breathable, and perfect for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, so they’re the perfect garment that you can wear all year round. You can wear it even without any shirt underneath, since it definitely won’t cause any irritations, and it’s also excellent for layering, for example you can wear it underneath a thick coat or over a classic button-up shirt.
Affordability
An 100% Merino wool sweater is valued at around $120 and although it is indeed more expensive than what you’re probably used to buying in regular stores, it is well worth the price. Such a pullover has a wonderful cost per wear, as such a sweater can serve you even up to decades if you take care of it correctly. Moreover, it is surprisingly versatile and can be worn in both casual outfits and more formal settings like at work or at a family dinner. At ShamrockGift you can find lots of men’s Irish clothing including a wide selection of Aran sweaters made entirely of merino wool at affordable prices.
Easy Care
While an Aran sweater requires a bit more attention than one made of cotton or synthetic blends, it is much easier to take care of than a jumper made of regular wool.
Thanks to today’s knitting technologies, these garments can be cleaned in the washing machine in a gentle cycle and stored just like any other top from your collection. If you don’t have time to wash it by hand, make sure to get a mild detergent made especially for fabrics like wool or silk, since these will carefully clean your sweater without causing any damage.
Additionally, one of the great benefits of merino wool is that it needs to be washed way less than other fabrics, so you can wear your sweater for a long period of time before giving it a clean.
History
Lastly, the Aran sweaters are more than just a pretty top, they’re also an important part of Irish culture. Their designs symbolize different elements of rural life on the Aran Islands, and since there are around 10,000 stitches in every sweater, each of them represents the history and tradition of this country.
For the fishermen of the islands, such a sweater was a trusty companion in their hard job, while for women who handcrafted them they represented a way to wish their husbands good luck and protect them from any misfortune.
