Where did the fisherman sweater originate?
Aran Islands
It is a style of sweater, also known as a fisherman’s sweater, which originated in the Aran Islands in Connemara, off the west coast of Ireland. These sweaters were traditionally knit in the natural colour of sheep’s wool, an off-white or cream colour.
What are the Irish sweaters called?
Aran Sweaters
Aran Sweaters – Quintessentially Irish Aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Often known as a Fisherman sweater, they are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment.
When were Aran sweaters invented?
Most historians agree that far from being an ancient craft, Aran knitting was invented as recently as the 1890s and early 1900s, when the Congested Districts Board sought to improve the fishing industry in the Islands.
Why did fishermen wear wool?
The unscoured wool meant that the natural oils in the wool made the garments water repellant, a perfect warm and protective piece to protect the fishermen from the rough weather conditions. Today the fisherman’s sweater is not just a traditional heritage sweater but also a fashion statement worn by both men and women.
How old are Aran sweaters?
So the first Aran sweaters appeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This was due to an initiative by the Congested Districts Board. The Republic of Ireland was still under British rule at the time.
Are Aran sweaters made in Ireland?
Aran Sweaters are traditionally made from pure merino wool in Ireland, and are usually hand knitted. Cable stitch, for example, represents the ropes used by the fishermen who wore the first Aran hand knit sweaters many years ago.
Are Aran sweaters legit?
It’s a large shop with an enormous selection of knitted goods of outstanding quality. The products may be made in different places in Ireland but they are in authentic styles and under Aran Islands quality control.
Are Aran Sweaters legit?
Where did Aran sweaters originate from?
Guernsey
The origin of the Aran sweater can be traced back to Guernsey, an island 400 miles South-East of the Aran Islands. Much of Guernseys trade relied on fishing, and the clothing requirements of fishermen were quite demanding.
Why do fishermen wear sweaters?
Back in the 1950s on the Aran Islands, many of the men were fishermen by trade and, out of necessity to combat the cold and tough conditions of the sea, the women handmade their husbands aran sweaters to keep them warm, hence the name fisherman sweaters we’re all familiar with today.
What makes a fisherman sweater?
Originally, these sweaters were made with lambswool that left the natural lanolin oils of the animal intact. Lanolin is naturally water repellent so a great deal of seawater or rain wouldn’t bother the wearer. In fact, the sweaters could absorb about 30% of its weight before the wearer felt any moisture on their skin.