Aran Sweaters like the ones from Shamrock Gift are one of the most popular styles of men’s formal wear in Ireland today. Originally a traditional fisherman’s sweater, Aran sweaters have become hugely popular with city folks and trendy urban fashionistas alike because they go well with almost anything and can easily be mixed and matched with many other accessories such as shoes, belts and jackets. However, their enduring popularity may owe much to their origin story. The Irish, according to legend, were the first people to make these sweaters, although the truth is they were taught it by the women of Guernsey..
The Aran sweater is a form of fisherman’s sweater that takes its name from the Aran islands off the western coast of Ireland, where the sweater was first knit. They’re named after the Aran islands in the Northern Hemisphere, each with a significant community of fisherman and their families who have made their homes there for generations. Traditionally, a traditional Aran sweater is white in color, featuring cable stitches on the upper body and short sleeves.
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During the nineteenth century, during what is called the Industrial Revolution in Ireland, the island became a global manufacturer because it was able to harness the manufacturing potential of what were then considered newfangled processes, such as needle and thread knitting and cottage knitting. When the mass manufacturing era arrived, however, the entire business of Aran sweaters was swept away. Today, the vast majority of Irish citizens still enjoy wearing their traditional Aran sweaters, which are known to provide excellent warmth and excellent fit and because of their tradition and history, they tend to last a long time. Because of this, many people choose to sport an Aran sweater during the cold months, whether or not they actually own one of the more trendy varieties.