A fisherman sweater, aka an Aran jumper, is that ultra-thick cable knit you reach for when it’s cold outside. They’re heavy, cosy, and made to last a lifetime (so long as you don’t wash them too much, that is). Legend has it that the knitters on the Aran Islands in Ireland used to weave these thick, hard-wearing sweaters out of natural wool that was naturally water repellent. Combined with patterns that symbolised lucky or religious elements, each knitter produced a unique sweater that could be used to identify a lost fisherman if he ever washed up on a remote island.
The Aran sweater is a classic style that never really goes out of fashion. It’s the sort of sweater that you can throw on over a tee, with jeans, or over a button up for workwear. It’s also a staple piece for any woman’s closet, and you can never go wrong with a crew neck version. For fisherman sweaters for women, consider Shamrock Gift
When it comes to colour, earthy browns, moss greens, and deep blues are your best bets for a fisherman sweater. You can also find them in cream, but try to avoid ones that are too tight or snug around the neck. The chunky, insulating fabric can be itchy if worn too close to the skin.
A traditional fisherman sweater looks especially cool layered with a pair of slim jeans and black chelsea boots. The rugged texture of the coat and sweater create a perfect contrast against the dark raw denim of the pants. You can even add a slouchy leather jacket in a matching shade for an extra layer of warmth and style.