If you are looking for Irish sweaters for men, then few names can be more iconic than the Aran. As warm and comfortable as you would expect for a jumper designed for fishermen living on a windswept isle, there is also a unique history and culture bound up in those unique patterns. When you are choosing an Aran sweater for yourself, you want to get it right.
Buying an Aran sweater
Aran jumpers have experienced wanes and surges in popularity over the years. Today, buying an authentic sweater, handmade on the Aran islands, is a popular goal, but Aran jumpers are also available online, such as at https://shoparan.com/mens-aran-sweaters/, and there are even designer versions.
Arans produced on automatic machines in factories far from the islands may not have the same texture or density of stitching, plus they may lack individualised features. Hand-operated machines produce cheaper sweaters than the handmade versions but do tend to be better quality than automatic machines.
Characteristics of an Aran sweater
Traditionally the Aran jumper would be coloured off-white or cream, but in the modern world many other hues are available. Other unique aspects of the traditional Aran sweater include the distinctive cable patterns across both the body and the arms. These come in multiple possible designs to choose between, each carrying its own symbolism, such as luck or wealth.
Historically, Aran sweaters were made from lanolin-rich unscoured wool to improve water resistance. This is less of a concern if you are wearing them for fashionable reasons rather than to sail the Atlantic, but you should still look for high-quality wools such as Merino. Vintage Arans can often be found in good condition. Try for a baggier fit, as this tends to be more comfortable whilst still retaining a rugged style.
Your choice of Aran is going to be partly dependent on your budget and on whether you decide to try to source an authentic island knit or you are willing to expand your search to other retailers. With variations in colour, pattern and fit, you need to think carefully about what will best suit you.