Aran Sweaters are a hugely popular fashion item amongst Irish people from all around the world. The origin of the sweater goes back about four hundred years to the early 17th century, where it was used by farmers to keep themselves warm during the colder months of the year. These sweaters were a vital clothing requirement for farming and were also worn by people of other ethnic groups as a way of showing status and wealth. For this reason, in some areas of Ireland, the Aran Islands, the Aran sweater was known as “Dingle sweater” or “Gaelic sweater” and the tradition continues today. They are extremely popular with fashionistas and have been for the last few years, and are something of a style icon of their own right.
The Aran jumpers, like the ones from Shamrock Gift are an urban variant of a traditional Aran sweater which takes its name from the Aran islands off the southwest coast of Ireland. In recent years these sweaters have become increasingly popular not only in Ireland but in Britain, America and other countries as well. A typical Aran sweater is white in color, made with cotton fibers and has cable designs on the arms and sleeves. In recent times, many people have made these sweaters more fashionable by opting for the plaid design prints which are very much in vogue these days.
Another group of people who have turned to Aran sweater stitches are the young people of the highlands and cities of Ireland, who knit these while doing their school work. They use these patterns for a number of things, like to make T-shirts or sweatshirts for their friends or family members, or for school. Some even use them as a means of earning an income by selling these knitted sweaters online at a considerable price discount. The fact that they are made out of genuine Aran fibers makes this product even more valuable for the crafters.