​The History of Aran Knitwear

What do Steve McQueen, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe have in common?

They were all famous fans of Aran Knitwear!

For centuries, Aran Knitwear has captivated fashion enthusiasts with its rich heritage and reputation for exceptional quality. Originating from the rugged shores of the Aran Islands located off the west coast of Ireland, in Donegal, this unique form of knitting is renowned worldwide for its intricate patterns. Each stitch tells a story, weaving together a tapestry of tradition and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

I remember as a child watching the “The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem” (on a black and white TV), resplendent in their Aran Sweaters, which they also wear on nearly every Clancy Brothers album I have. Who knows, maybe they were sponsored and this was an early example of product placement!

Aran sweaters were, and remain, a reflection of the lives of the knitters, and their families. The famous myth is that on the Aran islands, sweater patterns were zealously guarded, kept within the same family throughout generations. These Aran sweaters were often used to help identify bodies of fishermen washed up on the beach following an accident at sea. Although a romantic backstory, based on an often quoted but misread scene from Synge’s play Rider to the Sea (which was in fact about a knitted sock!) there is I’m afraid no evidence to suggest that the patterns were linked to individual families.

The origins seem to be around the turn of the last century when there were attempts to grow the industry on Aran, both fishing and textiles. Scottish Fishermen came over to help grow the fishing industry and they bought with them their jumpers and patterns. The knitwear industry grew as a result especially as the yarn in Ireland in much thicker than the finer Scottish wool and it evolved into more intricate patterns across the whole jumper rather than just the neck. By the 1930s they were being sold in the Dublin markets, and today it is a fashion accessory – we even saw Chris Evans wearing one in Knives Out.

Although the patterns may not be linked to individual families, there is symbolism behind its intricate designs. Each stitch pattern supposedly carries its own story, rooted in the lives of the island communities that first created them. We source ours from our friends at Aran Woollen Mills in Donegal who use the following patterns in their products.

Basket Stitch: Also known as the Lattice stitch, the Basket stitch is inspired by the fisherman’s basket, filled to the brim with fish after a successful day at sea. This beautiful stitch is said to represent a ‘good catch’ and bless the wearer with abundance and a plentiful life.

Diamond Stitch: The Diamond stitch is said to represent the shape of the fishing mesh or ‘net’, used to capture and bring home an abundant catch to the family. This stitch signifies wealth and success for the wearer, so grab yourself a diamond!

Honeycomb Stitch: The intricate Honeycomb stitch is said to be a lucky stitch, signifying abundance, and, in the case of fishermen, a good catch.

Cable Stitch: The traditional Cable stitch comes in many cable variations and is said to symbolise a fisherman’s ropes. This stitch is seen as a symbol of safety and good luck for fishermen while at sea.

Irish Moss Stitch: The Moss stitch is said to symbolise abundance and growth. The stitch depicts carrageen moss, a type of seaweed found on the Irish coast. The seaweed is used a as a fertiliser to support a healthy harvest.

Blackberry Stitch: The Blackberry stitch represents nature. It is also called the Trinity stitch and it holds religious significance.

One of the reasons they are so popular is that in these days of synthetic fibres we remember the functionality of wool. Trust me, on the West of Donegal in winter you need something to keep away that biting cold wind that rolls in from the Atlantic, especially if you are on a boat or the farm!

We are absolutely thrilled to be the first stockist in New Zealand to retail Aran Knitwear. Explore the range of exquisite Aran Knitwear today and experience the warmth, comfort, and enduring beauty that have made it a cherished piece of Irish culture for centuries. Aran Knitwear is not just a hat and scarf, —it's a work of art that honours the craftsmanship of generations past.